Ask Prof Wolff

A Patron of Democracy at Work asks: "I wrote an email response to someone who had a lot of strange ideas about Marx and all of the purported evil done in his name. He and others seem to hold Marx personally responsible for the crimes of Pol Pot, Stalin, Mao, et al. I've read a bit by and about Marx and listened to many lectures of those who hold him in high regard. Am I missing something?"

This is Professor Richard Wolff's response.

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A Patron of Democracy at Work asks: "Are sanctions, which are detrimental to ordinary citizens, in some cases justified in order to try to pressure a government committing evil (like in the case of South Africa) to cease?"

This is Professor Richard Wolff's response.

To submit your own question for Prof. Wolff, join Democracy at Work on Patreon at www.patreon.com/democracyatwork

A Patron of Democracy at Work asks: "Have you looked into the concept of Collective Capitalism as theorized by G. Means and its influence on Japan (which has the largest Communist Party not in control of the government)? Also, the public private relationship in Singapore's economy seems very different from the Western financial capitalist system. Are these various "Eastern" economic models something that would attract support from American workers rather than socialism? In another way, could concessions from capitalism like guarantees of long-term employment, market controls, social services, etc. be ways that capitalists retain private property rights and stymie socialist progress? For background, it seems like the FDR administration used this approach to prevent a full socialist movement from taking power during the great depression."

This is Professor Richard Wolff's response.

To submit your own question for Prof. Wolff, join Democracy at Work on Patreon at www.patreon.com/democracyatwork

A Patron of Democracy at Work asks: "Please explain the role of the bond market (US Treasuries) in the failure of capitalism and democracy."

This is Professor Richard Wolff's response.

To submit your own question for Prof. Wolff, join Democracy at Work on Patreon at www.patreon.com/democracyatwork

A Patron of Democracy at Work asks: "It seems like you believe capitalists aren't just greedy and evil but in a system requiring them to do what they do. Is this also true of politicians who vote for and carry out incredibly destructive policies to human lives and the environment?"

This is Professor Richard Wolff's response.

To submit your own question for Prof. Wolff, join Democracy at Work on Patreon at www.patreon.com/democracyatwork

A Patron of Democracy at Work asks: "In view of the French retirement proposals and the argument that fewer active workers are supporting more retired workers, can you address how changing demographics will affect world economies? I don't see that declining birth rates will change. It seems to make the current form of capitalism even more sustainable."

This is Professor Richard Wolff's response.

To submit your own question for Prof. Wolff, join Democracy at Work on Patreon at www.patreon.com/democracyatwork

A Patron of Democracy at Work asks: "I am writing to seek your insights on the rapidly evolving artificial intelligence (AI) landscape, particularly with regards to its implementation by profit-driven companies. It is evident that AI technology has the potential to bring significant advancements in various sectors. However, there is a growing concern that AI's deployment by corporations focused solely on profit maximization may exacerbate wealth inequality, eliminate jobs, and displace workers. How do you view the current state of AI evolution and its impact on the labor market, especially considering the role of profit-driven companies in shaping AI development?"

This is Professor Richard Wolff's response.

To submit your own question for Prof. Wolff, join Democracy at Work on Patreon at www.patreon.com/democracyatwork

A Patron of Democracy at Work asks: "I am a pediatrician but like everyone in the medical field, we are tired of serving insurance companies and Medicine is not fun anymore. I wish we had public insurance as I don't see how health can go with profit. I am opening a small business. My question is, for us tiny companies: what will the future bring with a possible war with China? Aren't we the biggest losers here? We don't manufacture anything anymore! How can small businesses survive in current times? "

This is Professor Richard Wolff's response.

To submit your own question for Prof. Wolff, join Democracy at Work on Patreon at www.patreon.com/democracyatwork

A Patron of Democracy at Work asks: "Please discuss woke economics. I have seen YouTube clips using this term. After viewing a couple clips I concluded this is capitalism claiming to be the answer to the social problems caused by capitalism. Do I have that correct?"

This is Professor Richard Wolff's response.

To submit your own question for Prof. Wolff, join Democracy at Work on Patreon at www.patreon.com/democracyatwork

A Patron of Democracy at Work asks: "What do you think about the left's view of immigration and why do you think that seems to be the consensus view? Why are most on the left so in support of immigration when it's clear the working class seem to be rejecting it?"

This is Professor Richard Wolff's response.

To submit your own question for Prof. Wolff, join Democracy at Work on Patreon at www.patreon.com/democracyatwork