[PEN-L:2004] Re: Something completely different

[glevy@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

Shawgi wrote:

> Look, if you have to sell your
> labor-power to exist/survive, then you are a worker/laborer.
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Much better.
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> > For example, at Pratt Institute I produce ... surplus value.
>
> No. You FACILITATE the production of surplus value. You do not produce it.
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Pratt Institute is a private university. They are in business to produce
a profit. I am a wage earner at that capitalist institution. Why do I
merely "facilitate" the production of surplus value? Marx was *very* clear
that the labor of teachers *can*, when they are employed by private
capital, be productive [of surplus value] labor. Moreover, Marx was also
*very* clear that commodities do not have to take the form of material
objects (e.g. tractors), but can include services as well.
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> The problem [of class consciousness] is
> an organizational one, a task difficult to achieve in a pool full of
> anti-Communist sharks.
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It is idealistic to believe that the question of the development of
working class consciousness is merely organizational. Class consciousness
is also affected by material conditions and the whole range of social
institutions (e.g. the family, religion, media, culture, education) that
affect the daily lives of workers.
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> Stop with the diversionary shit.  This is weak baiting from another person
> who thinks anyone who mentions Stalin is drinking a pint of parrot urine
> daily.  Haven't you read anything?
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Judging from your recent defenses of Stalin on the marxism list, what
*have* you been drinking?

What readings on Stalin would you recommend for PEN-Lers who, like
myself, are so ignorant?

Jerry