The Solidarity Economy

[trivas7]

This (http://www.onthecommons.org/economy-works-everyone) article argues for shifting institutional power from the bottom up in a reformist fashion and that “powers not exercised by the government must return to the people.”

Is there a viable third way between both capitalist and socialist state-run structures whose modern incarnations are of the same oligarchic, top down rule that characterized feudalism?

[The Garbage Disposal Unit]

Unfortunately, I think this article takes far too broad an approach in its understanding of solidarity: I don't think niche-markets built by well-intentioned capitalists constitute a meaningful alternative to "big business" - Ben & Jerry's after all, y'know?

That said, I think within a broad view of a solidarity economy, there are promising trends - what the article refers to in passing as "voluntary systems" in particular. What is worthwhile about them, however, is precisely that they are not "systems" and serve to undermine "economy" as a distinct area of activity, alienable from daily life.

[RGacky3]

Is there a viable third way between both capitalist and socialist state-run structures whose modern incarnations are of the same oligarchic, top down rule that characterized feudalism?

There are, and have been for a while many different third ways.

[trivas7]

That said, I think within a broad view of a solidarity economy, there are promising trends - what the article refers to in passing as "voluntary systems" in particular. What is worthwhile about them, however, is precisely that they are not "systems" and serve to undermine "economy" as a distinct area of activity, alienable from daily life.
Neither is capitalism a system; it is a constantly evolving organism that strives consciously to devise successful strategies for survival.

[Dimentio]

This (http://www.onthecommons.org/economy-works-everyone) article argues for shifting institutional power from the bottom up in a reformist fashion and that “powers not exercised by the government must return to the people.”

Is there a viable third way between both capitalist and socialist state-run structures whose modern incarnations are of the same oligarchic, top down rule that characterized feudalism?

Yes, by holarchic networks (cooperative structures).

[RGacky3]

it is a constantly evolving organism that strives consciously to devise successful strategies for survival.

Strategies for survival? Is that what its been doing?