Global tsunamis 2011: Japan, Egypt, Wisconsin, Libya and US Immigration. From nuclear reactor breach to breaching workers rights; from breathtaking people's revolution to a revolting third US military front; from guaranteeing liberties for corporate “persons” to persecuting immigrant families. Truth and consequences in our inter-dependent lives; lessons learned and to be learned for public health

Instant electronic communications and a globalized economy underscore the interconnectedness of events all over the planet. The leaking reactors in Japan were made by General Electric and the danger of radioactive contamination threatens the whole world's atmosphere and oceans. Students and workers in Madison took inspiration from protestors in Cairo in the struggle against military and corporate power for democratic and economic rights. Corporations have been given the rights of “persons” to use enormous wealth to buy elections while some conspire to repeal the 14th Amendment that gives rights of persons to real people born in the U.S. even if their parents are undocumented immigrants. The same corporations demand the right to do business without regulation anywhere in the globe but would restrict rights of workers to come here seeking a livelihood. And while the federal, state and city governments claim that lack of money necessitates cutbacks in health, education, food aid and necessary social services, the Pentagon has launched another multi-billion dollar military adventure in Libya to add to the trillions wasted in Iraq and Afghanistan while more civilians will be killed in the name of “saving civilians.” The seemingly disparate crises of 2011 have a common connection. In each, the interests of corporate power and concentrated wealth are arrayed on one side against the health and welfare of the great majority of people on the other. Whether meaningful advances in public health for the world's peoples can be achieved will depend on which side prevails.