Mike, people act out what they perceive to be in their economic self-interest. Simple as that. The rich and the super-rich act on what they perceive to be in their economic self interest. The steelworkers and the autoworkers act on what they perceive to be in their economic self interest. Naturally, the rich and the super-rich have more complete economic information than people with little income and little or no wealth. Unions try hard to level the playing field as best they can in these disputes with rich and the super-rich's toys the corporations. Yes, the corporations are the toys of the rich and the super-rich. The field is tilting more every day toward the control of all parts of our society by big money.
The really sad thing in all of this is that our American democracy down to the lowest levels has become a toy of the rich and the super-rich.
Btw,Wayne Huizenga, former garbage truck driver now super-rich is pushing for this turnpike interchange at State Route 58 that I have been writing about. :o)
Tom Lehman
Eric Beck wrote:
> >I think class analysis is a waste of time. In general class depends on
> >income and wealth and the amount of income generated by wealth---everything
> >else associated with the definition of class is to put it kindly,
> >anecdotal. Or to put it bluntly, bullshit.
>
> Tom, this is crazy talk. Our society's complete inability to talk about or
> even recognize class is one of the the ruling class's greatest victories.
> Without discussions of class, my failing to attain the wealth of Bill Gates
> is a personal failing; it's an excuse to blame people for society's lack of
> equal opportunities and to perpetuate the myth that anyone can achieve
> great wealth.
>
> And class does not depend only on income or wealth. There are a whole host
> of factors that constitute class, including but not limited to power,
> status, and prestige. For instance, a college professor is definitely of a
> "higher" class than an auto worker, but it is quite possible (even
> probable, in these days) that the auto worker makes more money. Being aware
> of and figuring out these things is crucial to understanding capitalist
> society. It would of course be ideal if society were so perfect that it was
> unnecessary to define class. But at this point it isn't.
>
> Eric