There is a general problem around the globe and that is one of haves and have nots. The disenfranchised, low skilled, less educated and less mobile labourers are facing continued declines in their living standards.
On the other hand there is a very productive movement of well educated and highly skilled very young and mobile population that does and can move to pretty much anywhere they choose, often for more money and better life.
This is called Globalisation. Professor Dunning was an international figure who went round professing the benefits of multinationals locating near either; resources, factors of production like cheap labour or their markets. Back in the 70s/80s multinationals were all the rave. They could also buy/import skills and talent from anywhere in the world.
This globalisation, trade agreements and movement of labour has served the World well. Indeed the World is becoming a smaller place. Trading blocs protect and are now able to negotiate better deals in a global World.
Now what we have is increasing automation, mechanisation and unemployment with falling prices and pressure on wages. There is India and China coming on tap competing in markets where the West dominated.
We are looking at driver less cars and trains (no more taxi / train drivers/conductors). Robots and apps delivering take-aways with drones. What ever next? Hotel receptionist replaced by androids and a choice between a humanoid and android hookers even???
Capitalism is also a major cause with polarisation of wealth in the hands of the few coupled with skewed inequitable distribution of income and rising populations.
Look at South West trains crises. Dirver less cabs, no conductors down the line. Higher travel costs in over crowded trains people trying to get to work. But management get million pound salaries and mega bonuses for poor service delivery.
You see where we are going with this? There is a bit of a conflict in our response to this scenario.
Some say coming out of trading blocs and free trade as well as restricting the flow of labour and free movement of people will help restore what we were used to. The good old days.
Sadly this will not be the case. Tit for tat responses will lead to reduce trade, higher cost of goods and services and less jobs.
Much uncertainty and re-positioning of alliances will take place. A lot of time effort and money will be spent on politicians, legal teams and negotiators and pen pushers in delivering new pieces of paper to be signed for a new generation to adhere to.
The choice is quite a stark one.
Issues are complex.
Be careful what you wish for and what you do with your protest votes!
I'm thinking of casting my protest vote for Corbyn. System needs balance crazy as that may sound.
These same issues apply to the US and any other nation. This has nothing to do with politics or nations. Just evolution of social, economic and political developments of the last 70 years.
