The Democracy of the founding fathers was Greek Democracy, predicated upon a slave society, and restricted to only the elite. This is the society we live in today, even with our reforms towards direct representation. The system is inherently biased towards the election of elites and against the representation of the masses. Hamilton called it “faction” when the working class got together and demanded better conditions, and mechanisms were built in (which still exist to this day) that serve to ensure the continued dominance of the elite over the masses. The suffering of the many is intentional. The opulence of the wealthy is also. This is the intended outcome.

  • essell@beehaw.org
    81·
    1 year ago

    Excellent, so we’ll need some profits on that food then, to pay them?

    Let’s keep going with this thinking. We’re inventing a system from first principles

    • BartsBigBugBag@lemmy.tfOPEnglish
      10·
      1 year ago

      Profits aren’t wages, you obviously haven’t read much economics. Profits are what’s left AFTER wages and costs.

      • essell@beehaw.org
        7·
        1 year ago

        You’re failing to differentiate between gross and net profits.

        Ever run a business?

        How is everyone going to afford this food if you’re selling it for a gross profit? I believe that was your original point.

        • BartsBigBugBag@lemmy.tfOPEnglish
          9·
          1 year ago

          Yes, I have run a business haha. Profit doesn’t mean either gross or net profits, it means, and I quote from the dictionary,

          “Profit: The amount by which revenue from sales exceeds costs in a business”. Profit: a financial gain, especially the difference between the amount earned and the amount spent in buying, operating, or producing something.

          That is profit. Now, people can break it down further, but, when someone is referring to profits, you should assume they mean the dictionary definition of profits.

          • essell@beehaw.org
            3·
            1 year ago

            I should, should I?

            You previously suggested I’ve not read enough economics, so should I assume you have? Do they all use that word with that meaning?

            Also, I’m wondering if you have an answer to the other question. How is everyone going to afford this food that’s being sold even if it doesn’t have a markup?

            • BartsBigBugBag@lemmy.tfOPEnglish
              4·
              1 year ago

              How is anyone going to afford the food that is no longer being marked up? If the food is cheaper, somehow less people will be able to afford it than now? Is that the position you’re coming from?

              I’d like to answer your question, it’s just… not really a question that makes any logical sense.

              And yes, you should. I can provide plenty of economic texts if you would like to come to understand the economic system you live under. We can even start all the way back with Adam Smith, and move up from there. Like the part where he says that someone holding land without working to improve it does not deserve the land, and should not be allowed to keep it.