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Hi RobI just read your latest and would comment as follows:
Recent experiences have compelled me to write and state my case for the critical importance of OpEdNews – and why Rob should not have to keep asking for money!
I cite just the following three global news items as my argument:
1 - The possible merger of two of the worlds steel giants which, if concluded would mean one company supplying over 30% of global steel needs. This shift in global power from political to corporate begs the question as to who and what can effectively regulate this narrowing of decision making consideration, from the broad base of the electorate to the confines of just shareholders.
I say this because the first reaction was by China, who was so concerned that it bought a stake in one of the companies to try and safeguard its own steel requirements in one of the world’s fastest growing economies.
2 - Conversely, Russia has already demonstrated how it will use it’s growing influence as a major energy supplier by simply shutting off its sources of energy when it becomes unhappy with its “clients” actions.
3 - For the second time this year, the BBC ran a report on rising food prices which ended with the phrase - “We are seeing the end of cheap food”. So who regulates this and decides who starves first?!
These three items could have a devastating effect upon our basic quality of life, as it is becoming increasingly obvious that the traditional establishment is no longer capable of protecting us. (Let’s not even go near the state of personal debt, the housing market and the current state of the financial markets!)
When regulation and government is becoming less and less effective, it must fall to the progressive media to voice concern and objection – and to do this it is critical that they remain independent!
In this new and worrying global environment the responsibility should rest with those who enjoy OpEdNews services to ensure its continued financial support and this would be properly demonstrated and measured by fewer and fewer calls from Rob to ask for money!
Personally speaking I cannot currently afford to make large single donations but, like a healthy diet, I am committing to “little and often”.
Please do not take this as a sermon, or a plug for OEN – it is far more serious than that. Globalisation is producing challenges in the size, scope and ability to manage power, the like of which we have never before experienced as a species.
To maintain some sort of involvement and influence in these changes we need to prepare and adjust by the only means available to us as individuals – the internet – which must remain uncensored, (with obvious exceptions), and the medium of such publications as Rob’s.
Am I on a planet of my own here, or are there others out there who are of similar opinion – and financial constraint?!
merlin
