Global Players
by Les Johnson

Global players effect us all, poor
Rich countries gain all the more
Nike, Macdonald’s proclaim no greed
Just benefits for the world in need!
The profits made are never shared
Modern slave workers are too scared
To go on strike or express their anger
Feed the family, no work means hunger.


Cheap and nasty work conditions rule
Abused families and kids provide the tool
For high margins and a good supply
Made in UK, USA labels had to die.
Produced in Latin America, Asia faraway
Low cost production lines are here to stay.
Hi –Tec, low – Tec provides the means
16 hour working day on mean machines.


Marketing Gurus provide the action ad
Truth, behind the fantasy is so sad.
Multi-Millionaire players play the game
Glamorous life style, fortune and fame.
Sweat houses and third world conditions
Employers’ abuse kids without ambitions
Provide the family with the daily bread
No luxury or comfort, just misery instead.


Where is the guilt and who is to blame?
We the shoppers feel no shame.
Global players fulfill our requirements
Producing goods without sentiments.
Capitalist measures mean maximum profit
Cheap labour needed, you have to admit!
The only way to achieve a global presence
Reach out and help with forceful dominance!


We accept this situation here in the west
The status- quo we cannot contest.
We are all to blame for global conditions
Producers and shoppers make decisions
To sit in one boat and ignore the poverty,
Far away in a distant third world country
Workers are forced to produce or die,
Here in our comfort we ignore the lie.


What answer is there to the problem?
Take it from us maybe, and give it to them
No, but maybe to share and understand
Fundamental differences within mankind.
Produce material goods by all means
With respect for our fellow human beings
Let everyone live in humane conditions
A question of conscience, not ambitions.

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Written by Les Johnson / January 2002