A distinguished Pulitzer-winning journalist explores the concept of countervailing powers and their role in saving democracy from the grip of the managerial elite. The journalist highlights the decline of countervailing powers, such as unions and local assemblies, and how this has contributed to political dysfunction. The article emphasizes the need for countervailing powers to disperse and expand political power throughout society, comparing the principles of neoliberalism and New Deal liberalism. The concept of countervailing power, as advocated by John Kenneth Galbraith, is discussed as a way to check the market power and political influence of large firms. The decline of organized labor is examined as a factor that has shifted political power to college-educated progressives and anti-labor neoliberalism, neglecting the interests of the working class and rural Americans. The journalist argues that bringing back countervailing powers is crucial for the preservation of democracy.
Solidarity is a concept fundamental to democracy, as important as equality, freedom, and justice. It is a bond that holds society together and propels it forward. Without robust organizations and institutions to cultivate and maintain solidarity, democracy weakens. Right-wing strategists invest energy to sabotage transformative, democratic solidarity and nurture exclusionary group identity. Prioritizing solidarity is crucial to counter this anti-democratic project and envision a future worth fighting for. A solidarity state, where public resources and infrastructure foster social connection, is needed for democratic renewal. Solidarity is both a goal and the method of building the power to achieve it. Solidarity has historical roots and has been neglected in the United States. The profit-driven economy and market-friendly policies have undermined solidarity, making people more insecure and atomized. The far right is actively working to break solidarity. A solidarity state would reshape the economy to work for the many, foster connection and participation, and provide essential support and services. Solidarity is the missing ingredient in saving democracy and creating an egalitarian society.
The article discusses the concept of the solidarity economy, which is a global movement to build a world that centers people and the planet rather than maximizing private profit and endless growth. The solidarity economy is grounded in concrete practices and values such as participatory democracy, equity, and pluralism. It is post-capitalist and an international movement. The article also explains the concept of 'imaginal cells' in the solidarity economy, which are isolated elements that need to recognize each other and come together to form a new post-capitalist system. Examples of the solidarity economy in the United States include defunding the police and participatory budgeting, community land trusts, and local solidarity economy ecosystems. Internationally, Brazil, Quebec, Italy, Japan, and Kenya have notable examples of the solidarity economy. The article also highlights the differences between the solidarity economy and the sharing economy, emphasizing the focus on profit, community engagement, governance, and sustainability and equity goals. The solidarity economy offers a transformative pathway to a new system beyond capitalism.
The article discusses the political economy of the Black vote in the United States. It highlights the common agenda of northern and southern Whites to maintain their domination over Black Americans. The media is creating controversy and anxiety around the upcoming election, but the author argues that the oligarchs and plutocrats have already decided the next president. The president's power is limited compared to Congress, which controls the nation's purse. The article emphasizes that controlling interests punish those who oppose them through political actions. The punishment may include restrictions on economic opportunities, social protections, and rules and laws that facilitate the socioeconomic system. The author calls for Black Americans to be fully informed about the issues and make strategic decisions aligned with their interests. They recommend adopting a long-term strategic plan for Black America. The article also mentions related articles and provides contact information for the Milwaukee Courier Weekly Newspaper. [32a7fc35]
