MAI--FOR THE PEOPLE
(Mutual Advantage International for the People) or NOT MAI but IAM
(International Agreement on Mutuality)
Produced by Jack McLachlan for a Church group in Winnipeg called Justice Environment in Integrity with the Earth.
Preamble;
The present world view of the MAI is the result of the failure of
the imagination. We are proposing a world view that is not only
attainable but necessary for all the people of the earth. We think
it is time that the citizens of the earth begin to shape the life
and nature of the planet so that all people, not just a few, can
live in freedom and without fear and want. It is also our view that
the resources of the nations belong to all the citizens of the
nations and not to just a few corporate executives and their
shareholders.We believe that merger is a good thing, but it should
be a merging of the people not of corporations. We hold these views
out of our long historical heritage as church people, as social
activist, as humanitarians and as human beings. It is out of this
heritage that we see ourselves not as consumers but as citizens
responsible to one another and the earth.
In addition the present MAI was written in secret. Our proposal is that this one be written in full public view by the people of the world. In other word that it would be posted on the Internet and in papers or whatever means of communications is available and people of the earth would be encouraged to respond and would shape this agreement. The following MAI for the People is an outline to which people can respond, add or change.
What would MAI for the people look like?
Article (1) A world where the people are first would provide basic health care for every living person on the face of the planet regardless of race or social status.Were there are systems in place that prohibit this, these systems would be rolled back.
Article (2) A world where the the people are first would provide basic education for every young person on the face of the globe within their culture and world view. We view movements by corporations and wealthy elites to take over public education as creeping expropriation of our lives.
Article (3) A world where the work of women in the home and society would be recognised and therefore funded on the same basis as other workers in society.
Article (4) A world where there would be adequate fresh water for health and family needs.
Article (5) A world where there would be adequate food and shelter for all human beings so that they may live decent human lives.
Article (6) A world where there would be a totally independant International Judiciary to which all the citizens of the earth would have access. This Judiciary would have authority over all corporations and financial entities. It would be appointed by the courts of the people.
Article (7) A world where patents of such things as seeds, genes, human genes, language etc, would not be permitted as they, like air,belong to the people of the world as a whole.
Article (8) A world where local culture would be supported and strengthened with all the financial resources that are collectively available. Each culture, like some rare plant,would be seen as a unique resource and gift to the whole world.
Article (9) A world where radical forgiveness would be practised by the courts and by the people as the only means of overcoming the deep and tragic wounds of the past..
Article (10) A world where the press would be truly free, and the average person has a means whereby his gifts and concerns will be heard. The press, radio, internet would be owned by the people.
Article (11) A world where creativity and arts would be fully supported financially and profoundly encouraged.
Article (12) A world where the environment, forest and oceans along with the creatures that dwell in them would be protected as part of the web of all human life.
Article (13) In the world of trade the emphasis would be not on Free trade but on Fair trade.
Article (14) In the world of Global Finance the Tobin Tax would be put in place, only it would be a more aggressive tax that is at present envisioned. Monies would of course be used for the assistance of the more vulnerable sections of the Globe.
Article (15) A world where adequate day care for all young children and working parents would be provided.
Article (16) A world where banking, and banking institutions will be seen as instruments for the good of the common people and their main purpose will be to promote the welfare of the people and the community.
Article (17) Hearings to insure that all viewpoints and concerns are expressed would be held in each country in the world and would be held in such manner that everyone would have access to them.
Article (18) A world where the determining and restraining factor of the limits of new technology would be the social and human consequences.
Article (19) A world where all child labour would be eliminated.
Article (20) A world where it is the basic right of all people to hold meaningful employment.
Article (21) A world where the maximum CEO's salary is 2 1/2 times that of the lowest paid worker.
Article (22) A world where there would be a standstill clause to prevent any corporation or financial institution from imposing its will upon any nation of the world.
Article (23)A world where the universities would be no longer a function of corporate money-making. They would be funded independently by the people for the pursuit of knowledge.
Article (24) An extensive reshaping of the worlds political and economic system will be written so that it reflects the the democratic and human values that are reflected in these articles.
We invite your thinking, your additions, your deletions and your response.
Jack McLachlan, mclachla@escape.ca