Gap between rich and poor

This week we have seen the publication of the rich list and it is noted that the rich are, according to the press, 20% richer than last year.   

We also note that the poor are poorer.  Wages increases were under 2% and for many no increase at all, regardless of the large increases in the prices of commodities and services.

We also hear that the US debt crisis solution included NO new taxes and NO plugging of the anomalies in the tax system.  We know that the rich can go on paying little or, in the case of some of the very rich New Zealander's, pay no tax - we know that it is legal to put monies into trusts and to make capital gains not income and thus avoid tax with the help of accountants.     

What does this say for us as a society?  Is there anything we can do to make our own country one where children don't go to school without breakfast?  

We should have a country where families can afford to have a home of their own, but also were the very rich CEO don't earn 40% to 60% more than their rank and file employees.


Maybe we should think a bit more about where we buy our goods and services and use people power to change the climate of the economy, every time you buy groceries at the supermarket or petrol at the service station, how much of the cost goes to the CEO and Directors of corporations.   

Maybe we could shop at co-operatives, encourage and support the not-for-profit sector, buy from markets and use local services. 

We could buy free trade goods and we should, if we buy and sell shares in companies, try to influence company policies and see more ethical pay rates.   

What do you think?