The Privatization of Water
The Privatization of Water:Nestlé Denies that Water is a Fundamental Human Right
The current Chairman and former CEO of Nestlé, the largest producer of food products in the world, believes that the answer to global water issues is privatization. This statement is on record from the wonderful company that has peddled junk food in the Amazon, has invested money to thwart the labeling of GMO-filled products, has a disturbing health and ethics record for its infant formula, and has deployed a cyber army to monitor Internet criticism and shape discussions in social media.
This is apparently the company we should trust to manage our water, despite the record of large bottling companies like Nestlé having a track record of creating shortages:
Large multinational beverage companies are usually given water-well privileges (and even tax breaks) over citizens because they create jobs, which is apparently more important to the local governments than water rights to other taxpaying citizens. These companies such as Coca Cola and Nestlé (which bottles suburban Michigan well-water and calls it Poland Spring) suck up millions of gallons of water, leaving the public to suffer with any shortages. (source)
But Chairman, Peter Brabeck-Letmathe, believes that “access to water is not a public right.” Nor is it a human right. So if privatization is the answer, is this the company in which the public should place its trust?
Here is just one example, among many, of his company’s concern for the public thus far:
In the small Pakistani community of Bhati Dilwan, a former village councilor says children are being sickened by filthy water. Who’s to blame? He says it’s bottled water-maker Nestlé, which dug a deep well that is depriving locals of potable water. “The water is not only very dirty, but the water level sank from 100 to 300 to 400 feet,” Dilwan says. (source)
Why? Because if the community had fresh water piped in, it would deprive Nestlé of its lucrative market in water bottled under the Pure Life brand.
In the subtitled video below, from several years back, Brabeck discusses his views on water, as well as some interesting comments concerning his view of Nature — that it is “pitiless” — and, of course, the obligatory statement that organic food is bad and GM is great. In fact, according to Brabeck, you are essentially an extremist to hold views opposite to his own. His statements are important to review as we continue to see the world around us become reshaped into a more mechanized environment in order to stave off that pitiless Nature to which he refers.
The conclusion to this segment is perhaps the most revealing about Brabeck’s worldview, as he highlights a clip of one of his factory operations. Evidently, the savior-like role of the Nestlé Group in ensuring the health of the global population should be graciously welcomed. Are you convinced?
Open Discussion Welcome!
Comments (9)
Thanks for your input.
Just as oil played a significant role in global geopolitics in the last century, water is more than likely to play a similar role in the current century.
Some persons have predicted Water Wars.
Thanks for your input.
I also fear for those whose water sources have been contaminated, subjecting them to various illnesses like cancer, etc., mainly due to the action of those industries whose chief concern is maximization of their profits.
I saw the film, Erin Brockovich, With Julia Roberts, recently.
The film is a dramatization of the true story of Erin Brockovich, portrayed by Julia Roberts, who fought against the energy corporation Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E).
Several residents of Hinckley, a town in California, suffered serious health problems, including cancer, due to hexavalent chromium poisoning of their ground water supply by the company.
The bottom line is: Water is indeed Life!
Any group of people denied clean water any where, affects all us everywhere!
Nestle corporation, is a GMO anti life cabal.
The bottom line is: Folks must stop spending their money buying ANY Products From Nestle,if they value life its self!
The people must stand up against ,this tyranny against of life!
Water is a public resource, not a corporate monopoly!
Water is life !
Water is the right of ALL Living beings!
All local governments must work for the interests of the people, not oligarchs!
I personally will never buy ANY Nestle GMO Products,and there are
millions like me!
Check out links below!
http://sustainablepulse.com/2013/05/12/nestle-folds-to-consumer-pressure-over-gmos-in-south-africa/
Thanks for your input.
I am happy that you and your fellow citizens resisted this unfair imposition on your access to water, and won.
Kudos to you all!
Thanks for your input with the links and the strong case you have presented against the privatization of water:
"Water is life !
Water is the right of ALL Living beings!"
Thanks for your input.
Yes, municipal drinking water treatment has helped in the purification of water for use by the public.
However, in some cases, certain companies have dumped their industrial waste in natural water supplies like rivers and lakes, thereby putting at risk, the health of those who rely on such sources of water for drinking.
The film, "Erin Brokovich", which I mentioned, deals with this issue.