Nerve 6 Editorial - 'The Fox in the Henhouse'

The main focus of this issue of Nerve is the G8 Summit. This is a gathering of the most powerful politicians and business people from the richest countries in the world. There is a direct link between their policies internationally, and what is happening locally, and this is reflected in our articles.

They would like us to believe that they are meeting to find the solution to world poverty, global warming, war, the refugee crisis, and how to make the world a safer place for us all. In reality, the USA spends six times more money on destruction and arms than the whole world spends on aid. The countries attending the G8 are the biggest arms exporters, creating instability and famine across the globe. They have no qualms about dropping bombs on, and sending armies into countries that refuse to comply with their interests. If we bear this in mind we understand the real reasons for the yearly meeting of the G8. We must be clear not to give them credibility. They are meeting to plan better and more efficient ways to screw us, to steal more land and resources in the name of 'Free Trade'; which as Susan George says is 'the freedom of the fox in the henhouse.’*

One campaign that has melted the heart of the mass media is the demand on the G8 to 'Make Poverty History' - even Blair and Brown are saying they support it. They have established a 'Commission For Africa' to prove it. But the commission is conveniently quiet on the corporate role in exploiting Africa. The commission recommends - like all the other top down commissions - that the solution is investment in businesses. Does that sound familiar? So a project has been established to answer those needs called 'Business Consultant for Africa' (BCA), who will play a big part in the G8. But who's behind this? Its leading promoter happens to be one of Shell Oil's main men, and its sponsors are some of the worst exploiters of Africa: 'Anglo American', Rio Tinto, De Beers and Diageo.

Nerve has given the next page over to a group of young people from Garston, who give their perspective on the Antisocial Behaviour Act. We also cover issues of migration, the environment, arts, culture, history, regeneration, and even speed dating.

There are a lot of good people doing good things in Liverpool and getting little credit for it. We hope we are there for them, and we hope they keep up the good work.

Please contact us with your views, or if you are organising an event and would like us to promote it through our website.

*Susan George in 'Arguments Against the G8', see: Book Reviews page 20