Death of Tiny Rowland

[Carl Remick]

Re Chris Burford's observation:  "Rowland therefore provides an example
of a capitalist who may play a progressive, (but highly ambivalent) role
in a democratic struggle. He was
a progressive ally and the first sugar-coated bullet."  Yes, it would be
most interesting to see a discussion here of Rowland and others of his
ilk, e.g.:  Ted Turner, George Soros, Armand Hammer.  Do "good works" at
all mitigate the fact that one is fundamentally self-serving, abusive of
others' rights and able to do anything on caprice?

-----Original Message-----
From: Chris Burford [mailto:cburford at gn.apc.org]
Sent: Monday, July 27, 1998 3:08 AM
To: lbo-talk at lists.panix.com; marxism-unmoderated at buo319b.econ.utah.edu
Subject: Death of Tiny Rowland

Tiny Rowland is probably not known in the USA. But he is a revealing
footnote in the development of capitalism. His death yesterday brought
statements in his honour by Kenneth Kaunda and Nelson Mandela. 

Starting out with his business in ranching in "Rhodesia", he built
Lonrho
into a major player in African politics by aligning with emerging black
politicians. The name of the company shows its transition from the era
of
imperialism to that of post-colonialism. The obituary statements
virtually
make it clear that at critical times, he gave them significant financial
support, but no doubt also provided a bridge into respectable or
semi-respectable capital circles.

Rowland therefore provides an example of a capitalist who may play a
progressive, (but highly ambivalent) role in a democratic struggle. He
was
a progressive ally and the first sugar-coated bullet.

Chris Burford