: Actually, I should have attacked this line of thinking a bit more vigorously in my post above.: You see things from the perspective of the CONSUMER---' I don't have to buy what the buisness sells or give them money if I don't want their product'---but you disregard the perspective of those who must SELL their labor-power.
Don: Those who must "sell their labor-power" are consumers who buy things like computers and Microsoft Windows and other objects manufactured by large companies. The large companies *must* cater to *them*.
: While you point to the CONSPICUOUS control of government---'sturmtruppen' and all---you evade the effects of COVERT control, i.e. the laborer's 'desire' to sell his / her labor-power to BUSINESS because the capitalist class 'just happens' to own all the means of production.
Don: But it doesn't *just happen*. The capitalist class--at least here in the US--grows out of the middle class. Or lower class. This is true for both Bill Gates and the founders of McDonalds.
: The issue isn't only the monopoly on force; it's also the monopoly on the means of production.
Don: Much of buisness in the US does not rely upon traditional means of production. Computer programming, for example.
: You may say anyone can access the means of production, start their own business, etc. but the facts won't be on your side.
Don: This all depends upon the industry. I don't have the resources to mass produce automobiles, but I could start writing computer code or work as a consultant. I can also move to another company. I'm not a slave to my boss.
: The average American income is only $17,746 annually.(1)
Don: Wow! I was close to average about two years ago. Now I make quite a bit more.
: The average American's savings is zip.(2)
Don: Since I am in the process of building a house, this currently describes me except for my 401k.
: Indeed, total household debt is 98% of total disposable annual income.(3)
Don: Including the construction loan, my debt is way more than this. Of course, I get a nice house in the bargin.
: That's not real promising for budding business-people.
Don: Really? And I was thinking of going into consulting in a few years. Damn, It's good I didn't listen to you guys two years ago. I would never have realized I could make good money . . .
: But then again, if EVERYONE is a boss, who will be the EMPLOYEE(S)?
: __________
:
: Notes:
: 1. Statistical Abstract of the UNited States 1998, table 740, p. 469.
: 2. New York Times, 18 January 1999, sec. A. p. 17.
: 3. Business Week, 1 November 1999, p. 40.
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