https://econdem.org/ Tue, 02 Jun 2026 21:18:23 +0000 MyBB https://econdem.org/showthread.php?tid=21 Thu, 02 Apr 2026 11:33:27 -0700 oblivionobsession]]> https://econdem.org/showthread.php?tid=21
We are looking for topic suggestions for posts for our social media accounts, anything related to Economic Democracy is welcome!
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If you have any ideas, leave them below. If you would like to create a proposed post, the character limit is between 1250 to 1750 characters. Thank you ]]>
We are looking for topic suggestions for posts for our social media accounts, anything related to Economic Democracy is welcome!
'
If you have any ideas, leave them below. If you would like to create a proposed post, the character limit is between 1250 to 1750 characters. Thank you ]]> https://econdem.org/showthread.php?tid=20 Sun, 29 Mar 2026 14:53:20 -0700 coolguy35]]> https://econdem.org/showthread.php?tid=20
I will start first as I am the writer of this post. As an anarchist, I obviously do not believe that seizing state socialism is a viable means. This is due to 3 reasons:

1. Means-ends unity: one of the core principles of anarchism. According to means-ends unity, we must use adequate means to achieve our goals. As Malatesta said in An Anarchist Programme:

But it is not enough to desire something; if one really wants it adequate means must be used to secure it. And these means are not arbitrary, but instead cannot but be conditioned by the ends we aspire to and by the circumstances in which the struggle takes place, for if we ignore the choice of means we would achieve other ends, possibly diametrically opposed to those we aspire to, and this would be the obvious and inevitable consequence of our choice of means. Whoever sets out on the highroad and takes a wrong turning does not go where he intends to go but where the road leads him.

If we wanna create a free society, free from all kinds of oppression, including state domination, we must use adequate means. To achieve freedom, we will use freedom. To achieve statelessness, we will use statelessness. In order to achieve a communist society, we will need the kind of people able to reproduce it. As such, we should make use of non-state methods, such as popular assemblies, decentralized federations of community councils, etc. The masses have to engage in activities during the struggle against capitalism itself that transform them into people who want to and are able to self-direct their lives and their communities.

2. Power structures seek to perpetuate themselves: another core principle of anarchism. According to it, power structures seek to perpetuate themselves according to their nature. Hierarchical structures will seek to perpetuate themselves and as such maintain their hierarchy and monopoly over decision making power. On the contrary, horizontal power structures will seek to perpetuate themselves and as such distribute power the masses, diametrically opposing the monopolization of power.

As such, hierarchy only begets hierarchy. If we want a society where people self-direct their activities and self-organize instead of allowing themselves to be dominated by the state, we have to make use of horizontal structures wherein power is distributed more equitably among all people and all decisions are made by those who are affected.

3. Centralized state planning does not actually get rid of the value-form: this is less so an argument against the state itself and more so an argument against centralized state planning.

I have only recently began to take Marxist theory more seriously, because I find Marx' critique of the political economy to be scientific/objective and quite convincing. Keep this in mind and do correct me if I make a mistake.

Getting rid of the value-form entails 4 things. Getting rid of commodity production, instead producing things in order to meet people's needs instead of distribute things based on contribution. Getting rid of the abstraction of labor: no longer collapsing labor into 'x hours of labor power'. And finally, getting rid of Socially Necessary Labour Time (SNLT) and commodity fetishism.

All this entails a society comprised of communist social relations, unmediated by value. State socialist projects have historically failed to produce anything resembling such a society.

The state's central planners still measure labor in units of time, distribute goods based on contribution and calculate inputs & ouputs. This is as I am aware the critique of the Soviet state. It maintained commodity production, and furthermore enforced the taylor system, strict labor discipline and even compulsory labor, which was especially egregious early on when the Soviet state forced able-bodied adults (from ages 16-50) to engage in compulsory labor to grow the economy.

Your thoughts?]]>
I will start first as I am the writer of this post. As an anarchist, I obviously do not believe that seizing state socialism is a viable means. This is due to 3 reasons:

1. Means-ends unity: one of the core principles of anarchism. According to means-ends unity, we must use adequate means to achieve our goals. As Malatesta said in An Anarchist Programme:

But it is not enough to desire something; if one really wants it adequate means must be used to secure it. And these means are not arbitrary, but instead cannot but be conditioned by the ends we aspire to and by the circumstances in which the struggle takes place, for if we ignore the choice of means we would achieve other ends, possibly diametrically opposed to those we aspire to, and this would be the obvious and inevitable consequence of our choice of means. Whoever sets out on the highroad and takes a wrong turning does not go where he intends to go but where the road leads him.

If we wanna create a free society, free from all kinds of oppression, including state domination, we must use adequate means. To achieve freedom, we will use freedom. To achieve statelessness, we will use statelessness. In order to achieve a communist society, we will need the kind of people able to reproduce it. As such, we should make use of non-state methods, such as popular assemblies, decentralized federations of community councils, etc. The masses have to engage in activities during the struggle against capitalism itself that transform them into people who want to and are able to self-direct their lives and their communities.

2. Power structures seek to perpetuate themselves: another core principle of anarchism. According to it, power structures seek to perpetuate themselves according to their nature. Hierarchical structures will seek to perpetuate themselves and as such maintain their hierarchy and monopoly over decision making power. On the contrary, horizontal power structures will seek to perpetuate themselves and as such distribute power the masses, diametrically opposing the monopolization of power.

As such, hierarchy only begets hierarchy. If we want a society where people self-direct their activities and self-organize instead of allowing themselves to be dominated by the state, we have to make use of horizontal structures wherein power is distributed more equitably among all people and all decisions are made by those who are affected.

3. Centralized state planning does not actually get rid of the value-form: this is less so an argument against the state itself and more so an argument against centralized state planning.

I have only recently began to take Marxist theory more seriously, because I find Marx' critique of the political economy to be scientific/objective and quite convincing. Keep this in mind and do correct me if I make a mistake.

Getting rid of the value-form entails 4 things. Getting rid of commodity production, instead producing things in order to meet people's needs instead of distribute things based on contribution. Getting rid of the abstraction of labor: no longer collapsing labor into 'x hours of labor power'. And finally, getting rid of Socially Necessary Labour Time (SNLT) and commodity fetishism.

All this entails a society comprised of communist social relations, unmediated by value. State socialist projects have historically failed to produce anything resembling such a society.

The state's central planners still measure labor in units of time, distribute goods based on contribution and calculate inputs & ouputs. This is as I am aware the critique of the Soviet state. It maintained commodity production, and furthermore enforced the taylor system, strict labor discipline and even compulsory labor, which was especially egregious early on when the Soviet state forced able-bodied adults (from ages 16-50) to engage in compulsory labor to grow the economy.

Your thoughts?]]> https://econdem.org/showthread.php?tid=19 Sun, 29 Mar 2026 14:17:46 -0700 oblivionobsession]]> https://econdem.org/showthread.php?tid=19
Tiktok
Instagram
Youtube]]>
Tiktok
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Youtube]]> https://econdem.org/showthread.php?tid=18 Sun, 29 Mar 2026 14:16:23 -0700 oblivionobsession]]> https://econdem.org/showthread.php?tid=18
Tiktok
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Instagram]]>
Tiktok
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Instagram]]> https://econdem.org/showthread.php?tid=17 Sun, 29 Mar 2026 14:13:36 -0700 oblivionobsession]]> https://econdem.org/showthread.php?tid=17
Tiktok
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Youtube]]>
Tiktok
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Youtube]]> https://econdem.org/showthread.php?tid=16 Fri, 27 Mar 2026 09:19:24 -0700 ComradeMambo]]> https://econdem.org/showthread.php?tid=16 Democratic Party - Functionally a reformist capital Party, functions representatively for the professional-managerial classes. Their capital factions are tied to media, tech fields, and finance. They do NOT oppose capital but rather seek to manage and control capitalism through reforms to stabilize capitalist relation, while accepting capitalism as a reality. They pursue the stabilization of markets and to maintain social legitimacy, this is done through visible reform that does not carry the capacity to functionally change economic relations or abolish class struggle. This strategy of class compromise is accompanied by social "progressivism", focusing on other forms of exploitation and oppression, which are valid to be focused on, but are used to distract from class relations, rather than bring attention to the root problem that causes these issues.

Republican Party - Functionally a large capital party, functions directly representative for large capital owners and the accumulated capital. Their capital factions are tied to fossil fuels, real estate, and military-industrial firms. They openly promote unregulated capitalism and seek to retain current relations, if not to regress the relations to a more deregulated labor market. Their policies more closely align with increasing the rate of surplus value extraction without compromise for the Working class and actively seek to weaken bargaining power of the Workers. Their strategy of deregulation and blunt capitalism seeks to naturalize inequality through narratives of individuality and "merit", essentially framing capitalist success as a moral virtue. They use cultural or nationalist themes to organize the working-class consent without challenging capital; this distracts from the true problems and root causes by enforcing loyalty to the state rather than class.

Both of these main parties exclude anti-capitalist alternatives. This system of two parties has given the choice between two capital-compatible policies yet has not achieved the promised system of democracy that is so worshipped and praised within the United States. These major parties compete for how capitalism is managed, rather than the existence of capitalism itself, limiting consent and choice, where neither represent working class interests but present themselves as such.]]> Democratic Party - Functionally a reformist capital Party, functions representatively for the professional-managerial classes. Their capital factions are tied to media, tech fields, and finance. They do NOT oppose capital but rather seek to manage and control capitalism through reforms to stabilize capitalist relation, while accepting capitalism as a reality. They pursue the stabilization of markets and to maintain social legitimacy, this is done through visible reform that does not carry the capacity to functionally change economic relations or abolish class struggle. This strategy of class compromise is accompanied by social "progressivism", focusing on other forms of exploitation and oppression, which are valid to be focused on, but are used to distract from class relations, rather than bring attention to the root problem that causes these issues.

Republican Party - Functionally a large capital party, functions directly representative for large capital owners and the accumulated capital. Their capital factions are tied to fossil fuels, real estate, and military-industrial firms. They openly promote unregulated capitalism and seek to retain current relations, if not to regress the relations to a more deregulated labor market. Their policies more closely align with increasing the rate of surplus value extraction without compromise for the Working class and actively seek to weaken bargaining power of the Workers. Their strategy of deregulation and blunt capitalism seeks to naturalize inequality through narratives of individuality and "merit", essentially framing capitalist success as a moral virtue. They use cultural or nationalist themes to organize the working-class consent without challenging capital; this distracts from the true problems and root causes by enforcing loyalty to the state rather than class.

Both of these main parties exclude anti-capitalist alternatives. This system of two parties has given the choice between two capital-compatible policies yet has not achieved the promised system of democracy that is so worshipped and praised within the United States. These major parties compete for how capitalism is managed, rather than the existence of capitalism itself, limiting consent and choice, where neither represent working class interests but present themselves as such.]]> https://econdem.org/showthread.php?tid=15 Thu, 26 Mar 2026 12:31:59 -0700 ComradeMambo]]> https://econdem.org/showthread.php?tid=15
This creates alienation, in which does the worker become separated in 4 main ways. 
1. They do not own the product they produce, therefore alienating the actual product from the producer.
2. They are put into repetitive labor that is strictly controlled by an exploitative upper class. 
3. They are alienated from their species-being, in which they are separated from their creative human potential and become a cog in the machine.
4. They are alienated from their fellow worker, as the cooperation of labor is replaced with competition.

The capitalist system as well creates commodities for exchange rather than for use. Social relations are therefore seen as relations between object commodities (this is when the interaction of people is commodified and turned into a form of social capital). As for the value of commodity, it is presented as inherent to the object rather than the actual labor it takes to produce (Take for example objects with no inherent use but are produced to make profit.) This separates the worker yet further from their labor, as it is no longer their labor that determines the value, but the perceived social value.

This further creates accumulation and inequality, as capitalism requires the Capitalist to constantly accumulate more capital, therefore accumulating more wealth. This causes wealth to accumulate into fewer hands as time goes on (see Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerburg, Jeffery Bezos), and this creates further inequality in the buying power and production acquisition-ability of the worker. This causes smaller producers to be driven out of competition, as monopolies and oligopolies form to dominate markets. This is said as inequality is a natural outcome, not that of human error or accident. 

Capitalism is bound to crisis, as seen every couple years; when there is another stock market crash, another bubble bursting, and the sort. Overproduction is one of the lead causes, where there is more production than demand, causing waste and the reduction of purchasing power for the average worker. This causes a falling rate of profit over time, which further pushes financial speculation bubbles and crashes.

History has been driven by a struggle between exploiters and exploited, as seen with the abolition of feudalism by the Capitalist class. Capitalism is another extension of struggle, this time between the Workers and Capitalists, where we can see the active suppression of consciousness about class relations. This awareness of class relations and the position of the workers develops as the contradictions of capitalism become more apparent. 

Capitalism in a natural extension leads to imperialism, which is a form of capitalism seen in places like Russia, the United States, or China. As monopolies form and dominate markets, they seek to export their capital (assets) rather than their products to the underdeveloped or subjugated lands to open new markets, extract raw materials, and exploit cheap labor. This is most commonly seen in the global south and post-colonial nations. 

Ideology is influenced by capitalism, as the dominant ideas of society are reflective of the interests of the ruling class (as of now Capitalists), in which there are institutions, such as media and forms of education meant to reproduce capitalism. These institutions are absolutely influenced, as seen in the news, where they accept advertiser money, which most certainly will tip their view of capitalism in a more favorable direction. Media and education are also commodified (News Networks, Private schools, and entertainment production networks). 

Capitalism was historically progressive, insofar as advancement beyond feudalism. As this progressiveness became the norm, it became conservative, and reactionary. seeking to maintain itself and reproduce infinitely, capitalism destroys the world, as infinite accumulation is impossible with finite resources. contradictions arise between human nature to socialize and cooperate clash with the monotony of owned labor and private property. These prove capitalism is historically temporary, not a permanent form of existence and reality for the Workers.]]>
This creates alienation, in which does the worker become separated in 4 main ways. 
1. They do not own the product they produce, therefore alienating the actual product from the producer.
2. They are put into repetitive labor that is strictly controlled by an exploitative upper class. 
3. They are alienated from their species-being, in which they are separated from their creative human potential and become a cog in the machine.
4. They are alienated from their fellow worker, as the cooperation of labor is replaced with competition.

The capitalist system as well creates commodities for exchange rather than for use. Social relations are therefore seen as relations between object commodities (this is when the interaction of people is commodified and turned into a form of social capital). As for the value of commodity, it is presented as inherent to the object rather than the actual labor it takes to produce (Take for example objects with no inherent use but are produced to make profit.) This separates the worker yet further from their labor, as it is no longer their labor that determines the value, but the perceived social value.

This further creates accumulation and inequality, as capitalism requires the Capitalist to constantly accumulate more capital, therefore accumulating more wealth. This causes wealth to accumulate into fewer hands as time goes on (see Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerburg, Jeffery Bezos), and this creates further inequality in the buying power and production acquisition-ability of the worker. This causes smaller producers to be driven out of competition, as monopolies and oligopolies form to dominate markets. This is said as inequality is a natural outcome, not that of human error or accident. 

Capitalism is bound to crisis, as seen every couple years; when there is another stock market crash, another bubble bursting, and the sort. Overproduction is one of the lead causes, where there is more production than demand, causing waste and the reduction of purchasing power for the average worker. This causes a falling rate of profit over time, which further pushes financial speculation bubbles and crashes.

History has been driven by a struggle between exploiters and exploited, as seen with the abolition of feudalism by the Capitalist class. Capitalism is another extension of struggle, this time between the Workers and Capitalists, where we can see the active suppression of consciousness about class relations. This awareness of class relations and the position of the workers develops as the contradictions of capitalism become more apparent. 

Capitalism in a natural extension leads to imperialism, which is a form of capitalism seen in places like Russia, the United States, or China. As monopolies form and dominate markets, they seek to export their capital (assets) rather than their products to the underdeveloped or subjugated lands to open new markets, extract raw materials, and exploit cheap labor. This is most commonly seen in the global south and post-colonial nations. 

Ideology is influenced by capitalism, as the dominant ideas of society are reflective of the interests of the ruling class (as of now Capitalists), in which there are institutions, such as media and forms of education meant to reproduce capitalism. These institutions are absolutely influenced, as seen in the news, where they accept advertiser money, which most certainly will tip their view of capitalism in a more favorable direction. Media and education are also commodified (News Networks, Private schools, and entertainment production networks). 

Capitalism was historically progressive, insofar as advancement beyond feudalism. As this progressiveness became the norm, it became conservative, and reactionary. seeking to maintain itself and reproduce infinitely, capitalism destroys the world, as infinite accumulation is impossible with finite resources. contradictions arise between human nature to socialize and cooperate clash with the monotony of owned labor and private property. These prove capitalism is historically temporary, not a permanent form of existence and reality for the Workers.]]> https://econdem.org/showthread.php?tid=14 Thu, 26 Mar 2026 11:58:03 -0700 oblivionobsession]]> https://econdem.org/showthread.php?tid=14
As of right now, the ABC projects the following seats:
Labor - 33
Liberals - 4
One Nation - 1
Independents - 4

5 seats remain in doubt, of those in doubt seats One Nation lead in 3, Liberals in 1, Labor in 1.

The current vote percentages look like this:
Labor - 37.6%
One Nation - 22.3%
Liberals - 19.3%
Greens - 10.2%
Other - 10.6%
Due to One Nation finishing ahead of the Liberals on vote share, there is no 2PP estimate available at this time

One Nation have overtaken the Liberals in vote share, the second time they have done this at any state or federal election since their founding in 1997. The only other time they scored higher than the Liberals was in the 1998 Queensland state election, however, it is important to note the National-Liberal coalition existed there, with the coalition vote being split amongst the 2 parties. The coalition vote in 1998 was still higher than One Nation, the Liberals here are not so fortunate, as while the Nationals do exist in South Australia, they only got 0.1% of the vote and have no formal relationship with the SA Liberals.

For the 1998 Queensland election, One Nation got 22.68% of the vote compared to the Liberals 16.09% and the Nationals 15.17%. This was the first time in Queensland since 1974 that the Liberals got more votes than the Nationals, and while the Nationals would remain the senior coalition partner there with more seats, their vote count would never again be above the Liberals and ultimately they would merge to form the Queensland LNP

A result similar to this has happened in the past, but Queensland One Nation quickly collapsed due to Pauline Hanson being a provably incapable leader, an issue that has plagued the party for 30 years as defections from One Nation are common. Time will only tell if One Nation can keep this momentum, or if like in 1998 they will come crashing down again. As for the South Australian Labor Party, they find themselves in a significant position of strength, as their charismatic and popular leader continues to win the hearts and mins of South Australians.]]>
As of right now, the ABC projects the following seats:
Labor - 33
Liberals - 4
One Nation - 1
Independents - 4

5 seats remain in doubt, of those in doubt seats One Nation lead in 3, Liberals in 1, Labor in 1.

The current vote percentages look like this:
Labor - 37.6%
One Nation - 22.3%
Liberals - 19.3%
Greens - 10.2%
Other - 10.6%
Due to One Nation finishing ahead of the Liberals on vote share, there is no 2PP estimate available at this time

One Nation have overtaken the Liberals in vote share, the second time they have done this at any state or federal election since their founding in 1997. The only other time they scored higher than the Liberals was in the 1998 Queensland state election, however, it is important to note the National-Liberal coalition existed there, with the coalition vote being split amongst the 2 parties. The coalition vote in 1998 was still higher than One Nation, the Liberals here are not so fortunate, as while the Nationals do exist in South Australia, they only got 0.1% of the vote and have no formal relationship with the SA Liberals.

For the 1998 Queensland election, One Nation got 22.68% of the vote compared to the Liberals 16.09% and the Nationals 15.17%. This was the first time in Queensland since 1974 that the Liberals got more votes than the Nationals, and while the Nationals would remain the senior coalition partner there with more seats, their vote count would never again be above the Liberals and ultimately they would merge to form the Queensland LNP

A result similar to this has happened in the past, but Queensland One Nation quickly collapsed due to Pauline Hanson being a provably incapable leader, an issue that has plagued the party for 30 years as defections from One Nation are common. Time will only tell if One Nation can keep this momentum, or if like in 1998 they will come crashing down again. As for the South Australian Labor Party, they find themselves in a significant position of strength, as their charismatic and popular leader continues to win the hearts and mins of South Australians.]]> https://econdem.org/showthread.php?tid=12 Thu, 26 Mar 2026 09:15:45 -0700 ComradeMambo]]> https://econdem.org/showthread.php?tid=12

Socialism is intended and has proven to reduce/eradicate extreme inequality by preventing wealth and capital from consolidating into few hands. Socialism has, but is not limited to, social safety nets and social programs. These make access to basic needs not reliant on income, and therefore, a higher standard of living for all. As proven time and time again, workplace cooperatives are more efficient and effective than privately owned businesses. What is a cooperative? It is the practice of the workers owning where they work collectively. This also expands freedom through not being reliant on employers for healthcare or wages but rather owning your own labor. Profit driven waste is also avoided, as profit drives waste insofar as it profits the business/corporation. This extends democracy into life and work, rather than relegating democracy to simply voting for candidates, though socialism may be achieved through voting, and the equality of ownership reduces/eliminates wealth inequality that undermines democracy as a whole.]]>

Socialism is intended and has proven to reduce/eradicate extreme inequality by preventing wealth and capital from consolidating into few hands. Socialism has, but is not limited to, social safety nets and social programs. These make access to basic needs not reliant on income, and therefore, a higher standard of living for all. As proven time and time again, workplace cooperatives are more efficient and effective than privately owned businesses. What is a cooperative? It is the practice of the workers owning where they work collectively. This also expands freedom through not being reliant on employers for healthcare or wages but rather owning your own labor. Profit driven waste is also avoided, as profit drives waste insofar as it profits the business/corporation. This extends democracy into life and work, rather than relegating democracy to simply voting for candidates, though socialism may be achieved through voting, and the equality of ownership reduces/eliminates wealth inequality that undermines democracy as a whole.]]> https://econdem.org/showthread.php?tid=11 Thu, 26 Mar 2026 08:40:15 -0700 ComradeMambo]]> https://econdem.org/showthread.php?tid=11 A New View of Society and Other Writings


This text goes over the use of communities, labor reform, and education. It is foundational to early Socialism (economic democracy), and is very informative, it is not a Marxist text.]]> A New View of Society and Other Writings


This text goes over the use of communities, labor reform, and education. It is foundational to early Socialism (economic democracy), and is very informative, it is not a Marxist text.]]>