Capitalists Overseas
* Re “Uneasy Calm Settles Over Jakarta,” May 17: Reading the list of capitalist rats deserting Indonesia--General Motors, FedEx, Citibank--reminds one of 20 years ago, when Iran descended into chaos. Large capital is drawn to undemocratic regimes, where it is convenient to exploit the masses for the short term. With democratic rights limited, unions banned and an elite willing to do business, American capitalists forsake our heritage for the “opportunities” of investment.
Indonesia proves this is a dubious recipe for long-term economic growth as well as a tragedy for the populace. Capitalists appear doomed to repeat the catastrophe because they seem unable to learn a lesson from our past; develop a strong democracy and the economy will take care of itself.
Yesterday Iran, today Indonesia and tomorrow China?
IVAN and CHRIS WILLIG
Agoura
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