THOUGHTS ABOUT THE SECOND INTERCONTINENTAL MEETING FOR HUMANITY AND AGAINST NEOLIBERALISM, JULY 25 TO AUGUST 3, 1997
(THAT IS TO SAY, MISCELLANEOUS RANTS AND MUSINGS)
Michael Lane
THOUGHTS ABOUT THE SECOND INTERCONTINENTAL MEETING FOR HUMANITY AND AGAINST NEOLIBERALISM, JULY 25 TO AUGUST 3, 1997
(THAT IS TO SAY, MISCELLANEOUS RANTS AND MUSINGS)
Michael Lane
Introduction
Before I launch into this, I feel that I should say that I've rarely had the sense of participating in something so momentous, constructive, and good as the Second "Encuentro" for Humanity and against Neoliberalism. I state this, because some of what follows probably will seem highly critical. I tend to be that way. Maybe it's because I take things too seriously--though it's serious business. I suppose it makes me appreciate the poetic moments more. I want to make it clear that I am writing this report in hopes of generating discussion that will make future Encuentros fruitful. To some extent, this is a continuation of exciting and instructive conversation I had with some of you while still at the Second Encuentro. I also want to be clear that I am concerned that if we don't address some of the problems mentioned below, we will never get our act together.
I was struck by the wealth of experience represented by the nearly 4,000 participants, from every continent, at the Encuentro. It is a precious and unique experience, in one day, to talk to and drink and dance with squatter punks, economics professors, members of human rights groups, left journalists, campesinos, union activists, and the brother of the assasinated president of Burkino Faso. It is astonishing evidence of the diversity of our interests and our struggles, and our recognition of the common, ubiquitous threat--the political economy and socio-ecology of neo-liberal capitalism.
I was also struck by the commitment shown in word and deed to addressing the issues and making real change. Even if the schedule hadn't seem to be devised to keep us all running on adrenaline (parties until 3 a.m., buses to catch at 6), many of us would have gone sleepless in our enthusiastic writing of interventions and reports, debating well into the night, and planning for what we would do to strengthen the ties between us. I was lucky to be in such lively and visionary company.
