Getting even: Trump 1, Oxfam 0 February 19, 2018

OXFAM CAMPAIGN WHEN THE SUPER-RICH GATHER AT DAVOS

Did you know that 1% now own more than the rest of us combined?  Inequality is growing around the world. Every year, the gap between rich and poor gets even wider.

Far from(not) trickling down(helping the poor), income and wealth are being sucked upwards(going to the rich) at an alarming rate(speed). The very design of our economies have taken us to this extreme and unjust point, with rules  that benefit wealthy corporations and elites at the expense(cost) of everyone else.

The inequality crisis is also being fuelled(increased) by the use of tax havens that allows multinational companies and super rich individuals to avoid paying their fair share(part) of taxes. As much as $7.6 trillion of personal wealth is being hidden in offshore accounts, and it has a devastating impact on poorer countries.

Such extreme inequality is standing in the way (is an obstacle) of ending global poverty, and widening other inequalities like the gap between women and men. Our economy must stop excessively rewarding those at the top and start working for all people.

It is time to bring an end to inequality and overcome poverty for good. It is time to Even it up!   For the original text, click here

President Trump touts(promotes) his ‘Billionaires First’ policy(strategy) in Davos

In reaction to President Trump’s speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos today, Winnie Byanyima, Director of Oxfam International made the following statement:

“President Trump’s boastful (proud) sales pitch(message) was a victory lap for the trillions of tax cuts that the wealthy elites and corporations have clamored for(asked for). The evidence is clear: these tax cuts are looting(robbing) the US treasury to enrich the 1 percent.

“Yes, global markets are breaking records, but gains(money) are overwhelmingly(massively) going to the richest, while leaving the rest of the world to fight over crumbs(insignificant bits).

“The President who claims to be(says he is) fighting for the forgotten men and women is really seeking(wants) the approval of the world’s elites.

“President Trump may be an extreme example of a leader shaping an economy that works for(favours) the few(minority) but he is not alone – the choices(decisions) of government leaders around the world is fueling the inequality crisis to frightening levels.

“We need an economy that works for the majority: that guarantees a living wage(salary) to workers, that ensures(makes) corporations and the super-rich pay their fair share of tax and in which women workers have same rights as men. We need our governments run for the benefit of ordinary people – not billionaires.”

For the original text, click here