You explained this better than I have ever seen it explained. Thank you.
Marta Russell
Randy Stone wrote:
> Productive labor under capitalism refers to the production of surplus
> value near or above the prevailing rate of exploitation (S/V). In
> effect, the prevailing rate of exploitation (S/V) determines who is
> "disabled" and who is not.
>
> Discrimination has less to due with prejudicial attitudes then an
> accountant's calculation of the present cost of production (C+V) versus
> the potential benefits to the future rate of exploitation (S/V).
>
> The material basis of capitalist accumulation is the mining of surplus
> labor from the work force of direct producers. If "disabilities" among
> the direct producers add to the cost of production (C+V) of this mining
> process, the owners and managers of the mines necessarily have to
> discriminate against those workers. Expenses to accommodate the
> "disabled" in the workplace will be resisted as an addition to the fixed
> capital portion of constant capital (C). Hence, opposition of small and
> medium businesses, especially the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, to the
> "Americans with Disabilities Act." Managers and owners will only
> tolerate the use of "disabled" workers when they can save on the
> variable portion (V) of cost of production, resulting in low wages for
> workers at Goodwill and other locations, or tax breaks and other
> subsidies.
>
> Discrimination can be ameliorated but not eliminated by changing
> "prejudicial attitudes." Only a system of material production that
> takes into account the human consequences of its development can
> eliminate discrimination against disabilities. Capitalism never has and
> never will take the human (or environmental) consequences of its
> development into consideration because it is not included in its
> historical role as a transitory form of material production.
>
> RS
>
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