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Michael Smith wrote: > I wonder whether the gradual transformation of society into > a "dungeon" isn't simply an immanent tendency of developed capitalism, > or whatever we want to call the phase of capitalism under which we > live. I think the opposite is true. For the long-term stability of the capitalist system, it needs "civil society". Debate between Paul Krugman on one side and Alan Greenspan on the other allows the rulers to fine-tune their policies. As Marxists, we prefer this open society, to use Soros's term, in order to present our own views. That is why Lenin was so ardent about democratic rights. > > The assertion that "the bourgeois prefers democratic forms" is, of > course, received wisdom, but do we have any real evidentiary basis for > believing it? Yes, you can read about how the German bourgeoisie only turned to Hitler when all other options failed. I recommend William Shirer's history, as well as Daniel Guerin's more Marxist-oriented work. ________________________________________________ Send list submissions to: Marxism@lists.econ.utah.edu Set your options at: http://lists.econ.utah.edu/mailman/options/marxism/archive%40mail-archive.com
