Tag Archives: capitalism

We Need to Reclaim “The Sharing Economy”

Posted on September 1, 2014 by John McNamara

There has been a lot of discussion of late regarding the so-called “sharing economy”. This phrase refers, generally, to organizations such as Uber, Lyft, AirBnB, and others that provide an on-line broker service so that people can monetize practically everything … Continue reading →

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Circling Around to the Beginning?

Posted on October 28, 2013 by John McNamara

In my studies over the last two years, I have learned a lot about American politics and the attitude towards labor in these United States. It is a very interesting dynamic and one that helps to make Foucault’s concept of … Continue reading →

Posted in Worker Rights | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Markets Can Be Healthy

Posted on February 13, 2012 by John McNamara

As part of my studies this semester, I am reading the English edition of Cooperative Enterprise: Facing the Challenge of Globalization* by Stefano and Vera Zamagni.
In their opening chapters, they lead a discussion about the nature of cooperation (from their … Continue reading →

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A Quick Review of “Solidarity”

Posted on January 26, 2011 by John McNamara

Recently, a post from last fall on the Theft of Labor, brought this comment:
“If the intern or the college athlete feels like they are getting an outstanding deal, is it your job to convince them otherwise?”
My spam filter held it … Continue reading →

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Comments About Union Cab’s Bonus Segment in Michael Moore’s Movie

Posted on April 5, 2010 by Fred Schepartz

In Michael Moore’s latest film, “Capitalism: A Love Story,” his basic point is that Capitalism is inherently evil. He cites various examples of antidotes to Capitalism, including worker cooperatives. Union Cab, where I’ve worked for 22 years, was one of … Continue reading →

Posted in Society | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Capital? We Don’t Need No Stinkin’ Capital

Posted on February 23, 2010 by Fred Schepartz

Publisher’s Note: this is the second of hopefully several articles about the Cleveland Model Fred Schpartz. Fred publishes Mobius: A Journal of Social Change publisher is a member of Union Cab of Madison Co-operative and authored Vampire Cabbie.
Labor, properly organized, … Continue reading →

Posted in Movement, The Cleveland Model | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Another View of the Undercover Boss

Posted on February 13, 2010 by John McNamara

The really great people at Labor Notes also noticed this show. Definitely read their take on it.
The Labor Notes essay reminded me of one of the real problems of the show (and the co-operative difference).
The narrative follows a fairly old … Continue reading →

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#17 Sovereignty of Labor (Mondragon Priniciples)

Posted on January 4, 2010 by John McNamara

The Mondragon principle “Sovereignty of Labor” created departure from the cooperative movement. While the Rochdale Pioneers had good intentions, they abandoned worker cooperation in the 1870’s. The Fabian Socialist moved even further from the ideals of Robert Owen declaring consumerism … Continue reading →

Posted in Human Relations, Identity Statement Series | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

The Night I Was A Movie Star—Almost

Posted on December 19, 2009 by Fred Schepartz

Okay, I admit it. By the beginning of last summer, I was starting to suffer from delusions of grandeur regarding my role in Michael Moore’s new film. The image of me, sitting behind the wheel of my taxicab, would be … Continue reading →

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The Worker’s Cooperative That Should’ve Been In Michael Moore’s Movie

Posted on December 19, 2009 by Fred Schepartz

A disclaimer: Last April, Michael Moore’s film crew spent a couple of days in Madison, Wisconsin, shooting footage and conducting interviews at two local cooperatives, Isthmus Engineering and Union Cab, where I work. I was the night driver who got … Continue reading →

Posted in Society | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments