The Case for Economic Democracy: Chapter 5.1

We're surrounded by industrial tyrants.

Welcome to Chapter 5 of my new book, “The Case for Economic Democracy.” This book is being released weekly for premium subscribers. If you’d like to read it, as well as support this publication, upgrade to a paying subscription for just 5 bucks a month.

Enjoy! Joe

Chapter Five - The Case for Economic Democracy

“Strange women lying in ponds distributing swords is no basis for a system of government. Supreme executive power derives from a mandate from the masses, not from some farcical aquatic ceremony.” - Dennis, addressing Arthur, King of the Britons

Democracy, Expanded

Now that we’ve established the need for political democracy, have an understanding of the American economy, and recognize how workplaces operate as dictatorial fiefdoms, we can begin discussing how to solve these problems. It will come as no surprise that the antidote to political tyranny is the same as the one for economic tyranny — democracy.

In many ways, making the case for economic democracy is simple. There’s no need to argue for the intrinsic values of human life that others did to make the case for political democracy. Their work was tedious and exhaustive, and for many of them, their only reward was looking down on the monarchs as their head was set on spikes. Instead, advocates of a democratic economy must merely point to the well-established case for political democracy, then highlight the similarities between political and economic subjugation.

Industrial Tyranny

Fortunately, most Americans agree with the premise of political democracy. With a monopoly on violence, governments hold the right to collect taxes, pass laws, and even imprison or execute their citizens. As they have the right to dictate your life, then you should have a vote on the government. Following this logic, the case for economic democracy is straightforward. Just as governments control your life, so do businesses and industries. They may not have the right to imprison you, but they can just as easily strip away your ability to acquire food and shelter. Whether the government sticks a knife in your heart or private employers prick you with a poisoned blade, the result will be the same.