Date: Wed, 4 Jun 1997 16:42:30 -0600 (MDT)
From: Carlisle-AT-pseud.pseud
Subject: Re: M-INTRO: the capitalist manipulator


On Mon, 2 Jun 1997 Ping-AT-pseud.pseud wrote:

> 
> I am wondering if anyone could expound on the capitalist's role in simple 
> reproduction.  What is a Marxian approach to what the capitalist does?  
> Am I correct in implying that the capitalist is merely a manipulator of 
> laborers and the labor power they expend creating commodities for which 
> he can sell to create captial?  I am curious if Marx would give any 
> credit to a capitalist's ability to make more out of less through the 
> manipulation of producton and selling.
> 
> 
>      --- from list marxism-intro-AT-lists.village.virginia.edu ---
> 
	I have a few thoughts on this matter in behalf of the 
capitalist.  It appears that the capitalist is always the bad guy, but I
think it is important to remember that it is because of the exploitative 
system that makes it necessary for the capitalist to act the  way he or 
she does. In the US business world, a person would look absoulutely silly 
to try and operate a business without seeking out the lowest variable 
costs and by providing a product as quickly and efficiently as possible.  
People demand this type of service and nobody will survive without 
pleasing the customer.  Although it is an exploitative way of going about 
production, it has been made necessary for one to operate in this 
manner, unfortunately.  One capitalist in the world of business is also 
being exploited by yet another capitalist and must compete to be able to 
survive in this system.  Capitalism's flaws as a system require the 
individuals to conform or they are out of luck.  It is a system without 
much forgiveness.  I don't think Marx would have given an efficient 
capitalist much credit because I think he would not agree on two wrongs 
making a right.  However, an efficient and productive capitalist is 
usually well rewarded and sought after in our society today.



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