Date: Mon, 14 Feb 2000 13:32:59 +0100
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (Christoph Reuss)
Tom Walker wrote:
>
> > I think we should also be paid when we do the corporation's work for
> > them--as in self-serve gas stations, wading through voice menus, and the
> > soon-to-come automated supermarket checkout.
>
> The supermarkets would argue that we already are paid because they pass on
> part of their savings to us as lower prices
In theory, perhaps. In practice, rather than the consumers, it will be
the share-holders and the manufacturers of the automation machines who
reap the savings from lay-offs due to automation. In other words, it's
a redistribution of wealth from the poor to the rich, not to the poor.
As usual, privatization of the profits and socialization of the costs,
not vice-versa.
Chris
==================
Do I detect just a little "Ludditizm" here? What about the theraputic value
of work. Humanity does have an urge to "creative effort" to different
degrees.
Ed Goertzen,
Oshawa
