Re: recessions

[boddhisatva <kbevans@xxxxxxxxx>]

                Miguel,


        Another thing you may have overlooked is that capitalists CAN, in
fact do something about the cost of machinery, and all the time.  I gave the
example another time of the switch to plastics.  Plastics require much less
machinery to do things similar to that which other materials do.


        The point is that capitalists must constantly revolutionize capital
to keep the inherent logic of deriving profit in a competitive environment
from causing the workers to revolt.  In this way capitalists become more and
more speculators and find themselves farther and farther from the productive
process.  Once isolated, they are easier to recognize and target.  They are
also less likely (as we are seeing now) to be inclined to invest in the
"social capital" and "safety net" that makes life under capitalism tolerable
for workers.


        peace



        


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