SOCIALISTIC EARNINGS

[Originally written by me on Monday 20 November 2006]

The high and utopian regimes of communism have either withered or are giving place to more open systems. The idea of socialism is certainly good but the agencies of communism failed to implement this. The goals of socialism can be achieved even without communism. Some weeks ago I was discussing about earnings of an average person with my cousin. We found that there is an equality of salaries in almost all countries. The salary of an average worker in USA, UK, Aus, NZ, Canada, India, China etc. is between 2k to 3k in their respective countries. In some parts of Europe it is even less due to acceptance of Euro as common currency. In India it is going up due to increased economic activities and inflation. In any case the real value derived is same as of 2k-3k. Of course earnings are also in the bracket of 5k-15k or even more, but the majority is in 2k-3k bracket, few are even lower!

Individuals earn and spend in their own economies. The monetary position of persons in different economies is almost the same. Variation in exchange rate helps the workers of developing countries working in developed ones. It helps only those workers who go to developed nations just for earning money and spend mainly in their home countries. A saving of 1k may mean anything upto 50k in a developing or under develop economy, which is more than enough for a luxurious life style. What's the rescue for workers of developed economies who earn and spend within the same economy? Sometimes even 60% of earnings go towards housing and one has to feel content with whatever remains back. As far as I know the cost of an average house in US is 200k to 250k these days, rents vary from 800 to 2000. In some parts for single rooms rents can be as low as 300 even. In India it is triple in currency count but in terms of exchange rate it is still quite low. In last two years housing costs here too have increased to double owing to many factors, so in currency count it is now almost six times. Third world countries are still fighting with hunger and I am really disturbed when I saw glimpses of third world in developed nations. There is a lot of hidden poverty there also. The coat may hide it but the pants are worn out at the back. If ever the coat is lifted worn out pants show and it may be called fashion. Ironical!

World is experiencing new forms of capitalism and socialism. There are many MNCs which are more powerful then small countries. They have more turnover than the GDPs of small countries. Is the world going towards a system of corporate management? Companies can be honest in their business and maximizing their profits but in no way they can match a government. However corrupt, incompetent, indignant a government may be it is always better than a company for the interests of people. There are always chances that governments shall one day make the life of every person comfortable. Companies can attach RFDs to the collars of their employees, even counting the time they spend in toilets! Where is socialism? People are increasingly getting a better standard of life, more goodies, easier finances, rights to question the wielders of power. This is socialism. People are getting more rights to deal with their affairs and the matters relating to general public welfare. I hope people the world over shall learn to use their rights in due course of time. They should not always look for a revolutionary leader to come forward and make sacrifice for them. The world doesn't need only the socialistic earnings; socialistic spending and caring is also required.