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Politics : Rat's Nest - Chronicles of Collapse -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Wharf Rat who wrote (9204)	6/2/2009 9:40:20 AM
From: Wharf Rat	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 24225

What’s Wrong with a 30-Hour Work Week? May 31, 2009 There is something problematic with advocating a 30-hour work week at the beginning of the 21st century: a 30 hour week is not short enough! by Don Fitz With millions of jobs lost during the first part of 2009, who is calling for a shorter work week to spread the work around? Not the Republicans. Not even the Democrats. But why is there nary a peep from unions? In the US, auto sets the pace for organized labor. The only discussion at the top levels of the UAW (United Auto Workers) is how quickly the gains won during the last 50 years can be given back. Does the UAW have no memory of the 1930s and 40s when a shorter work week was at center of organizing demands? The gross domestic product (GDP) is plummeting at the same time that jobs are disappearing. Why should there be any connection between the two? If society produces 10% less, why don’t we all just work 10% less? Didn’t things work like that for hundreds of thousands of years of human existence? When people figured out easier ways to get what they needed, they spent less time doing it. It’s called “leisure.” Leisure is essential for a democratic society involving people in all aspects of self-government. Instead of working frenetically to produce “stuff” that we don’t have the time to enjoy, wouldn’t we be better off with less “stuff” and more time of our own? Research repeatedly shows that, once important needs are met, additional belongings bring no additional happiness. [1] Yet work is strongly related to stress. [2] more climateandcapitalism.com

To: Wharf Rat who wrote (9204)	6/2/2009 3:39:59 PM
From: Mannie	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 24225

Forget Peak Oil, What About Peak Demand? Record auto sales for Brazil, India and China in April 29th May 2009 platinum.matthey.com New figures released today (29th May) have suggested that global auto sales improved in April, with a major contribution from three emerging markets. The latest Scotia Economics Global Auto Report revealed that sales in Brazil, India and China - three of the four BRIC countries, alongside Russia - hit record levels during the month. "Purchases in China, India and Brazil climbed to a record 10.3 million units (annualised) in April, up from 9.5 million in March and nearly one million units above the pre-crisis peak of 9.4 million set in May 2008," said Carlos Gomes, Scotiabank Senior Economist and Auto Industry Specialist. In addition, the figures showed that US auto sales reduced to an annualised 9.3 million units, which compares to an average of 9.5 million units for the previous three months. Scotia Economics noted that although mid-April sales in the country were strong, the final total was compromised by increasing industry concerns and the outbreak of swine flu. Meanwhile, passenger vehicle sales in Canada were 1.42 million units on an annualised basis, substantially higher than the figure of 1.32 million units recorded for the first quarter. The report also highlighted that four manufacturers, including two Korean firms, posted record sales for April, thus underlining the returning confidence of Canadian consumers.