(50YEARS.ORG) Don’t Just Ditch Wolfowitz—Democratize!

Dear 50 Years Is Enough Network Supporters,

The king is gone, but the kingdom remains. The Wolfowitz scandal is just the tip of the ice berg when it comes to World Bank corruption, lack of legitimacy, transparency and accountability. While media coverage on the Wolfowitz scandal has been critical of the institution and its erstwhile President, the general assumption is that once Wolfowitz is gone, the World Bank will once again regain its legitimacy as the world’s largest “poverty-fighting” institution. It would be sad if after hundreds of articles written on this scandal, the World Bank ends up with an enhanced reputation.

~We need your help!~

How? Write a letter to the editor, of between 100-200 words, to your local newspapers. We have included two sample letters for inspiration. Mail, fax or email them it to them, and send a copy to us at ruth@50years.org. Remember to include your name, phone number and email so the editorial staff can get in touch with you!





Sample Letter A: Don’t Just Ditch Wolfowitz—Democratize!



Two years on the job and two years too late, Iraq-war architect and World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz, has finally been given the boot. Nominated as President by the White House, Wolfowitz managed the World Bank as well as the Bush administration has managed the Iraq War. The scandal over Wolfowitz’s cushy pay package for his partner is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to World Bank corruption.



In 2005 Wolfowitz got the job despite having no credentials, because the World Bank, the largest development institution in the world, is run by the richest countries in the Global North: the U.S. holds veto power over all decisions made, the Bank president is always nominated by the U.S., and board meetings are closed to the media.



Firing Wolfowitz is not enough. The World Bank cannot act as a cash cow for Northern contractors and the IMF must cease to function as a political tool for the United States and other rich countries. The World Bank and its shareholder governments must take this opportunity make the organization more accountable and democratic.

Ruth Castel-Branco, 202 463 2265/ ruth@50years.org





Sample Letter B: Wolfowitz—An Appropriate Symbol for the IMF and World Bank



World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz, now exposed as a corrupt liar, has been an invaluable asset in exposing the fundamental illegitimacy and institutional corruption of the World Bank and IMF.



Wolfowitz’s arrogance, his insistence that any problems were the result of his colleagues’ actions, never his own, is a perfect match for the World Bank, which has always refused to take responsibility for its own disastrous policies and projects, inspired by a unquestioning belief in neo-liberalism. The failures of the World Bank’s neo-liberal ideology, such as privatization of basic services, user fees for primary education and healthcare, and the rapid deregulation of trade and investment, have resulted in death, marginalization, and impoverishment.
Ruth Castel-Branco, 202 463 2265/ ruth@50years.org

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Ruth Castel-Branco

Outreach/Communications Coordinator



50 Years Is Enough Network

3628 12th St. NE

Washington, DC 20017

Phone: + 1 202 463 2265

Email: ruth@50years.org

www.50years.org



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