[Marxism] The absence of real forces

[Greg McDonald]

Sayan wrote:

"Another important point is deepening awareness about the environmental
adversity being caused by capitalism. Again, workers may understand
that, among all the classes in the USA, they are likely to be impacted
most severely by this, because, relatively speaking, they are becoming
more impoverished compared to the US bourgeoisie.

These things can all provide socialists with  potential openings to
make their case."

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems to me the point Joaquin is  
making here is that the solution to the environmental crisis will of  
necessity require a decrease in consumption across the board, both  
inside the US and among other countries still seeking to "catch up"  
to our level of ridiculously absurd conspicuous consumption. This, of  
course, will not be a popular message among the working and middle  
classes, who still seek to mimic the consumption patterns of their  
well-heeled masters. As Joaquin wrote, the biosphere is increasingly  
fragile and the world's resources are limited.

Although he did not spell it out, it is also quite clear that what is  
needed is a different sort of relationship with nature, a  
qualitatively distinct eco-friendly infrastructure and mode of  
resource extraction than one based on an imperialist project or a  
traditional autarkic turn within.  To wit: A new industrial  
revolution based on green ideas and technology, thus the need for  
theoretical work to develop the technology necessary for the leap  
into eco-socialism. Of course, the distinction between use and  
exchange value needs to be made quite forcefully in this context, and  
the creation of new needs will be, not in order to sell new products  
on the market, but to protect the ecosystems we depend on for our  
survival.

Greg