“The economic crisis gripping Canada and the world is wreaking havoc in the lives of individuals and households, neighbourhoods, and communities”- Rev. David Giuliano
A crisis may be an unstable and dangerous social situation, in political, social, economic, military affairs, or a large-scale environmental event, especially one involving an impending abrupt change. Poverty is a condition in which a person or community is deprived of, and or lacks the essentials for a minimum standard of well-being and life. When poverty afflicts large numbers of people it becomes a social crisis.
An economic crisis is a sharp transition to a recession. In the absence of a job when a person needs one, it can be difficult to meet financial obligations such as purchasing food to feed oneself and one’s family, and paying one’s bills; failure to make mortgage payments or to pay rent may lead to homelessness through foreclosure or eviction.
“Money it’s a crime, Share it fairly but don’t take a slice of my pie” -Pink Floyd ‘Money’
Marx would certainly relish pointing out how flaws inherent in capitalism led to the current crisis. Marx would no doubt point to this crisis as a perfect instance of when capitalism looks like “the sorcerer who is no longer able to control the powers of the netherworld whom he has called up by his spells.” Despite the depth of our current predicament, Marx would have no illusions that economic catastrophe would itself bring about change. He knew very well that capitalism, by its nature, breeds and fosters social isolation. The resulting social isolation creates passivity in the face of personal crises, from factory layoffs to home foreclosures. So, too, does this isolation impede communities of active, informed citizens from coming together to take up radical alternatives to capitalism.
“I see a real financial crisis coming for the United States” Peter Schiff (best known for having predicted the economic crisis of 2008)
The Problem-Reaction-Solution formula, also known as Order out of Chaos, has been used in some form for thousands of years. The use of this formula by various governments, groups, & individuals is a historical fact & can’t be denied. In its basic form, it consists of using a fictional or real event, such a crisis, to bring about radical change. It is usually employed when the change to be brought about is controversial and/or disliked. This often includes a type of framing called a False Flag Operation. See ‘The Reichstag Fire’ and ‘Operation Northwoods’. This formula can be used for political, civilian, religious, or business means. Warfare, crime, terrorism, drugs, the environment, disease, & the economy can all be instruments for crisis creation.
“Only a crisis - real or perceived - produces real change.” -Milton Friedman
