Development

Some present robotization as the conflict of the future: workers versus machines; grotesque mistake or deliberate attempt to divert the gaze away from the struggle of interests that is produced with robotization. Robotization can and must be better channeled (for example, by providing for the generation of other jobs to replace those that are eliminated by it), but it is not, by itself, a deplorable fact. What is deplorable is the appropriation of the extraordinary profits robotization generates by a handful of large corporations and not by the societies which, in one way or the other, make it possible for the labor, commercial, scientific and technological development that sustains robotization.

Tough interest struggles are hidden behind a fiscal deficit. The concealment is propelled as many of the interests at stake cannot be openly defended, privileges or advantages for a few and scorn or prejudice for population majorities. An opaque veil makes it harder to recognize how decisions are made regarding the composition of public spending, the State income structure, and the way to finance the fiscal deficit. The impact is hidden and the opportunity cost of each of these critical decisions is whisked away. In captured democracies that is one of the ways in which the imposition of flagrant inequities is accomplished.

It is unsustainable as well as extremely pernicious to offer people experiencing poverty discard knowledge and technology, an extended practice based on ignorance or prejudice. It is not true that productive and managerial excellence cannot be offered to those who have nothing or very little. There are resources and organizational and financial modalities to include these large population segments as producers. It is only required a determined and enlightened political support, the establishment of specific developers and trusts, and respect; a whole lot of respect.

Could governments that explicit that their policies and executive acts defend minority interests instead of the general wellbeing and the protection of the environment remain in power? If they did not turn to deceit and concealment there would be no dams to contain popular outcry for transforming a situation that hurts and submits large majorities. Swindles are needed for neoliberalism as well as other governmental regimes to function and reproduce over time.

Are those who concentrate wealth, and the consequent decisional power, prepared to give up their privileges graciously? Would they do that if they understood that humanity has been cornered into a dead end of unforeseen consequences? Could an existential responsibility far from endless greed, destructive selfishness, and permanent mistreatment of the Planet ever prevail?