Mickey Z
Cool Observer
Friday, December 31, 2004
Boycott the World Bank in 2005
Political economist Patrick Bond saw my article, “Crumbs from our table” and suggested I visit this site: http://www.worldbankboycott.org.
I haven’t had time to peruse the entire site...but I will. In the meantime, here’ s rough idea of what it’s all about:
“The World Bank Bonds Boycott is an international grassroots campaign that is building moral, political, and financial pressure on the World Bank. The World Bank (International Bank for Reconstruction and Development) raises nearly all of its funds by issuing bonds on the private capital market. Ordinary people, through their pension funds, labor unions, churches, municipalities, universities and private investments, are exerting considerable pressure for change on the World Bank by refusing to buy its bonds.
“Since the boycott’s launch by groups from 35 global South countries and the U.S. in April 2000, the campaign has organized more than 100 city councils, socially responsible investors, churches, foundations, and unions to adopt the boycott. Additional campaigns combining public education, movement-building, and advocacy are underway in 12 U.S. cities, on more than 50 campuses and on 5 continents.
“The campaign demands an end to the World Bank’s harmful “structural adjustment” programs and related policies; 100% debt cancellation; and an end to environmentally destructive projects, especially for oil, gas, mining, and dams.”
If anyone gets a chance to visit the site, please post a comment here and let us know what you think.
Happy 2005. As John and Yoko sang: “Let’s hope it’s a good one...without any fear.”
Copyright © 2005-2007 Mickey Z.
