Is this a good explanation of Capitalism?

[Blanquist]

Would a picture like this be convientent to explain to people how capitalism works?

EDIt: wow the picture is huge, i have to resize.

http://oi45.tinypic.com/2mpwr6b.jpg

[Lucretia]

If you want to know how capitalism works (and doesn't work), read Marx's Capital.

[Zav]

I suppose it would, but don't rely on it too much. Be able to explain both in detail and simply how the bourgeoisie exploit labor, and that this action is the origin of profit. It doesn't explain everything about Capitalism, so you need more visual aids if you want to explain it in pictures. For instance, it doesn't show how money has gravity and how it will eventually all end up in one person's hands, nor how the wage system keeps people working for the property owners, nor how money affects political decisions.

[shaneo]

If you want to know how capitalism works (and doesn't work), read Marx's Capital.

Lucretia, you seem to have run off half way through our conversation, so I'll ask again in the hope that some straight answers might be forthcoming:

I believe that any gains for workers, were made in the first half of the last century thereabouts, and were got through the fear of revolution felt by the financial aristocracy. Since then, the trade unions have been working with the capitalist parties (that they fund) to isolate workers and erode their previous gains. What gains, not what reduction in loss, but what gain has a trade union got for workers in the last 30 years?

You have backed up another posters ridiculous claim that David North is preventing his staff from getting union representation, and had a go at me for suggesting that this was just a rumour. Have you any evidence to prove that David North's staff have requested union membership, and that he is preventing them?

Were you (or are you still) one of the suckers who "perceived" that when Obama came into office, everything would "change"?

If you really fear another rise of fascism, then why don't you have a go at some of your pro-union buddies on this forum who suggest that if we do not accept (or if we dare to question) union control, then we are the "enemy of workers"?

Whilst we might not agree with each other, I wouldn't ignore a question from you so it is reasonable for me to expect the same courtesy.

[Yazman]

If you want to know how capitalism works (and doesn't work), read Marx's Capital.

Honestly that's a terrible way to start somebody off. Capital is one hell of a thing to read and really needs foreknowledge of certain concepts before you can really get the most out of it.

Also Shaneo, please don't hijack the topic. If you need to talk to Lucretia do it in private.

[Misocratist]

Honestly that's a terrible way to start somebody off. Capital is one hell of a thing to read and really needs foreknowledge of certain concepts before you can really get the most out of it.


Indeed. There are much easier, and shorter texts by Marx: "Wage-Labour and Capital", also "Value, Price and Profit". Both can be read on a Saturday morning.

[shaneo]

Also Shaneo, please don't hijack the topic. If you need to talk to Lucretia do it in private.

To all on this thread;
Fair comment. It was rude of me so please accept my apologies.