Friday, March 27, 2009

Food riots as global phenomenon?

The global economic crisis has made "pessimism porn" something of a favorite pastime these days. More and more publications are talking up apocalyptic scenarios like food and water shortages, devalued currencies, and huge spikes in crime rates as old orders break down. (Great piece in the New Yorker recently that should be required reading.)

Poorer countries have some familiarity with phenomena like food riots, since when you're living close to the poverty line, even slight changes in commodity prices can be the difference between eating and not eating. Hence situations like Haiti, where elements of the government fell when food prices got out of hand.

Indonesia too has seen some isolated food rioting in recent years, and there could be more to come depending on how deep this crisis goes. But when you hear experts talking about such possibilities in America, it's time to rethink your assumptions about the world. Here's forecaster Gerald Celente on the possibility of social breakdown in the US itself, not just the so-called Third World.

Even level-headed writers like Peggy Noonan are being told by expert buddies to start growing their own food and stockpile gold coins. Rewind to 2007, and who would've thought any of this craziness would come to pass?


Today's Top Stories

52 killed, search for missing underway

Indonesia likes Chinese idea

Second time in just a month

Rebel leader in Papua raises passions

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Terima kasih atas informasinya semoga bermanfaat bagi semua blogger Indonesia.

Daniela said...

Thanks ever so much, very useful article. If you do not mind, please visit my article related to pandeglang district in Banten, Indonesia at Kenali dan Kunjungi Objek Wisata di Pandeglang or Kenali dan Kunjungi Objek Wisata di Pandeglang second and also Kenali dan Kunjungi Objek Wisata di Pandeglang Objek Wisata Air Terjun Curug Gendang and Kesenian Debus, Sejarah dan Ciri Khas Wisata Banten and our hard work at Kerja Keras Adalah Energi Kita that's right Kerja Keras Adalah Energi Kita, and Kenali dan Kunjungi Objek Wisata di Pandeglang Memasuki Babak Akhir also Objek Wisata Taman Wisata Alam Carita, Learn Indonesian language, Kenali dan Kunjungi Objek Wisata di Pandeglang, or Kenali dan Kunjungi Objek Wisata di Pandeglang, also Kenali dan Kunjungi Objek Wisata di Pandeglang, or Kenali dan Kunjungi Objek Wisata di Pandeglang, also Kenali dan Kunjungi Objek Wisata di Pandeglang, or Kenali dan Kunjungi Objek Wisata di Pandeglang, also Kenali dan Kunjungi Objek Wisata di Pandeglang, or Kenali dan Kunjungi Objek Wisata di Pandeglang, very smart thank you!

Anonymous said...

I enjoyed reading this article. If you don't mind, please visit my blog Guide to Adsense and Dating Indonesian Girls.

Anonymous said...

I enjoyed reading this article. If you don't mind, please visit my blog Guide to Adsense and Dating Indonesian Girls.

Anonymous said...

I enjoyed reading this article. If you don't mind, please visit my blog Guide to Adsense and Dating Indonesian Girls.

Neha J said...

For the luxury car rental in los angeles and whole of US . Avon Rents providers of all types of car on rents. YOu can Vail best car rental service provider

Nicole said...

Car rental company Los Angeles – A Better Business Prospect http://www.avonrents.com/

Unknown said...

Thanks for the post.Aciphex is used to treat duodenal ulcers, erosive esophagitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease     

boulevardsg said...

Thanks so very much for taking your time to create this very useful and informative site. I have learned a lot from your site. Thanks guys
bars Singapore

Ismanto said...

Thanks for you information about Indonesia

Anonymous said...


Mr Pedro Loan Offer has been a key partner in our success, and an invaluable asset for the growth and future of our company, Mr Pedro and his loan company invested in my business with a loan of $1000000 at the rate of 2% in return and it's was really nice working with him because I do not know what I would have done without the help of Mr Pedro and his loan company,
Mr Pedro Jerome contact Email: pedroloanss@gmail.com And WhatsApp: +1-8632310632.