Memo to Michael Moore: Workplace Democracy and Capitalism Go Together

Reader Comments
Back to blog

workplace democracy is actually the very essence of socialism, not capitalism. socialism means "workers control over the means of production," nothing more, nothing less. capitalism means "private ownership of the means of production". now this does not directly disclude workplace democracy, however, it makes it rather difficult to implement workplace democracy and workers direct control because it requires all workers to voluntarily purchase an equal share in the business. this may be understandable in short scale businesses, as partnerships are rather common, however, you can see how this can become a problem on a larger scale. now i am not a fan or supporter of Michael Moore, but i agree 100% with him that capitalism and democracy are, for the most part, mutually exclusive.

Erik Boyd of CA 10:07PM September 07, 2010

My first comment was before I actually saw the movie Capitalism by M. Moore. Having seen the movie, I have to correct myself, the movie is actually better than what I thought before I saw it. It should be incorporated in our schools as a 'must see' for all grades, and ages. It is about time to have somebody as M. Moore shout that our 'emperor' (capitalist system) is naked (bad, corrupt, inhuman), and never even mentioned in the U.S. Constitution. Looking back in the history of the world, one can find so many carcases of the fallen empires which did not change to benefit the majority of their citizens. We are living in one of those empires that are disintegrating as we write these comments.
Our financial system is banrupt, bettr than 50% of our people owe more than they own, and ever more jobs are leaving to China. Soon, we shall learn chinese, and be dependent for all manufactured goods on the Chinese. I call that a defeated Nation.

Bozidar Kornic of FL 11:25PM June 05, 2010

My impression about Michael Moore and his movies is that he has not only recognized the importance of Human Rights, but has declared a Liberation War for these Rights. I have seen hundreds of movies, but no movie turned me on as much as the movie SICKO. That movie deserves the highest recognition, and rewards ever.
I would like to join Michael in is fight against the inhuman corporations, hospitals, insurance companies, and all others that dehumanize people, and degrade us all.

Bozidar Kornic of FL 9:42PM November 24, 2009

Making comments on something you haven't even bothered to view is not only lazy but ignorant. Get your brain out of the pickle if you want to write or just write for your close family and read to them around the kitchen table.

Branka Kojic of IN 9:29AM November 19, 2009

Matthew, go see the movie before loosening your belt for gas. Michael Moore advocates the exact kind of workplace Democracy you say Ferenstein says he doesn't.
And your laziness is pathetic. I guess this is the new journalism, opening "I missed (the movie) while it was in the theaters... But.."
I mean, really, pathetic. You have no right to comment on its content unless you viewed it. Oops, I forgot, you're a blogger. Again, pathetic.

Not you of DC 3:39PM November 17, 2009

This movie tanked big time. It was one of the lowest grossing movies all year.

lc of CA 1:27AM November 16, 2009

Please understand second-hand interviews and reviews cannot replace the actual work of primary source material. Too many assumptions are made, and too many armchair reviews slant, and fail to take to task the whole of the actual premise presented.
This method only contributes to propagating more uninformed viewpoints on the work, which enables even more lazy journalism.
Whether or not you agree with the primary source is irrelevant, unless you are speaking from informed opinion.

Willie of TX 9:41AM November 15, 2009

Please understand second-hand interviews and reviews cannot replace the actual work of primary source material. Too many assumptions are made, and too many armchair reviews slant, and fail to take to task the whole of the actual premise presented.
This method only contributes to propagating more uninformed viewpoints on the work, which enables even more lazy journalism.
Whether or not you agree with the primary source is irrelevant, unless you are speaking from informed opinion.

Willie of TX 9:40AM November 15, 2009

As a journalist, you should realize that your job isn't going to be around forever, and maybe you should try to be a little more radical and not just parrot what your rich publisher wants you to say. That includes actually watching Michael Moore films.

Larry Roberts of CA 2:43AM November 15, 2009

If you had seen the film, you would know that Moore profiles two American worker-owned-and-managed firms - Isthmus Engineering & Manufacturing and Alvarado Street Bakery - as alternative business models. If you want to have a public conversation, you might dedicate a little time to find out what the other side is actually saying. Dee dee dee!
As for that silly concluding remark, I am reminded of Voltaire's Pangloss arguing that we live in the best of all possible worlds.

Chris of NC 1:28PM November 13, 2009