Basic proposals
From Noeuconstitution
Hi,
An Attac member from a small rural area in Basse Normandie, I am already fully convinced that this project of "constitution" is absolutely not acceptable for all the people who believe that human beings are to be considered before mechanical growth of the economy (or the GNP which is even worse).
As an educated citizen of a developed nation I am fully aware that I enjoyed privileges that are currently denied to a majority of human beings... including some inhabitants of Europe. I am ready to consider what needs to be changed in order to have more equality on a sustainable basis for future generations. To be perfectly honest, I am sure we'll need to accept radical changes if we care to avoid generalized war for dwindling resources followed by a catastrophic collapse of human civilization.
Of course it doesn't mean at all that we should give up most of the basic rights that have been earned through decades of social struggles ... in order to allow a small elite to accumulate obscene wealth and an immense power that they abuse (which is unavoidable!). The basic human rights to live must be part of any acceptable political or social project. It should at least include
- A right to work (unless too young, too old or disabled) ... and not the mere right to look for employment as specified in this "constitution"
- A right to adequate compensation if no acceptable work can be offered.
- A right to decent housing.
- A right to health care
- A right to education
These basic rights (and other fundamental political rights) ought to be the foundation of any constitutional project. If we look at the perfect counterexample of the USA --a globally rich society where millions are denied most or all of the above rights-- it should be obvious that an ultra-liberal market system based on competition will never achieve these goals. Like salt a carefully measured amount of competition maybe an acceptable ingredient of a social project, if it becomes the main element of a recipe, it should be obvious to all that the dish will be unedible for most, and may even become poisonous.
Not only this project does not allow the construction of a real political and social entity based on cooperation and solidarity but I believe it is a totalitarian project that leads towards generalized conflicts (both internal and external).
I believe EUROPE is still a promising idea -- as a step toward a more unified and peaceful world -- but it cannot be this technocratic and inhuman construct that will accelerate social regression and lead to war.
It is already much longer than anticipated. I would very much like reactions of persons who have a different cultural or national outlook.
- Yves
