Date: Thu, 23 Aug 2001 12:34:34 -0100
From: hbone <hbone-AT-optonline.net>
Subject: Empire and the "Facts"


All,

In "Le Differend", Lyotard taught us about the treachery of words, the
difficulty of justice, the immanence of obligation.

In  comments on the text of "Empire", and in pursuit of definitions, we have
increased our understanding of the what the authors had in mind.

The nature and membership in the global community N&G call "Multitude" is
not revealed, but I think we all agree that they have produced a more
comprehensive
historical-theoretical concept of capital, labor and global communications
than has appeared in other books.

There seems to be agreement that more factual data was needed to clarifiy
the concepts presented.  Apparently the authors believe that democratic
empowerment of the multitude could lead to significant remedy of present
exploitation, inequalities,
other abuse.

Here are thoughts about some of the facts that are needed:

1) Investment - Empire refers to Capital flows - Within each of  G-8
Nations,
How much of its capital is currently owned by the
other seven?
And, conversely, how much capital of the other seven
does that Nation own?

2) Transnational Corporations - Identification of  G-8 Invesment (above) by
by Transnational Corporation

3) International Agencies - Capital flows through World Bank, and other
public banks.
- Expenditure of  G-8 citizen's tax dollars by IMF
- Dollar value of major cases brought before WTO

4) Arms, Illegal Drugs and Oil  - Does WTO have responsibility for disputes
related
 these items, or for maintenance of U.S. troops abroad?

5) Currency Exchange - Is reform needed?

6) Impact on World Peace - What capital flows support current wars?

7) International Spies and Secrecy  - Are they necessary?

8) Human Rights - Which nations are the worst abusers of human rights?
Which Transnationals?


regards,
Hugh