Nepal’s captains of industry safe – but not in the US!

By 史蒂夫・奥托

My blogs have been supportive of the new Prachanda regime of Nepal. I’ve been supportive of most of their ideas on democracy for the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist). But I do have one difference with them. According to a report from the BBC, 15 August 2008:

“After his party emerged as winner, one of his first moves was to reassure foreign investors and privately-run businesses that he would not eradicate the private sector.”

Here is where I differ. If a revolution ever comes to the US, I would insist that large corporations be nationalized. Their owners would be stripped of all political power and their income redistributed. I don’t propose killing them if they are willing to accept changes in their status and lifestyle. But considering their reliance now on violence, it would not surprise me if some are willing to fight to the bitter end to defend their class and privileges. That is their choice and it will be met with violence.
Unlike small underdeveloped country, large corporations are our the largest problem in America. I’m not including small business people (petite bourgeois). They are not the problem and they are often victimized the same as the workers or worse.
In the US, corporations need to be democratized. Their presidents and board members should be accountable to the workers in the same way as a mayor or governor is, through elections. Their salaries should be known to the workers and they should be up to the voting workers as to whether these people deserve the raises they now give themselves without any worker input. Any corporate bosses willing to accept the new changes would be invited to stay on. Those who cling to the past need to put pushed out and replaced with someone who respects and works for the benefit of their employees.
Unlike small countries, we don’t need a large bloated bourgeoisie. It needs to be smashed and reorganized immediately. The main problem in this country is that it is controlled so solidly by the captains of industry. No revolution can take place here that does not change that.