Richard Wolff: Capitalism is holding "all of us hostage"

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the nature of work and the lives of working people in drastic ways. Millions of workers lost their jobs over the past year and a half, millions more saw their in-person jobs reoriented to remote work, possibly for good. While there is a lot of discussion right now about what the future of work will look like after COVID-19, it's important to understand how the pandemic accelerated existing trends in the economy that have been remapping the terrain of work and the makeup of the working class over the past half century. In this special video edition of Working People, TRNN Editor-in-Chief Maximillian Alvarez talks with world-renowned economist Richard D. Wolff about what these trends tell us about the global evolution of capitalism and how we can forge a diverse working-class political coalition in the 21st century that is capable of building a political and economic system that works for all of us. Richard D. Wolff is Professor of Economics Emeritus at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and a visiting professor in the Julien J. Studley Graduate Programs in International Affairs at the New School in New York City; he is also the founder of Democracy at Work and host of their nationally syndicated show Economic Update. His latest book is The Sickness is the System: When Capitalism Fails to Save Us from Pandemics or Itself. #RichardWolff #Capitalism #COVID19 #WorkingClass
Studio: Adam Coley
Post-Production: Adam Coley
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[@BernieHollandMusic]

I remember seeing George Bush giving an after dinner speech to a convention of the armaments industry where he said "How great it is to be among the "haves" and the "have mores" and they laughed and applauded. I have heard recently from a friend of mine who used to work as a CIA analyst that Bush can no longer leave the United States for fear of either being arrested or assassinated.

[@conlawmeateater8792]

It wasn't worth it to sell his country after all.

[@dad45a]

@@conlawmeateater8792 Was 'W' ever a world traveler, prior to becoming POTUS? Perhaps those rumors of Bush landholdings in Paraguay are just that....rumors.

[@thewrightfamily369]

Sign me up. They'll be all gone.

[@Clusterboy]

Hope either happens 😮

[@JJ-JOHNSON]

Well that's what a murderer get, but prison cells is much smaller and that's what he deserves.

[@lauramcconney9367]

In1975, my husband was 15 years in the military, we had 3 kids, he had to work a part time job 5 days a week and I had to earn money sewing at home and doing taxes returns just to make ends meet!!! Then my dad retired and they moved in with us to help. And it was 47 years ago. We have gone straight down since then!!! WTH !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@montrelouisebohon-harris7023]

I am so sorry that y’all had to go that through that and I know the 1970s were really hard times. I was just a kid then and being born in 1967 I remember seeing long gas lines and not liking President Carter.

[@henrykujawa4427]

This goes back quite a while... but in the 80s, I worked for an engineering firm in Camden, NJ that had government & military contracts. Among other things, they made the electonic "guts" for the AWACS radar system. They were also one of the very 1st companies to get a COMPUTER-DRAFTING system. I always remember when this happened, I was the only one in the drafting department who was in favor of it. A computer drafting system would allow someone like me to do MORE work FASTER and MORE ACCURATELY. In theory, the company would be able to be MORE productive, and therefore, MORE profitable. IN THEORY, this should also mean the employees should benefit as well as the owners. IT DIDN'T. In fact, what happened was-- and this actually happened after I left the place-- they decided that with a computer-drafting system, instead of having 3 highly-skilled kinds of people with 3 different mindsets and skill-sets-- designer, engineer, and detailer-- they would have ONE person-- an engineer-- doing the work of THREE people. Their production DID NOT increase. They wanted to make the same profits with fewer people, and therefore the owners' profits would increase WITHOUT an actual increase in productivity. But an engineer's mind DOES NOT work like a designer's-- or a detailer's. A longtime friend of mine who stayed there for many years after I left liked to put it this way: "THAT'S WHY THE WORK ISN'T GETTING DONE RIGHT". The combined GREED and STUPIDITY of the owners, were sabotaging their own products, and destroying any chance of their employees being able to take pride in the work they were doing. F*** the "owner class"!!!!! Most of them are TOTAL A**H***s.

[@Internetbutthurt]

No surprise to me and could have predicted that. Im sure the company (in fact companies) didnt want to complete work faster as they want to drag that work on for as long as possible and to argue complexity to milk it.

[@danielhutchinson6604]

I picked up a Laptop that had some drafting program included, and it seemed pretty difficult to operate with DOS controls. The introduction of the Autocad methods made any Bozo capable of presenting Drawings that were easily edited and allowed more control from the "Bosses"...... The link to Cad powered Machine tools was the next step in eliminating the human element from the process in manufacturing. Now they need to find some new form of Consumer to support the Profits that are needed to enable the system to continue to function? Without Consumers as John M Keynes pointed out, a consumer society will not last long.

[@danielhutchinson6604]

@Meme Memeson How many Typesetting Workers are needed when a Machine accomplishes the job ?

[@danielhutchinson6604]

@@Internetbutthurt Profits are the New Divinity.

[@danielhutchinson6604]

@Meme Memeson The Digital Age has created a lot of grief for Newspapers. I used to haul Newsprint to a local printer, the amounts as well as frequency proves that people seem to be reading less Printed Papers. I was indicating that Humans are being eliminated from the process. I understand that Young people have never lived when actual money was printed that represented an actual Coin. We had some interesting discussions about Fiat Dollars after Economics Classes at Berkely in 1970.....

[@shelleyharris2850]

I don't have a job. My life is my work. Disability, another tactic to keep me trapped in the SYSTEM, said I had a low IQ.

[@downandout73]

I've experienced that too. You're not alone.

[@hansjuker8296]

Yeah, all you commies are lazy idiots.

[@gg-wk2ww]

Don't believe what they say to you keep pushing forward or sideways as best you can, others will come into your life and be on your side ❤👏🙋‍♀️

[@eddasturrup4912]

Dr. RICHARD WOLFF...... THANKS FOR SHARING THIS INFORMATION ABOUT A BETTER SOCIETY FOR THE WORKING CLASS AND ALL PEOPLE..... MAKING SURE THAT THE PLANET IS TAKEN CARE OF FOR GENERATIONS OF OUR CHILDREN TO COME......... WE MUST SHARE AND TAKE CARE OF OTHER LIFEFORMS ON THE PLANET....

[@debradelarue9717]

Man are you delusional! Globalists dont care ab o ut planet or you and they run the world.

[@mikeborrelli193]

He's a fraud. Are his students allowed to tell him to sit down and take over his classroom, or is it run like a capitalist hierarchy with him at the top of that hierarchy. Is tuition at Amherst campus in Massachusetts free or is it reserved for the richest most privileged members of our political and business class? Why is a supposedly avowed communist living as a privileged wealthy 1%'er?

[@ryanbeau6345]

Thank you so much for sincerely telling us the news.. I pray more people enlighten themselves about what's really happening..

[@kimshaw-williams]

Hear hear

[@CLM2204]

But No Body can See or Control their Own Brains. And None of this has been Hidden. It just a-shame, that the Political System is just Now being exposed. The word “Capitalism” is the Real True Meaning & Correct in its Spelling ... It’s the Key to the Word “World of Orders” Socializing is the only way to Communicate With Each Other, But That’s was Destroyed by the Word “Racism” ... Who gets too the Top & Who stays at the Bottom of the Word Pyramid Communities are destroyed with Racism & Segregation, became the Word “Suburbs” (Or substitute 4 J R Bull Shit) While the Cities Are under the control of Po Ice & unlimited street drugs ... planted by the Alien Controllers Like JP Morgan Ships are the Bankers ... And Labels Represents the Proof, That Brains Are Being LED by the Same the Alien Controllers, with Names like MonSatans, Gates & Cages or Barr’s .... There are no Coincidences. Ronald Reagan identified all Workers as Slaves, under what Mr Stockman called Voodoo Economics, as the word PATCO (Pay the Corporations) by Destroying Human Rights - to Organize for their Own Human Rights. Was Destroyed Bill Clinton followed up by Destroying All Good Factory Paying Jobs under NAFTA, (Enough of ta) While practicing his own authority to have sex in his officers as a business. He also identified the word IsIs before 911 actually happened, by giving the his own definition about sex & love. And The most Recent SupremeD Court Ruling, just Verified That All Human Rights Are Now being Eliminated ... As the Word Controlled, Represents “Capitalism” Both Parties agreed to change the Word Slavery to Capitalism - Before they killed Honest Abe who wouldn’t Agree. Then they switched Names, Because they are the Same... I was beginning to worry about IF Anybody was Going To Have the Courage To see this ... Because it does explain - what’s getting ready to Happen Tomorrow ... Donald Trump is Still Free because he is their Leader. The Orange Jesus.... And Hershey Bar Walker, will be His Judas 🤣 PS Lies Represents the KINGS ENGLISH The DeviL has LiveD Again Social Problems Are Family Problems And the Family Represents Humanity Rights While Religions Hate Each Other There was a Time, when People of Color, where Not Allowed to be Christians So I want to Thank You Professor, For Your Courage To Tell the TRUTH THAT HAS NEVER BEEN HIDDEN 🤑

[@willywonka6252]

You can't handle what is really happening.

[@rogerkeinengel2467]

Working class is anyone whose entire quality of life is tied to that one paycheck; anyone who can't just walk off the job without ending up in financial dire straits; anyone who cannot collect unemoyment for.the entire benefit period. Basically. A working class person lives from hand to mouth. Sometimes he even borrows future paychecks (payday loans) because things do get that bad. His credit score is practically zero. To politicians, he's just a single vote because he cannot afford campaign donations even once.

[@hansjuker8296]

Anyone who spends more than they make? Lol

[@devoidreality7252]

Max, this was a great episode! I’ve followed Dr. Wolff and his work for a while now and this was a new high water mark in his explanations. Yes, please continue these discussions. Thank you 🙏

[@abeismain]

It was amazing to see TRNN and Dr Wolff coming together!

[@stuartplant7726]

0

[@sacredmetaphics]

I agree 1000 percent. I am going to share Individually with all of my contacts

[@georgekelmeris9804]

Thank you Mr Wolff, we need more people like you, to open the brainwashed people's eyes to reality. You're a great human being, and I salute you sir...👏👏👏👏👏🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸👍👍👍👍👍

[@bennyacosta1560]

In this country we make it so that private companies don't have to concern themselves with your constitutional rights or protections because they are private entities. In the same scope these private entities are considered persons. So by that logic, one person May deprive another person of their constitutionally protected rights as long as the person whose rights are being deprived is an employee. It would appear that in this system that we have, employees are not considered persons. You can also put into that list the right to assemble. Corporations don't like it when their employees assemble and gather to discuss amongst themselves. Corporations want their employees to be dispersed so that they don't communicate with each other and they want those employees to be good hard workers who don't ask questions. Attempting to destroy your right to free assembly is one of the main reasons Union busting is illegal.

[@coopsnz1]

There 40% - 80% taxes in Australia it sucks more than usa for your savings

[@conlawmeateater8792]

I completely agree. Employees are treated like robots

[@conlawmeateater8792]

@benny Acosta do you know the caselaw citation that the Supreme Court says that private entities are private persons under the 14th ammendment?

[@bennyacosta1560]

@@conlawmeateater8792 That was the point I was making in my comment. Corporations are considered persons. But somehow a natural born human being can have their rights and protections trampled over by some artificially constructed legal person. And because the natural born human person is designated as an employee somehow that makes it OK for their constitutional rights and protections to be completely eviscerated By a corporate "person".

[@chrismiller6095]

Grow up grow a pair be a man

[@jimmylee1776]

Thank you Professor Wolf for this video. The US is a Capitalist society as well as being a plutocracy. It’s a society where the working class is disadvantaged. It’s a country where the rich controls the economy & country for the rich. Socialism is seen as something bad. That’s why there are not many social programs to assist the low income people. Here in Australia we have many social programs for example: 1) Every employer must contribute to the the employees’ superannuation fund. The compulsory superannuation contribution is 9.5% of the employees’ earning. This percentage will rise to 12%, in the years to come. 2. When a person has insufficient income to support their pension, when they retire, the government will provide age pension to the person. The person may receive full or part age pension depending on the person’s income at retirement. 3. Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS) to assist all Australians with interest free loan to attend tertiary education. Upon graduation the student repays the loan to the government when their salary reached a certain level. 4. Seniors Health Card enables senior citizens over age of 65 to buy medicines at a discount. The best system I have seen is the Chinese government’s system where Capitalism is controlled. Their philosophy is “it’s ok to get rich, but don’t forget the poor working class “. In a period of 50 to 60 years, China lifted 800 million people out of poverty. This is done through hard work of the Chinese people & the sharing of the wealth earned. Perhaps the US should learn from China. Instead of seeing China as a threat, the US should cooperate with China to work for world peace & prosperity. Good luck to all Americans, from Australia 🇦🇺

[@youtubesucks1499]

So why bother to open a business if all your profits are stolen ?

[@NY_Thirdeye]

This was the single most impactful re-education on Capitalism I have ever heard, seen or experienced! I humbly thank you for your clear, concise, illustrative, explanation Mr Wolff.

[@sickboy8682]

Well, you're easily duped then aren't you. The guy is ideologically driven and nonsensical.

[@larrym2434]

@@sickboy8682 Please elaborate.

[@GR8APE69]

​@@sickboy8682He's certainly ideologically driven, but that's not inherently bad. Being motivated by an ideology of fairness for the little guy, a drive to reestablish a passion and source of financial as well as spiritual wealth from one's work, and the ideology that our political systems should not be dominated a controlled entirely by money, the overwhelming wealth of select few individuals, and thereby working in a fashion antithetical to the well-being and desires of the majority who are supposed to have that power through their vote but of course do NOT within the current system because the wealth of those select individuals is more powerful than the vote and societal power of the body politic. In my opinion, you must either be confused about what exactly Prof Wolfe proposes, OR it's YOU who is ideologically influenced to accept and support the conclusions of the wealthy who rely on your political opposition to your own best interest and do their best to make sure of it either by convincing you to believe in its ideological ordainment as an ethical value or by simply buying off those who they can't fool in to handing over to them what little political power the working class possesses individually, but which together is enough to overcome the political power that the ruling class possesses derived from their wealth. My honest question to you is: What is so wrong about democratizing the workplace? The institution of work and the jobs we have are the number 1 active force which dictates our lives as individuals of the working class. So why is it a bad thing to democratize that structure of power to rebalance it in our favor or as an equal division among those involved. This sort of thing wouldn't even require the public or government ownership of businesses or industries. Everyone sees socialism and thinks that means the government will own everything and then doll out shares of wealth in equal slices among the citizenry. But this is the nonsense thinking that borrows far too much from the bolshevik structure. We could keep the overall structure of capitalism, but democratize the power of decision making an ownership of that enterprise among the employees involved in that corporation. Wealth would still be private, the overall economics of the situation would be subject to the price structures of supply and demand, profits would still be the ultimate goal of these companies, innovation would be as valuable and in demand as ever, and so the crazy fears of radical socialism would be largely unfounded. Things would operate very similarly to how they do now, but instead of the majority of the wealth and power going to the 1%, it would go to the 99%, or really, divided among all 100%. And not evenly either. Idk why everyone thinks that. People who work in companies aren't stupid. They know the engineers and scientists working on research and development and product design are "more important" in a way than the guys who pack the boxes, and within the vote among all of the employees, the profits could be shared in an equitable way that still recognizes and rewards the top producers and most technically skilled. Think about it and get back to me.

[@joshuagharis9017]

​@sickboy8682 oh, young padawan, much to learn, stop listening to American imperialist propaganda 🙄

[@DisposableEgo]

We may all be held hostage, but only a few will understand the impact

[@jgalt308]

IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH...it's just not the strength of the ignorant, and especially not the "willfully ignorant"!!!

[@dshepherd107]

Bc of the climate crisis, everyone will understand the impact within the next 7-8 yrs. The problem is, if we (all large carbon emitting countries) don’t stop, essentially immediately, we won’t be able to prevent global Ave temp increases from reaching temps which will make survival for most land flora & fauna impossible. That includes us of course. I’m a retired research biologist. When I hear Prof Wolff saying he thinks we can evolve in our thinking such that we can change the socio-economic model we lived w/ since the inception of this country, I agree that it’s possible in theory. However, in point of fact, it would take a long time.. at least 25 yrs if I’m being generous. We don’t have that kind of time. Therefore, while I’ve always been an optimist, I now can’t help but see Runaway Climate Change as inevitable, simply bc a very small % of the population.. the rulers of the world, choose not to, as they would rather increase their power & wealth & see the world burn. And it is burning. It is drowning. It is dying from drought & famine. And it is they who are responsible. .

[@phillipmiddleton9335]

@@dshepherd107 Agreed, so perhaps our only possible route out of this mess is to encourage a revolution?

[@maxgatica5736]

It is been designed and done to keep PEOPLE like this true education, RADIO, NEWS PAPERS, TELEVISION BY NOT DOINE THEIR JOB on informing the listeners of what is going on

[@kccox8516]

I don't want to live in a Marxist/Communist Country. That's what's being sold here !

[@batgirlp5561]

I pray he's right, this terrible system needs to end and workers need to wake up and unite.

[@youtubesucks1499]

So go open a co-op.

[@Tampa0123456789]

One of those videos you don't plan on watching but ended up watching the whole thing

[@frankiedyon]

So well done!!! Richard Wolff is phenomenal!! Thanks guys.

[@albwilso9]

You soooo right, a level of failure is a good description of the situation we are in!!!

[@subversivelysurreal3645]

Iceland’s reaction to the pandemic, and everything it exposed about working from home: to shorten the work week to four days (of course everyone will be paid the same.) Just sayin’ : it doesn’t HAVE to be like this.

[@youtubesucks1499]

As an employer are you working 4 10 hour shifts? The is absolutely no way I would pay you 40 hours for working 32.

[@WyldeRatttz]

Yes, I believe it was conclusively demonstrated that shorter work-weeks result in INCREASED productivity, since people have time to properly rest.

[@MaryBeth551]

This is an amazing interview with Professor Wolff! The truth about American capitalism and why we are crashing. Yes, we have been like a bear in hibernation & now we're starting to wake up!

[@rsimp390]

We don't have capitalism we have crapitalism. Which is where the government picks winners and losers. true capitalism does that organically. This communist's approach is bigger government, etc. Pathetic. Capitalism needs some sensible regulation but this guy would advocate a total takeover of business by the state. Every time I see this guy's face I change the chanell

[@dougcasey6117]

I still remember my grand dad he called buying with credit or loan, he;d say oh your buying that on scrach... His reasoning was the interest rate was how deep it was cutting you. Going through the late 20s and 30s in Oklahoma affected his mind. He with a passion hated businessmen and the wealthy, boy I miss that man.

[@youtubesucks1499]

Did he borrow money from a poor man?

[@nadinesaliba2583]

Great interview. Richard Wolfe at his best and it was your questions Max that made it possible.

[@TEXGLAM]

I have such a high regard for R. Wolff for several years. Listening to him is comforting as he pragmatically breaks things down. His passion and compassion comes across sincerely even with a bit of cynicism.

[@hilaryporter7841]

Today in the UK as well as in the US all that you prophesied is in the process painfully of happening.

[@MS-qc3rh]

Brilliant. Teachers, please use this. Prof. Wolff delivers an elegantly simple, honest, and hopeful evaluation of economic history and the current system.

[@anhedonic-voting]

Make a small video of the "I Quit" example/explanation, it's GOLD and needs to be shared.

[@KDemosh]

That's such a good idea, make that a bit sized piece for a larger audience grab!

[@tonyfernandes2342]

The only solution on which I can think of or see is that the workers, with the support of the people, take over the ownership of all technological and non-technological resources and means of production. From then on, with a rigorous governance controlled by the people, people will be able to live in peace and not being afraid of being subjugated by this bunch of bandits that control the world today. For the technologies to be at the service of the peoples, invention and renovation must be thoroughly encouraged with incentives for the practice of excellence.

[@MrDXRamirez]

The corporations cannot take the factories with them when they leave for cheaper places to open shop.

[@rsimp390]

said the communist clown. your professors brain washed you

[@youtubesucks1499]

So let's say you try to take over Google. The owners gut the company and what are you left with? Next, what's the INCENTIVE to create a product like Ring if it's going to be siezed? If you tried to sieze my company all you would get is an empty bank account and the debt. Anything of value would be gone.

[@youtubesucks1499]

@@MrDXRamirez No, they strip it bare. They take the cash, the client list, and leave you with debts So now what?

[@MrDXRamirez]

@@youtubesucks1499 Mobilize!!! Agitate, agitate, agitate, and mobilize.

[@jamespurcer3730]

The problem is the greed of the psychotic billionaires and millionaires and the lack of regulation over the corporations and the lack of high taxation of them. This cannot be remedied until we overturn Citizens United.

[@teardrop-in-a-fishbowl]

@WTFViewer Will not gonna happen, Americans are asleep and diverted while eating burgers and watching Netflix. That's the sad truth comming to my mind after overlooking all the different signs within the society. You don't get thousand people to demonstrate before the halls of power for simple things like M4A. I have to admit that I , a German, speaks from a foreigners position who follows US politics and the attempts to bring changes through activism since decades. If anything will happen, it will be to late and violent.

[@teardrop-in-a-fishbowl]

@WTFViewer Good luck. I ask myself when is the critical point achieved that people leave their comfortzone, explizit one the US? Idk, what weighs more, "gravity", what is holding people back while sitting on their couches, or the growing anger. I'm sceptic about the near future and time is really precious.

[@teardrop-in-a-fishbowl]

@WTFViewer It's nice to have someone who gives me more inside, his personal view. It's much appreciated! The US is at a boiling point and if the situation gets worse, if enough people are affected, it could then lead to actions by them. The question is, is the left ready to lead, because the right is. I'm 57 and I was always interested in socio-economic issues, politics (Germany, Europe and particulary the US) and macro-sociology. People are often strange and nobody knows how they will act. We in Europe have right-wing governments already, 1 leftwing in Portugal and some mishmash. Unfortunately people often choose nationalism instead of internationalism and solidarity. Idk where the journey goes in the US, I hope in the right while left direction when the time is come. It's a complex issue and the US does not know that M4A leads to communism, the fear of the people because of indoctrination is still an issue. If we would talk about this with a beer in hand and a steak on the grill, it would last long because there is so much more to say and listen to. Unfortunately my old ass is sitting in Germany. Thanks for taking the time and talk to me from your heart!

[@NEMO-NEMO]

@@teardrop-in-a-fishbowl what the path you talk about?

[@coopsnz1]

Live in a northern Europe the wealthy pay most taxes because they spend the most money ... Excise taxes is theft on middle class & upper class . Lamborghi in Australia $420000 because it tax $180000

[@raquelporter4927]

Have been telling my husband for years we live in a modern slavery.

[@judithalltop3953]

I'm with you on that!! Been telling everyone who would hold still long enough to hear me... Capitalism is just another name for "Wage-Slavery" !!! People with enough money don't have to purchase the slaves they need, they can just rent them by the hour. It's much cheaper for the rich people to rent the workers they need to use; they don't have to provide food, clothing, lodging, medical care, etc. I find it an amazing coincidence that our nation "freed the slaves" about the time the Industrial Revolution geared up, creating too many factories needing workers.

[@RedPillDiaries]

System-slâvery/tax-serfdom/neofeudalism using the worst, authoritarian and kleptocratic aspects of both false-capitalism and false-Socialism.

[@hansjuker8296]

Poor u

[@donnagaffney6467]

True & there is debt slavery too..

[@onceagain6184]

Tell your husband that you are wrong! Slaves didn't have a choice, YOU do!

[@noelleblanc4473]

Like it was said in the great movie Zeitgeist :" We dont live in a democracy but in a corporatocracy.

[@jeffm3283]

People say they miss their 1950's neighborhood community or whatever. We all blame the system at large, a few blame degeneracy or some shit, but few realize that capitalism is the heart or brain of the monster...

[@donaldcarpenter5328]

I was a LABORER and a member of the LABORER'S UNION before that I worked in the Shipyards as a Rigger and I was a member of the Boilermakers Union!!!! My wife was a NA at a Nursing Home until injuries forced to give that up. She worked many other jobs such as Asst. Manager of a mini mart, or Nintendo even as a meat packer. We are RETIRED now.We ARE the "WORKING CLASS!

[@donaldcarpenter5328]

My Mother Retired from Boeing as did my father and our Step Mother and my Uncle too and my wife has a nephew who WILL some day RETIRE from Boeing. My parents were members of the IAM my uncle and nephew both belong to SPEEA!!!

[@calvinmackey239]

You guys and girls have one of the best programs today, and should get more support from americans. Thank you so much.

[@liborsoural5016]

They have tons of money, a surplus ! Imagine us unemployed in third world countries heavily sanctioned by the US and EU. Greetings from down here in the wilderness of Nicaragua, in Central America ! As a disabled person myself I know first hand all the hardship in life, with only one hand, I´m typing this cry for help on my 15 year old computer in the tropics of Nicaragua trying to survive the bizarre WW3 without a job or pension. If you want to help me out, you can send me a Western Union or Moneygram wire with just one click to Nicaragua. How much can you splurge on my need ? So please contact me. Thank you truly ! God bless you and what´s left of this rough world !

[@rosskelly8268]

I love listening to the old professor. He is such an expressive and involving speaker. I bet his students have also enjoyed listening to him over many years. He would be great teaching online courses or courses on DVD, or podcasts - or even narrating audiobooks.

[@davidpeppers551]

38:00 Professor WOLFF! Pearl Harbor was NOT the only US territory attacked in WW II. Japan attacked Guam, Wake Island, and the Philippines as well. Please check the ole grey matter file! It might be best to just say, mainland USA was never attacked or that the contiguous US was not involved in the battles of WWII.

[@SisypheanRoller]

And what difference does that make to his main argument?

[@davidpeppers551]

@@SisypheanRoller Correctly stating the facts bolsters credibility while not doing so undermines it. The credibility of the speaker does effect how others view the arguement presented. If I find this error/omission/ carelessness here, where else has he made errors which I did not catch. That's the sifference

[@SisypheanRoller]

@@davidpeppers551 That's not how arguments work my guy. You can't point at one specific inaccuracy, without showing how it discredits the main argument, and then claim you have grounds to be skeptical. If that was all it took, you couldn't have any discussions at all because you'd be busy bikeshedding.

[@davidpeppers551]

@@SisypheanRoller Who said I was skeptical? I generally agree with Prof Wolff. Inaccuracies don't support agruements, but detract from them. That's how people work. People should not throw out a whole arguement because an occasional fact is misleading or outright wrong. They shouldn't do this, but many do. Why do you think GM tried so hard to discredit Ralph Nader?? Besmirching someone's character does work. It works by distracting from more important considerations.

[@davidpeppers551]

@@SisypheanRoller Yes. It is unfortunate.

[@jeffreymichael]

Amazing lecture. Thank you

[@sethchyna]

until we get to the root of the problem, which is the private corporation known as the federal reserve....nothing will change

[@lepidoptera9337]

OMG, what did the federal reserve ever do to you? :-)

[@DiarmuidOhibicin]

We are trapped in a neoliberal, un-fettered capitalism nightmare; thanks to Thatcher and Reagan.

[@jgalt308]

Actually FDR!!!!!

[@The.world.has.gone.crazy...]

Maybe thanks to the people themselfs, they do not rise up against the politicians or oligarchs.

[@jgalt308]

@@The.world.has.gone.crazy... Some thoughts: "But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security." "Government is not reason, it is not eloquence, it is force; like fire, a troublesome servant and a fearful master. Never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action." If you supposedly have the "right" to the redress of grievances, what are your options, when the arbiter of that fact and its resolution, is the actual cause of those grievances? There are plenty of "people" who are rising up...so many factions...so many causes...all of them doomed because the "mechanism" that was constructed to "prevent" what has happened from "happening" was taken away...and has been GONE for 87 years, and NO ONE noticed.

[@KDemosh]

I like that you named names, cheers!

[@timmoore3188]

The left tends to leave the self employed, the gig workers and the true independent contractors out of the working class designation. I don't mean the Amazon or Uber drivers in here, because they are employees, not independent contractors. The true independent contractors are those guys and gals driving the pickup trucks and towing the little trailers around. They in large part service our residential and commercial infrastructure, making sure the lawns are mowed and the lights work. They don't work for a corporation. Anyone and everyone can be their employer and it is temporary. They may have a couple of helpers, but this is not the same relationship as corporate employee/employee. What they make in dollars and the amount of cooperation needed to get the jobs done is just not on the same level as corporate structures. Indeed, independent contractors were the first cooperatives. People got together from various trades and divided up the profits in a more or less egalitarian manner on larger projects. Each was responsible for their own safety and taxes. It was fluid and when one job was done people went off to other jobs with maybe different trades involved as needed. Today the laws are forcing these true independent contractors into choosing between being employers or employees in a corporate manner. Worker that didn't require licenses are now required to have them or they need to work for someone who does, and there are many penalties possible if you work without a license and pay the dues and follow the rules. In the end the rules favor big corps that can pay for all the requirements of having employees. It is no wonder that these working class independent contractors side to the right of the political spectrum. The left and the right consider them employers. These people are not by nature pro corporate. Quite the opposite.

[@coopsnz1]

What about franchise Richard wolf claim as corporation owned when the not ... Government increases red tape & taxes making you poorer

[@timmoore3188]

@@coopsnz1 I'm not familiar with franchises, but licensed contracting, one guy or a small crew. There are so many obstacles that favor large corporations, like workers comp and health insurance. Then you have to compete with unlicensed people who don't have the overhead. If their was universal health care we gig workers would be better of and small owner could pay workers more. It would help level the playing field. Big is not always good, particularly in my field were closeness to your customer is important.

[@ivandafoe5451]

@@coopsnz1 You don't understand how franchises work and come to a faulty conclusion...franchises are corporate sub contractors controlled by the large corporations that issue the terms of the franchise.

[@kevinmayer8055]

Prof Wolff's statement that he thinks we are at the end of this system fills me with hope.

[@andegallagher6645]

All systems created will have people at the top and the bottom.

[@WyldeRatttz]

@@andegallagher6645 But are those at the top benevolent and democratically elected? The US gov't is currently an undemocratic system, with influence being determined by how much money you have for bribing politicians.

[@andegallagher6645]

@@WyldeRatttz the same as communist gov and socialist gov it's all a rigged game and your not in the club.

[@WyldeRatttz]

@@andegallagher6645 ??? Your point is what exactly, and how does it relate to my comment?

[@andegallagher6645]

@@WyldeRatttz seriously all!? All types of governments are the same with the bribing and corruption not just the US government 🙄 not that hard to work that one out mate.

[@erigerontriteleia]

Thx Prof Richard Wolf for your thorough explanation of what’s been happening in our capitalistic world👍.

[@timmcmaster6435]

Great insights as always by Dr. Wolff thx for a great program ❤

[@markmahan7725]

Working class is simple. If you are not among the .01% and the top of the executive board and shareholders. You are working class. No matter is you are classified as poor, blue collar, or white collar. You are working class. Unless you are worth millions with leisure to do as you like. You are working class. And the more you make past the millions. You then are not working class. If you have more time for leisure and spending money to buy you political favors. Then you are not working class. The 10% is not working class, but not ruling class.

[@Madasin_Paine]

It's a ridiculous loaded nearly meaningless word and the idea that people in the 1% or above don't work is about as ridiculous as saying politicians never worked a day in their life. If anyone has the chance go to their city council or any of their elected representatives above that level and ask them if being a politician means you don't work a day in your life. Why don't you define what work means and find out if that is a definition that has brought acceptance for its validity. Certainly if you can take the time to write a message you can take the time to figure out a better designation that isn't so loaded and divisive and insulting.

[@martinlopez4430]

Professor Wolff is pardon the pun right on the money. I have payed attention to what Professor Wolff has had to say over the years. He has always has a well thought out explanation of injustice of predatory capitalism. Well some may say that's capitalism, but capitalism must be regulated in order to maintain some kind of fairness for a collective society which we are all a part of.

[@genovevasilva6059]

I am in Chile watching profesor Wolf.

[@normalizedinsanity4873]

How many tears I have wept for the people of Chile. For myself this not just about the despotism inflicted upon the billions today, but because we have a duty to ensure that all those who lost their lives fighting for a world that places human dignity above all else, did not die in vain, and their memory is not erased but treated with the respect they deserve

[@arnystieber732]

I’m a retired business executive. I understand what Richard is saying and I agree but I don’t know how to change the system. I need a game plan - a realistic, workable step by step process to get where he’s saying we need to go.

[@holeshothunter5544]

Arny: in the Baltic countries, Iceland has dumped all the old men who ran their banks into the ground. The Finns have removed their entire government. Do THAT here.

[@Sammyli99]

LOL if you can get past the gatekeepers sure, BUT any "Liberal or let's change it" ideas are dead before they are thought, you have sold your nation to a committee of Money-men.

[@coopsnz1]

You clueless business man the government the enemy not capitalism

[@coopsnz1]

@@holeshothunter5544 Iceland fucked

[@Madasin_Paine]

Realism is not one of Mr Wolf's stronger points and he's not going to sympathize with someone like you. Businessman bad. "Worker" good.

[@Mindfeels]

A most valuable conversation. Must search out more from Mr Wolff.

[@patriciafichter4790]

Richard Wolff needs to go on Joe Rogan. This needs to be heard from everyone.

[@KDemosh]

I think that'd be a great chance to talk with libertarians and conservatives!

[@sethchyna]

lol rogan is riding high on his capitalism. i dont think he would be as receptive as you might hope

[@patriciafichter4790]

@@sethchyna good point. I just want everyone to know😔

[@billjoe39]

joe rogan represents angry white middle class/rural blue collar men who are often NRA fans ..........he would look like a fish out of water on the real news network, which appeals heavily to working class urban latino and black viewers

[@billjoe39]

@@KDemosh you need a laughtrack for that comment

[@olligo330]

Dr. Wolf really has the right vision and understanding of the here and now... and this isn't a bipartisan problem... which he also doesn't get muddied into. It is and has always been a class problem. Them vs. Us. But those few 'Them' create all the divisions, hatreds and societal problems to protect themselves from the masses.

[@larrynones3353]

You're right.

[@khalilsabra1179]

​@@larrynones3353

[@Madasin_Paine]

But Mr Wolff epitomizes an US versus them mentality very much black and white. Business owner bad "Worker" good (with the clear implication that the businessman not only doesn't work but doesn't seem to have any skin in the game more than any worker).

[@olligo330]

@@Madasin_Paine Madasin, I see you view the world in B&W and why you accuse Dr. Wolf of doing so. He is very intelligent and his answers are nuanced, understanding the positive role of the employer/employee in any economic system. That is NOT the issue he addresses. YOu have simplified a much larger problem, involving powerful people into worker/owner situation. The world is filled with worker/owners. And even what he prefers, the cooper worker owned. This is NOT the capitalism he targets in his talks. It is the empire-drive, vulture capitalists that have taken over the governments, determine the rules they need to rule by and destroy any value in the worker. Regular businesses do not have this ability. Your mom & pop shops are just as much the victims of the vultures as the workers. Perhaps relisten to his message? IDK what it would take, but likely many different views from non-republican propaganda to understand the distinctions between businesses, worker class and RULING class. It is the RULING class that is the culprit. Hope that helps.

[@Madasin_Paine]

@@olligo330 Think about the Grave ®eset, Îndu$ t®ia£ 2.0, dual use 8i0★£∆b ®€$ear©h so central to the ®o¥∆£ $©am & G®an∆ ∆€£ U$ ion, The Grave Game ©h€$$board for the jewels for total hegemony locked in Eurasia and and ∆nglo ∆emerican ©oaltion of U$ ua£ $uspects, the extremes T.H.€.¥. have taken, and will exponentially execute, in just these past 3 years, especially. What us the most powerful of TH€Î® ή0N ‡®iANG£€$, of late? Top 5 Ï.T + Top 3 ∆$$€t Mgmt Booki€$ ‽ Deeper than ANY one permanent opaque bureaucratic ©orp $+a+e ‽ What are THE ULTIMATE mission statements of the W € F, one of which, is catching on with the public, and by no accident as that their own website clearly states what they're doing and how desperate they are. If you think about these so-called radical cutting edge so-called progressives, that get so much air time and yet remain alive and free, if you don't suspect that that messaging is yet a further way to sort and filter and divide people then I think you are more naive than you give yourself credit for. Black and white thinking is not what I am about that may be your own projection and your ego talking because the message I gave you is too close to home, but to be honest it doesn't really matter and I really don't KNOW, do I? PS I don't think too many people, my age, relatively speaking, have heard from the wolff$, then have I. Chew the meat. Spit out the bones.

[@teardrop-in-a-fishbowl]

That's all true and feasable IF, yes if you reach a critical mass to pressure politics. I don't see that will happen in time, not in well educated Europe, definatly not in the US. The lack of understanding in what situation we are in, and that's different when it comes to socio-economic issues but not climate change (of course not, we are all in in this desaster), and the ongoing propaganda by the kings of capitalism carried out by the main outlets (on air or paper) and supported by politics what's still working to well, hinders a uprise of those who are most affected, the working class and the poor. I'm a optimist and realist, the latter makes me a sceptic. Would love being part of the masses, which can bring the needed changes, the direction we heading to, again. But ......

[@maxdoubt5219]

Same thing Chomsky's been saying: change must come from the bottom up.

[@tconbo4514]

Mao tse tung says: "change must come, through the barrel of a gun" or so said the alabama 3. . .

[@nafeesyoutube9996]

Wow! This man has hit the nail right on the head. This is my second video of this great man. He can analyse centuries and so much of the theories so conveniently. Kudos to this man!

[@supportiranianfreedom4982]

NOBODY explains economics better and more clear than Dr. Wolff. Why don't we elect an extremely informed and compassionate person him for President?

[@ramongonzales2292]

Extraordinary presentation. Thanks, Mr. Wolf.

[@Madasin_Paine]

The more I listen to Wolff and the more I listen to small business owners the more it seems that Wolf has no idea what it means to start a small business and if he does he completely avoids it at all. So imagine trying to put together a small business in the last 4 years and then dealing with the lockdown because of the malfeasance of government and heavy-handedness of the monopolistic forces that formed that iron triangle of tyranny with organized crime. Imagine what sacrifices existing businesses committed to keep their employees viable. Imagine losing everything and destroying your credit and then going out of business and the employees move on to another job but where does that leave the small business person? In this way Wolf is purely a utopian and there isn't much reflection in this country of his principles in action to hold up. In this way he is just another talking head giving people some hope and maybe some optimism but he's misdirecting them and ways that academic mouthpieces often do and it helps him but it is not as helpful as it could be to those he preaches to. He's setting people up. I think the principles he holds up are in existence and I believe there is merit to them but a utopian professor just seems like another Ivory Tower preacher who as a business owner gets all the credit and all the fame and all the freebies and Glory that comes with it but we hear nothing about the people that make his program possible and what good does it do them compared to the good it does him? And much the same way the so-called capitalist takes all the credit and gets most of the benefits beyond what he puts into it the name recognition and popularity of Mr Wolf is much like that of any stardom CDO that gets to hog the airways. The benefits of that popularity are enormous and people would give a lot to have that kind of popularity and this kind of platform. I know very little about the people that help Mr Wolff do what he does. At the end of the day he's another divide and conquer propagandist dividing business owners from the their employees.

[@deemanrt]

This was completely worth the read. This channel constantly misses the mark with their "intellectual" guests like Wolff. The interview amounts to an echo chamber conversation where the host dare not disagreed with his idol of the day. Garbage.

[@ninat4869]

It seems the small business owner dilemma is the caveat of business discussions that gets overlooked. It seems the small business owners are duped into believing that they can become as successful as big business. Until the big business buys them out. Capitalism is a cunning, disingenuous system. The small business uses all is ingenuity to succeed for the big business to snatch and grab. And the small business succumbs to the same fate as the working class. That of making sure big business gets bigger.

[@jayogden2701]

For over one hundred years US auto manufacturers have built an industry and was the backbone for our society in many ways. However, this industry has become an industry without profit in the manufacture of cars, truck, etc. They make no money from manufacturing vehicles, they only make money when we buy their products and it breaks down or wears out very fast, then they make money in the service of repair manufacturing maintenance of these vehicles. Then a man from South Africa came to America and is transforming the manufacturing of vehicles into a profit making business. Elon Musk is this man.... His employees are making great salaries and building their wealth with stock bonuses and purchasing stock in their 401K plans. And the president of the USA has chosen to ignor this man and belittle his success. Not a good choice... He too shall pass...

[@SkywalkerFTP]

Appreciate these indi news channels that are looking to empower working class people and bring us together. We need it now more than ever.

[@nammyohorengekyoooooo]

O.m.g. I LOVE this guy, he's telling it like it is.

[@jgalt308]

No, he is telling you what you want and need to hear...

[@KDemosh]

He's pretty freaking rad, it's super worth your time to look up his lectures on KZbin. There's a college talk where he goes into worker cooperatives that is mind blowing!

[@KDemosh]

I'm so excited that I went and found the video for you! kzbin.info/www/bejne/l2K6hn6XnbKgZ9U

[@KDemosh]

Excellent episode, great questions!

[@BernieHollandMusic]

There is a Latin verb "privare" - it means "to rob". From this Latin verb we get words like "private" - "privatisation" and "deprivation" - if I had pointed this truth out many years ago, I would have been vilified as a socialist or a communist - had we not all been so selfish years ago, we would not have allowed this vile system to have developed to the point now where there are soon to be two classes - the obscenely rich and the obscenely poor.

[@melcollins4016]

One year after your delivery I find your talk astonishing. Astonishing because everything you said then is absolutely real as I right this note of appreciation and thanks for the knowledge.

[@albwilso9]

I think you are right, but the “people” ( workers ,and those who have no work) have to not be fooled by the Employers with the scapegoats, and Dr Wolffs teaching helps, because he cuts through the Oligarchy’s bullshit and he needs to get out the word to MORE Employees !!!

[@albwilso9]

This is all so true, but we need to move on to explain How we are going to change things! so many people are so brainwashed, and “enslaved” and therefore unable to back change!!!

[@bicyclist2]

I became a admirer of Prof Wolf after listening to him for the first time over four years ago. What he says isn't new. Sadly Professor Wolf's explanation of inflation is totally wrong. I've done the research. If you take the time to do the research, you'll discover that inflation always happens because Banks get to create new money every time someone takes out a new loan or mortgage. Unfortunately the average person doesn't understand that their money is worth less every day, they just see that the price has gone up. The Price Didn't Go Up! The current price just reflects the fact that there's more new money in circulation, so it has less value. New money is created all the time, every day, by Banks. It's called "Fractional Reserve". If the National debt was payed off tomorrow, there would be NO money in circulation anywhere. Thankfully this is covered in the very important documentary "Zeitgeist Addendum". Once you see it, you'll understand how Bankers rule the world. I keep telling people we don't live in a free country. Unfortunately we live in a oligarchy, plutocracy, and Fascist state. Thank you.

[@joeldwest]

Thank you Dr. Wolff. Brave hero of our sad world.

[@jelef001]

excellent interview and explanation!

[@user-wl2xl5hm7k]

Prof. Wolff, can you please research & advocate for full intellectual property (IP) abolition? This is the most important activist aim for working class people!! A workers’ co-op economy (& most leftist projects) has very little chance without first abolishing IP. And IP abolition is the most important aim to liberate artists & inventors & make them all better off financially. Please see the work of Stephan Kinsella, Michele Boldrin, & David K. Levine. These are the best experts on intellectual property in the world. Everyone who cares about seriously improving things for humanity needs to know what IP abolition is about.

[@user-wl2xl5hm7k]

IP laws make no sense from either left or right politics. The “property” in intellectual property is a false term used for propaganda purposes. Intellectual property is not property in any sense. It’s monopoly. IP actually stifles innovation & creativity. IP also is the main component of cultural control, propaganda, & advertising. And IP seriously screws up our economy & stacks it for the rich & powerful more than any other tool (especially IP with digital tech & the internet).

[@user-wl2xl5hm7k]

The recent economics book ‘Against Intellectual Monopoly’ & the essay ‘Against Intellectual Property’ are both as important as Marx’s ‘Capital’!! All leftists need to read both (free online)

[@user-wl2xl5hm7k]

If you want to watch YT videos before reading the two texts mentioned above, the best videos are when you look up Stephan Kinsella intellectual property [or] IP. He has some excellent lectures on it and even an instructional course playlist to learn about IP in-depth called Rethinking Intellectual Property History Theory and Economics. Look up Michele Boldrin intellectual property for some more good videos. And Uniquenameosaurus has 2 excellent and entertaining videos from April 2021 about IP abolition. These are all the best videos on IP as far as I know.

[@user-wl2xl5hm7k]

NOTICE: To the extent I have any copyright in the comments in this thread, I relinquish those rights to the public domain according to the CC0 license. Signed, PN. -Before we abolish IP, everyone use the CC0 license for ALL types of works when you can!

[@austindenotter19]

Just remember that you ALL let it happen. You pissed and moaned about high prices the little/local hardware/grocery/lumber stores in your local town until they went out of business and you're more than happy to drive to a Walmart Menards Home Depot etc. Good for you!

[@cathysmusic4919]

Prof Wolf, Listening to you makes me both panic and have hope, we left the west and moved back to Africa so we could raise our son with relative ease, even though We are highly educated professionals with 6 figure salaries, the daily grind didn't allow for family as we knew and wanted. Now I don't have much money but my family life is so much better. China was here though when I got here and roads and wifi etc are great, but now the west seems to be back since last month and first thing our govt is about to do is sell the populace GMO seeds and has stopped all projects to relieve us of the "debt trap" of China and start the IMF again. Western capitalism is awful because it cares for Noone, not the young or the old it's not even racial, its demonic (and I'm not overly religious at all) I have no other way to describe it. It creates monsters of all our leaders regardless of Geography.

[@thebullyboutique9497]

This was an awesome conversation, Thank you

[@davidzz4307]

I Love Wolf's anger/sarcasm. He speaks for the masses.💪🌏. Been a fan since first show on WBAI.❤️

[@mediawatcher1945]

The only station worth listening to. 99.5 FM in NYC!

[@lisaisabella182]

Excellent and the most real presentation about the future. You, are the best, when you don't have competitor! I hope, it is a lesson to learn, till is not to late. THANK YOU!

[@meanhombre6]

I enjoyed this podcast with Professor Richard Wolfe... Pls. Bring the Professor again

[@jgalt308]

" a man hears what he wants to hear and disregards the rest. " The Boxer" S & G

[@Jimi_Lee]

I was born right in the middle of the baby boom. I turned 18 in 1976, right when wages etc flatlined. Why do we always get credit for the end of the gravy train that was already already running out of steam when Nixon went off the gold standard in '71? Reaganomics was firmly in place by the time a lot of boomers got their first real job.

[@jgalt308]

FDR went off the gold standard in 1933. ( which was and remains unconstitutional ).

[@Jimi_Lee]

@@jgalt308 Ok, where did you get that. I'm not an American currency historian, but conventional wisdom has it happening under Nixon in '71. Is it like the Fed, being put in place and the supporting legislation being provided later?

[@jgalt308]

@@Jimi_Lee When you confiscate all the "gold" and rep[lace it with "currency" which is redeemable in "lawful money", but which you can not redeem, that is fiat. ( and after you confiscate it, you devalue the currency by 300% by raising the "official price" of it, even though you still cannot redeem it...that is "fiat inflation". ( although even with this devaluation the overall effect was deflationary, due to the depression, which in terms of purchasing power reached its inflationary peak in 1926, in terms of 1860 dollars, and 1896/7/8...where it took 2.15 to purchase $1.00 worth of goods for those years respectively, and finally settled at $1.67 in 1939. 1955 was the last year the US printed any redeemable currency, either US NOTES or FEDERAL RESERVE notes. What ended in 1971 was BrettonWoods ( 1944 ) and was an "international agreement" of the dollar backed by gold, as a global reserve currency, but this proved "problematic" in terms of "settlements" which led to the "creation" of the eurodollar, at around the same time, but the FRENCH, still insisted on redeeming its US currency in "gold" which was why Nixon, brought an end to it in 1971. Silver coinage in the US also ceased by then...but fiat inflation was already well underway in the US, and reached 300% by 1972...and then doubled again by 1982.

[@Jimi_Lee]

@@jgalt308 Fair enough. A two step process. Trading gold as a commodity seems peculiar, if it's "real money."

[@jgalt308]

@@Jimi_Lee Well you can examine the evidence of fiat...or the effects of the various attempts to cheat by debasing commodity based money...and they do not end well. The entire world has been operating on fiat since 1933, and the prospects do not look promising. But maybe you are feeling optimistic...???

[@cidmon4566]

Working class today means overworked underpaid

[@albwilso9]

I hate to think of how much profit my employers made, over the period of approx. 57 years I worked!!!!

[@hansjuker8296]

You not get paid?

[@thalgott3]

Only 7K views in a week on a channel with 455K subscribers. What a goddamn shame they're too busy watching something else instead. Maximillian, you have been doing an amazing job traveling to Bessemer, Wisconsin, etc., reporting stories that matter to people who care about other people! Hopefully you can link up with K&S at Breaking Points often to get an algorithm boost for these important news stories from their audience!

[@jeffreybyrd5721]

This dude right here.....you better listen

[@KDemosh]

His talks are so liberating! kzbin.info/www/bejne/l2K6hn6XnbKgZ9U

[@janedoe1229]

32:02 top 1% worth TRILLIONS got even more trillions over last 18 months (Pandemic period) 32:16 Rich got richer = 600 Billionaires in America

[@brianconner1511]

As a young working class organic farmer and small business owner - I know how broken the system is, though Richard, your analysis is flawed and simplistic. Firstly, I must critique your remark that we should have locked down harder for a disease that primarily affects the elderly and then you want to complain that millions of American businesses, including black and minority-owned business, were forced to shut down, as part of one of the largest wealth transfers in history? This was a huge missed opportunity to support working class people and small businesses. We could also go into how many people were harmed or killed worldwide by the lockdowns, or how the NIH, CDC, and FDA are captured agencies beholden to the pharmaceutical companies, or all the people that were forced to get experimental vaccines (that in fact proved not to stop spread of COVID, contrary to what they said) or lose their job, or how the CDC admitted (after a FOIA request from Childrens Health Defense) that it never monitored the VAERS database for safety signals (see Childrens Health Defense) despite significant increases of various diseases and deaths, or how they deliberately squashed any existing alternative medications in order to retain emergency use authorization status for the vaccines, how they ridiculed and slandered any legitimate person who dare question the official government narrative, etc. Censorship is anti-science, and it violates free speech. Looks like when it comes to COVID, Richard, you'd rather make casual insults and gaslight people - I thought real academics welcomed scientific debate and admitted when they were wrong. As the scientific facts come in, the official narrative has fallen apart, and you stand on the wrong side of history. On a moral and scientific basis I challenge all to read RFK Jr's (son of Robert F. Kennedy, need I say) 250,000 word book, The Real Anthony Fauci, and find ONE incorrect fact and let them know at Children's Health Defense and their fact-checking team of 350 MDs, which hasn't happened yet. See also RFK Jr's new book, Letter to Liberals, which documents the science of COVID. At a minimum, go listen to Garland Nixon's radio program News Views, a black radio show out of Maryland, for a recent interview with RFK Jr on November 18, 2022. COVID aside - I listened to Richard's interview here on 2x because he is slow and annoying, so I didn't pay a great deal of attention but here are some thoughts - Yes the FIRE sector is parasitizing our country (a la Michael Hudson), so is the military and government. Gotta say I more jive with Michael Hudson's analysis (more so than Richard) who points out that successful capitalism has both private industry as well was social spending. Yes large-scale greedy capitalism is bad (hello, stop voting for neolibs and neocons). However, if folks have the initiative to create their own "capitalist" small business to become financially independent and pay living wages and train folks with valuable real-world skills, I say great, that's what I did. If folks have the initiative to create worker coops, great. I'm aware of all the challenges but sometimes the difference between the average employee and the business owner is that the business owner took on risk and worked 90-100+hours/week for years to get their business established. Much more challenging in economically depressed areas I know. Also more difficult with higher labor, material, and energy costs. Those of us in the real world, not in academia like Richard, have to do what it takes to raise capital, obtain resources, and buy land, and everyone can't wait for political change. Largely, politics has continued to fail to solve poverty, housing, healthcare, and agriculture, on purpose it would seem. Much of the time government serves to impede progress, as policies/regulations designed for large companies and farms often don't apply to small companies and farms, let alone citizens trying to live on the land (see building codes, local lumber, drinking water, septic tanks, compost toilets, grey water, biological water treatment, electricity, food safety, livestock, animal processing, certified kitchens, ADA compliance, FSMA...). Plus throwing money at government doesn't itself solve problems or create good systems. In general I think it's essential to understand YOUR context, and do your best to actually DO something about it. There is currently far more money available for investment to the for-profit sector, than to non-profits, and people like Neal Spackman of Regenerative Resources are showing that you can leverage investment to create businesses that employ large numbers of people, produce food, increase natural resources, and regenerate ecosystems at the same time. But whatever approach works for you and your community. Get together with folks in your community, pull out of the stock market, reform local banking, start credit unions that invest in small businesses, community initiatives, land acquisition, and resource management/production. Support local farms, food hubs, seed companies, and local/regional supply chains. Create mutual aid societies and purchasing clubs. Lobby to change building codes and state laws, use local lumber and natural materials to create energy efficient passive solar housing, use wood heat and solar hot water or wood stove hot water, other appropriate technology, etc. Manage the landscape with plants, seeds, animals, trees, ponds to create drought and flood-proof landscapes with clean water, reliable food, and increase natural resource production. Create opensource free higher education and training centers. I think as much as possible should be done outside of government, to create transparent organized groups that address needs of the community and have political sway and hold government and large corporations accountable. Fact is the government is corrupt, they lie and kill people constantly, and they need to earn credibility and trust. Unlike Richard, Noam, and I suspect Amy Goodman, at least Chris Hedges, had the balls not to vote for Biden who led us into the Iraq war and now is throwing away billions in Ukraine. You keep voting blue, or red, it isn't going to solve anything. The world they are rapidly ushering in is not the world you likely want regardless of how much of a PC greenwashed climate change miracle they sell it as. I'm not trying to be a know-it-all here - all I'm trying to say is actually DO something to move yourself, and community, away from a centralized government dependent landless resource-less situation where you get screwed, as Richard says, and towards a decentralized equitable community and bioregional based resilient ecological system that works for you so you don't get screwed. When we find successful models we can share with others around the country and world. We need collaborations of all manner of business people and disciplines - workers, trades, farmers, banking, legal, scientists, health care, manufacturing, engineering, energy, etc. And we need to somehow reconcile cultural, racial, social differences and stop being divided up which is what they want - circling back to class, it's really between the elites and the rest of us - and you're either working for them or yourself and your community. If you read this whole thing, wow thanks! Sorry, Richard kind of pisses me off. Hope this was positive overall. Peace and best of luck

[@michaelandrewsalomonenewje4107]

I quite agree we need a major change in this country to the system you are proposing. Is the action of producing a surplus to be managed? How much surplus should we produce versus what we can produce. How does each of us get things of another nature other than what we produce in our particular job. How do we manage the desire to have exactly what we need, what we would prefer to have, and what we really want to have?

[@mrmuttley1]

I subscribe to Patreon Professor Wolff is no stranger. I live in Quebec we have an election Monday. Professor would be pretty conservative. We are heavily invested in turning working class into middle class. We are MARXIST and it works for us. We are a Secular Humanist Liberal Democracy. We are bottom up. Those on top must serve us.

[@gedjad]

So Moe I guess you don't believe in Heaven and Hell obviously

[@mrmuttley1]

@@gedjad I don't believe in a God in whose image we are created. Beyond that I am open to almost anything. I am a Deist and Deism is Deism. Deists don't believe in religion. I am open to change given any evidence you can provide that She exists. In Judaism there is no Heaven and Hell or even an afterlife,. Heaven and Hell are Pagan realities. Persian, Egyptian, Greek, Norse and Roman. Sheol is a place of shadows like Plato's cave. I do in fact believe in Heaven and Hell but they only exist for the living. I don't know what to make of your telling me what I believe. Is believing in Tinkerbell and clapping suppose to be Fairy Spinach? I have no way of knowing what others believe but some believe me to be a holy man in tune with the universe and I confess I don't know what they are talking about. This is my truth.

[@gedjad]

@@mrmuttley1 Dear Moe, your long response is somewhat taxing. Although I am a strict catholic, my recommendation for you would be for you to be an orthodox jew, and believe strongly in natural law. This would include definitely not believing in abortion or homosexuality. This will help you avoid metaphysical blushing in front of G-d where you would run away into Perdition. Thank you

[@mrmuttley1]

@@gedjad You believe what you prefer to believe. I am happy you are content. My name comes from the Spanish Inquisition when my ancestors fled the Basque Country. Tradition has it that Loyola was family. You know nothing about me or my life and see fit to question my understanding of the universe. I am labelled autistic. My understandings of the universe are my own. I have engaged every manner of priest, minister and rabbi in theological discussion. Religion is unique to the individual that is why there is no such thing as religion in Quebec. The church is another institution but it exists only on paper it has the same rights as any non sentient material. It does not feel pain or pleasure. It does not laugh or cry. What the heck is a strict Catholic? Are you compelled to destroy demons like myself? Do you know who the Samaritans were? There is no historical record because only the scribes wrote and they wrote what they were told to write. I am 74 and I can't even discuss Catholic theology with priests because most priests study psychology not theology. Philosophers study theology and science. My brother Jesus taught me that there are believe it or not some Roman Catholics who are Christian. You are 100% Roman my Brother's message has fallen on deaf ears. There are none so blind as those that will not see.

[@coopsnz1]

Business wont function if no one helps run a business workers " management " director

[@mackenziedog1872]

"Where there is money, there is muck. AND WHERE THERE'S MUCK, THERE'S MONEY" "From each according to their ability, to each according to their needs." My mothdr was raised in the Welsh Communist Party Headquarters as an orphan. Every house in her street had at least one death down the mine. "I woke up one morning when the sun didn't shine. I picked up my shovel and walked to the mine. I loaded 16 tons of No.9 coal and the store boss said "Well bless my soul." "Saint Peter don't you call me because I can't go. I owe my soul to the company store." A poor man's made of muscle and blood. The Church of England made my mother's language illegal, so this Welsh song "16 tons" and whatta you get? Another day older and deeper in debt. Is sung by Tom Jones in English. He did sing his way out of the mine and get the song to the world. I have always worked by the ton, except in prison for smoking dope, so i survive the radically severe brain injury my Goldman Sachs social worker and Queen's service medal doctor gave me to tell people. I communicate daily with a Russian I gave the moral suppory to escspe the closest to the war city in Russia. Her sister is trapped by hiding her man, so she faces rape to prevent his murder for not killing friends and family. I live this viscerally every moment I breathe. Capital punishment in the capital with a capital C.

[@johndzwon1966]

Also worth noting is that when corporations get used to inflated prices, they will be very reluctant to reduce those prices if/when things return to normal.

[@hafunland894]

Richard Wolff is an EXCELLENT teacher for the working man and women!! He has worked tirelessly more than ANYONE to make our lives better economically. by changing the current corrupt rich getting richer poor getting poorer system. He is a saint in his own right!

[@theskepticai3653]

With the wolff of wall Street himself.

[@badbenito]

Work and money should be completely changed to a system that benefits the people at the bottom.

[@georgepaul5843]

Richard Wolff makes a serious subject lots of fun in his histrionic humorous presentation. Wonderful knowledgeable professor of history and economics.

[@maryhackney3545]

Excellent conversation!

[@albwilso9]

So true. I am conscious of all of this, and wondered why. I know now that we have to educate people aobiut this and what to do about it!

[@richardbayne7566]

Our unions are in trouble. There are fewer of them now and the ones that are still there are often captured.

[@johnsavage6628]

True capitalism as taught in school was a free and open market, paying a decent wage, with free competition. We have everything but in this country.

[@unionjoe8245]

Pass the Pro Act!

[@katethul4261]

Fantastic discussion. Thank you

[@rogerhull5632]

Slavery is still here. Experts estimate that there are more slaves in the world today than any time in history. About 40 million. Many products Americans buy aré produced in part by slaves, from chocolate to bricks.

[@JJ-JOHNSON]

In a democracy, the majority rules. If the majority decided they want your bike, they could take it. In a Republic, your bike is your property, and you do not owe it to anyone. It can not be taken against your will, by law. America is a Constitutional Republic. Therefore, the Constitution is the law by which we suppose to be protected. In a Republic, the Individual is protected FROM the majority, by Constitution law. A Constitutional Republic is what we we're given, IT UP TO US TO KEEP IT.

[@dyrectory_com]

@The Real News Network, continue to have the video in full also cut video snippets and upload in into smaller chunks... you get more views and moreover, people can consume smaller chunks of info at a time. 💡

[@Madasin_Paine]

If you think about the slow monotone that people use to drag out the time, but also to make sure people with difficulty with language or the terminology understand, others May find it beneficial to speed these videos up to at least 1.5 x depending on their ability to focus on what is being said and to be able to follow along.

[@davidromney4150]

#Inflation => they jack it up, we suck it up

[@KDemosh]

I just screen shot your comment I liked it so much!

[@Iguazu65]

Excellent. Simply put his knowledge is about standing. But his ability to synthesise and contextualise history into the present realities is what few can do and not one politician is capable of. Or would be interested in had they partial grasp.

[@intimacycafe]

The two party system is controlled by the owner class. Corporations own workers. I'd like to ask Mr. Wolff if sortition could get rid of the wasteful slanderous mud slinging contests, power broking and partisan stand offs? Or would they just find a way to corrupt it and appoint people who cater to the ownership class?