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With deregulation, privatisation, free trade, what we're…

“With deregulation, privatisation, free trade, what we're seeing is yet another enclosure and, if you like, private taking of the commons. One of the things I find very interesting in our current debates is this concept of who creates wealth. That wealth is only created when it's owned privately…” quote by Elaine Bernard
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““With deregulation, privatisation, free trade, what we're seeing is yet another enclosure and, if you like, private taking of the commons. One of the things I find very interesting in our current debates is this concept of who creates wealth. That wealth is only created when it's owned privately. What would you call clean water, fresh air, a safe environment? Are they not a form of wealth? And why does it only become wealth when some entity puts a fence around it and declares it private property? Well, you know, that's not wealth creation. That's wealth usurpation.””

Elaine Bernard

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Privatizing essential resources transforms common goods into exclusive wealth, undermining true societal benefit.

In simple terms: Privatizing basics turns common goods into exclusive wealth.

Key Takeaway

Advocate for shared stewardship.

Themes

economics environment ethics public good wealth

Mood

concerned determined

Type

statement analysis

When to use this quote

  • policy advocacy
  • community organizing
  • education campaigns

Key Concepts

political economy environmental justice philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

  • What resources should remain public?
  • How can you support commons protection?
A Different Perspective

Market forces may resist change.

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