Recent news articles and posts by LinkedIN members have prompted me to put in my “ten cents” worth.

 

The topic says it all… almost !

 

I’ll start with Mr. Angel Gurría, the Secretary General at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD – OCDE).  His Pulse Post was fairly clear in reminding us that “People trust actions more than words.”  However, he was quick to say that “It is, therefore, revealing that current trust levels are dangerously low. Meanwhile, parliaments, presidents, prime ministers, ministers, political parties, multinationals, banking systems, and international organizations are all the subject of withering criticism.”

 

Although he does not say that inequality is at a crisis point, he does stipulate that “Inequality is widening. Unemployment remains unacceptably high in many countries.”

 

And even he admits that “Trust has also collapsed. Citizens are questioning the motivations and ability of leaders to make the right decisions.  The amount of money in politics is leaving a sour taste in their mouths.”

 

That brings us to the latest shattering news.  The courageous ICIJ (International Consortium of Investigative Journalists) organization, following up on a leak of unimaginable proportions, and what is now called “The Panama Papers”, has brought to our attention just how much our lack of trust in our “leaders” is justified !

 

The scope of this “greed disease” can certainly be considered pandemic and in need of an immediate remedy.  As Mr. Gurria said, “It’s been eight years since the onset of the (financial) crisis and global growth remains elusive.”  No wonder things are not getting better.  And its not just “leaders” using invisible loopholes such as tax havens to hide their wealth, it is also multinationals and even medium sized companies that are using these elusive tools and venues to move their profits, “blood profits”, to special jurisdictions to not pay their fair share of taxes.  The current corporate mentality is now no longer one of contributing to society’s growth and development but rather one of pure greed at any cost, and it is the reason we got the 2008 Financial Crisis whose aftermath was mishandled (on purpose?) by government “leaders” in most impacted countries.

 

Certainly some countries have exorbitant taxation levels, but to avoid paying a “fair share” is criminal, and puts the burden on an already over-burdened middle-class… in most countries.

 

And that leads us to S.E.I’s proposed concept… the Global Village Mindset.

 

When people get together to pursue something that is bigger than themselves, then economics of scale will lead to improved shared benefits.  S.E.I’s social educational and cultural research will lead to innovative activities and venues for its members’ shared benefit, in a caring environment and in a “Golden Rule” behaviour that is a cornerstone of the Global Village Mindset.