Posted by Editors on August 28, 2008 at 11:31:39:
In Reply to: Re: cooperativism posted by Scott Wallace on August 27, 2008 at 21:43:13:
Scott,
This idea- that maybe we get to Socialism in one stage at a time-could only work IF A NEW POLITICAL PARTY AND
CLASS CONSCIOUS MOVEMENT tied in all 'toe-holds' into an eventual goal & vision to replace the Capitalist economy with a clear model of a democratic socialist economy. Without the clear understanding of the nature & structure of Capitalism, any 'small steps' or Creeping Cooperativism would probably end up wasting our precious time & energy. Every Democrat promises the same jive that the Cooperativist idea calls for.
At their 'most radical' (not seen for some time!!) the Dems just co-opt every 'vision' by calling for reforms to Capitalism. How would Cooperativism be different?
Without a clear advocacy of (eventual or immediate, depending on historical circumstances I imagine) an end to Capitalism, as an economy, as a political and legal structure, as a cultural superstructure that defines "reality' and........... ....without that CLEAR GOAL for democratic socialism EXPRESSED IN A CLEAR PLATFORM....we can't expect to really replace the underlying obstacle to progress & human well-being.
Please give an example of a "cooperative enterprise' you think could make it, in 'certain niches of the economy'. I'm not disputing your desire for a better
social/economic order, just want to know more about your vision & thoughts. Editors