Something I wrote for a local progressive paper re:South Africa

[BayCityProgressive]

South Africa Announces First Budget Surplus


South African Citizens have received encouraging news in the announcement of the nation’s new 2007 budget: help is on the way. South African Finance Minister Trevor Manuel has announced South Africa’s first budget surplus after unexpectedly high tax revenues. The increased revenues are a result of growing prosperity, high commodity prices, a wider tax base and a campaign to clamp down on tax evasion.

The current Tripartite alliance, consisting of the African National Congress, the South African Communist Party, and the Congress of South African Trade Unions is being pressured by both the right-wing within the country, and the international corporate media to use the surplus for further corporate tax cuts. On the other hand the progressive movements within the country are pushing for an aggressive set of policies to eradicate rampant poverty.

Thankfully for South Africans, the Tripartite government coalition looks as if it will side with its base in the progressive movement. The ANC has discussed using the surplus to create a basic income guarantee for the working class. Mr. Manuel has also proposed increased spending on state doctor’s pay, teacher’s pay, education, sanitation, and housing. Another goal of the coalition government is enacting a social security scheme funded by a new social security tax. The program would provide unemployment insurance, disability and death benefits, and old age pensions.

The progressive policies of the South African government sharply contrast with the ultra-right regime in Washington. Rather than using the projected 2.7 trillion dollar surplus after the Clinton years for Universal Healthcare or shoring up Social Security; President Bush and his ultra-right supporters squandered it on tax cuts for the rich and unnecessary wars of aggression leaving tens of thousands dead while bankrupting the country. As progressives looking to our own future we should hold South Africa up as an example of what can be done when human needs are put before corporate greed.

[tabatha]

1. Good letter

The ironies continue - the so-called "terrorists" to the old South African regime are now the more humane leaders of that country. And there are no terrorists in SA now - but Cheney and Bush would never understand the lesson.

[Tsiyu]

2. Succinct and clear

Let's hope it works out as the progressives desire.