charleshughsmith | An insightful correspondent recently remarked on the striking transition
of American neighborhoods from commercial districts dominated by locally
owned businesses to streets lined with look-alike outlets of Corporate
America. This transition is so obvious that few even comment on it,
much less ask if this wholesale replacement is in the best interests of
residents and consumers.
I have long suggested starting any inquiry with a simple question: cui bono-- to whose benefit? Let's add a second essential question: what does the system optimize?
By this I mean: what is optimized by the infrastructure, regulations, political structure, etc.--what we call the mode of production.
I think it's abundantly clear that our mode of production optimizes large-scale global corporations, which
have access to the capital and expertise needed to optimize production,
management, employee training and discipline, supply chains and the
purchase of political influence.
tonyskansascity | ANOTHER KANSAS CITY COUNTRY CLUB PLAZA BIZ CALLS IT QUITS!!!
Higher crime and generic competition didn't inspire this local biz to remain in this town's most embattled entertainment district. Take a look:
