AskProfWolff: Marcora Law in the US

A patron asks: "Hi Dr. Wolff, I took action this past summer to try to implement the Marcora Law here in the US. Is emailing our representatives an effective strategy to get these ideas into the congressional discussion? What are your thoughts?"

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[harrybeveridge]

Always good to hear from professor Wolff. One of the few people telling the truth

[LibraBlue]

Thanks to Diego Acevedo, particularly in showing what arrogant, out of step, and corrupt shrubs “our representatives” are, and in supporting a mutual interest.

[kl]

The amount of corruption in our political system will never allow for anything that supports the working class.

[nd]

Giovanni Marcora was a great politician.I am Italian and old enough to remember him.

[scottluthy]

The Italians were very smart to enact a law like this, it gives unemployed people some choices. I like this idea. Libertarian politicians should be, , along with democrats for this.

[ProudProle]

Hey, Diego Acevedo, I'll write to my congressperson, Tony Cárdenas, CA 29. The idea should at least be considered. It would be turning economic dependence into inter- or independence. Even Libertarians should be on board.

[dr.detroit]

I read, somewhere, that the average US voter and citizen has statistically zero influence on government policies.

[evandrolima]

I don't know about Italy but in my country (Portugal) we have an eductional system for the unemployed (IEFP), it's allowed emigrants and we get payed for going to classes. Not much, almost half the minimum wage plus transportation and lunch subsidies. That combined with Marcora Law would be great. In Portugal we have something similar but it's for individual investment, to start your own business. Most times it's not reliable because one person doesn't have enough money.

[sherriinolywa]

The same indifference and contempt is displayed at the local level—personal experience in Olympia, Wa.

[DerekSpeareDSD]

If Diego's letter had included a check for a hundred grand it would have been given more attention...

[domingodeanda]

We definitely know who the enemies are.

[SofaKingShit]

In Norway we have a system where if your employment benefits run out you will automatically go on something else. If you're just "lazy" and don't want to work they'll pay your power, food and rent.

If you blow all your food money on drugs or booze or whatever else then they will keep giving you a small amount, but daily now instead of fortnightly, for food.

They treat you like complete crap and you have to jump through hoops for food money (the power and rent are relatively easy) but at least in theory you don't starve or freeze.

Although there is considerable social stigma this system lets us generate more social mobility and more millionaires per capita than a so called free market and ultra competitive system like the US.

[rawlsrules]

Re: Marcora Law. What is the remedy when a situation like we have now occurs and the people who had chosen the lump sum option and successfully started a workers' co-op / small business lose their incomes?
I read the post below about Norway which makes sense to me for 'normal' conditions. I also think the financial structure of the economy has to be radically changed. But, if something like the Marcora Law were enacted, what provisions does it make for situations like we have now? Thank you.

[normalizedaudio]

05:50 is the Red Pill. Don't listen if you can't take it.

[mattfinish]

Unfortunately under current conditions worker's cooperatives would not achieve the freedom you envisage. The finance sector would still rule the economy, control all the major assets, and take an unjust and unearned share of whatever wealth you create. The structures they have set in place force you to work just as hard as you did before, maybe even harder. Getting the financial sector under worker control, that's what you want.

[markfox]

These are the days that we will never forget...let's pass similar legislation here.

[siljrath]

Wasn't sure where to ask, the idea for this question came suddenly, search failed to find it already asked/answered, and would really love to have answered in a video, to help people understand: Prof Wolff, are you a tankie?

[ianbaker]

Can this be implemented in a municipality? Can a city amass the funds to do it?

[hayat]

Prof, wolf could you kindly advise about that idea of lump sump of money, are all them getting the same amount or only the first initiator who apply and have the others as an employee. I know you have said its a workers cop option but not sure weather each of them entitled for same amount. thanks

[docschweitz]

Wow!!!! Nine( 9) people with a proportionately Miniscule "Lump sum" of money, are all of a sudden going to create a profitable, sustainable "business", to go up against much bigger, gargantuan even, entrenched, wall street backed, CORPORATIONS??
A band once had a great hit record that would be apropo here: "Dream On" was the song title.