re: capital must give way
Frederick R. Magdoff (fmagdoff@zoo.uvm.edu)
Tue, 25 Aug 1998 07:31:28 -0400 (EDT)
Let's frame the discussion from the point of view of what
type of a social system would we want. I suggest that a humane and
sustainable system will create conditions and institutions that will:
a) meet the basic needs of all people for comfortable housing,
clothing, safe and adequate food, health care, and meaningful
opportunities for personal fulfillment and enjoyment;
b) dramatically narrow the gap between the wealthy and the poor;
c) improve the condition of the earths non-human species as well
as its soil, water, and air;
d) promote true democratic involvement of an informed citizenry in
political decisions;
e) put technology at the service of societys needs and interests
while not neglecting environmental needs and concerns;
f) make decisions about whether or not to invest in factories,
stores, etc. according to the needs of society as determined by
democratic involvement of an informed populace; and
g) be able to function smoothly under conditions of no growth
(once the goals of (a) has been met) or very slow growth while meeting all
the above characteristics.
This means putting the basic decisions of society under social
control as opposed to corporate control. I am convinced it can be done,
but one thing's for sure -- it ain't capitalism.
FRED
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