Ask Prof Wolff

In today's "Ask Prof. Wolff Live," the discussion will cover the potential Marxist themes in Shakespeare's works, the distinctions between employee stock ownership programs (ESOP) and work cooperatives, and the concerning practices of investors buying up tangible assets and private equity firms acquiring starter homes. Professor Wolff will then take live questions from the audience on these and other economic and social topics. Ask Prof Wolff is a  @democracyatwrk  production. We are committed to providing these videos to you free of ads. Please consider supporting us on Patreon.com/democracyatwork. Become a part of the growing Patreon community and gain access to exclusive patron-only content, along with the ability to ask Prof. Wolff questions like this one! Your support also helps keep this content free to the public. Spreading Prof. Wolff's message is more important than ever. Help us continue to make this possible. _________________________________________________________________________ Want to learn more? Check out this Economic Update segment on BRICS: https://youtu.be/vQuXxfBWRqI _________________________________________________________________________ We are excited to introduce our new Book Donation Program, which distributes free d@w books to libraries, schools, co-ops, prisons, and more. To request books or donate to the program: https://www.democracyatwork.info/book_donation_program __________________________________________________________________________ Check out the 2021 Hardcover edition of “Understanding Marxism,” with a new, lengthy introduction by Richard Wolff!  Visit: https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/richard-d-wolff/understanding-marxism/hardcover/product-7zr2y4.html?page=1&pageSize=4 __________________________________________________________________________ Stay connected with the latest news from d@w. Join our mailing list today: https://www.democracyatwork.info/sign_up “Marxism always was the critical shadow of capitalism. Their interactions changed them both. Now Marxism is once again stepping into the light as capitalism shakes from its own excesses and confronts decline.” Check out all of d@w's books: "The Sickness is the System," "Understanding Socialism," by Richard D. Wolff, and “Stuck Nation” by Bob Hennelly at http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/democracyatwork _________________________________________________________________________ Follow Wolff ONLINE: Web: http://www.rdwolff.com Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/democracyatwork Twitter: http://twitter.com/profwolff http://twitter.com/democracyatwrk Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/EconomicUpdate http://www.facebook.com/RichardDWolff http://www.facebook.com/DemocracyatWrk Daily Motion: https://www.dailymotion.com/democracyatwrk Subscribe to the EU podcast: http://economicupdate.libsyn.com Shop our worker CO-OP made MERCH: https://democracy-at-work-shop.myshopify.com/

This week on Ask Prof Wolff Live, we explore anti-inflationary measures implemented by central banks, the rationale behind income caps subject to social security tax, and the potential implications of transitioning from a socialist or communist economy to a wartime footing.  Ask Prof Wolff is a  @democracyatwrk  production. We are committed to providing these videos to you free of ads. Please consider supporting us on Patreon.com/democracyatwork. Become a part of the growing Patreon community and gain access to exclusive patron-only content, along with the ability to ask Prof. Wolff questions like this one! Your support also helps keep this content free to the public. Spreading Prof. Wolff's message is more important than ever. Help us continue to make this possible. _________________________________________________________________________ Want to learn more? Check out this Economic Update segment on BRICS: https://youtu.be/vQuXxfBWRqI _________________________________________________________________________ We are excited to introduce our new Book Donation Program, which distributes free d@w books to libraries, schools, co-ops, prisons, and more. To request books or donate to the program: https://www.democracyatwork.info/book_donation_program __________________________________________________________________________ Check out the 2021 Hardcover edition of “Understanding Marxism,” with a new, lengthy introduction by Richard Wolff!  Visit: https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/richard-d-wolff/understanding-marxism/hardcover/product-7zr2y4.html?page=1&pageSize=4 __________________________________________________________________________ Stay connected with the latest news from d@w. Join our mailing list today: https://www.democracyatwork.info/sign_up “Marxism always was the critical shadow of capitalism. Their interactions changed them both. Now Marxism is once again stepping into the light as capitalism shakes from its own excesses and confronts decline.” Check out all of d@w's books: "The Sickness is the System," "Understanding Socialism," by Richard D. Wolff, and “Stuck Nation” by Bob Hennelly at http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/democracyatwork _________________________________________________________________________ Follow Wolff ONLINE: Web: http://www.rdwolff.com Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/democracyatwork Twitter: http://twitter.com/profwolff http://twitter.com/democracyatwrk Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/EconomicUpdate http://www.facebook.com/RichardDWolff http://www.facebook.com/DemocracyatWrk Daily Motion: https://www.dailymotion.com/democracyatwrk Subscribe to the EU podcast: http://economicupdate.libsyn.com Shop our worker CO-OP made MERCH: https://democracy-at-work-shop.myshopify.com/

Stay connected with the latest news from d@w. Join our mailing list today: https://www.democracyatwork.info/sign_up In this installment, Prof. Wolff discusses the impact on children's autonomy, explores the intersections of class struggle with other forms of oppression, and unravels the intriguing concept of "Scientific Socialism." Following the insightful discussion, Prof. Wolff addresses a range of questions from the audience, providing deeper understanding and perspectives on these critical topics.  Ask Prof Wolff is a  @democracyatwrk  production. We are committed to providing these videos to you free of ads. Please consider supporting us on Patreon.com/democracyatwork. Become a part of the growing Patreon community and gain access to exclusive patron-only content, along with the ability to ask Prof. Wolff questions like this one! Your support also helps keep this content free to the public. Spreading Prof. Wolff's message is more important than ever. Help us continue to make this possible. _________________________________________________________________________ We are excited to introduce our new Book Donation Program, which distributes free d@w books to libraries, schools, co-ops, prisons, and more. To request books or donate to the program: https://www.democracyatwork.info/book_donation_program __________________________________________________________________________ Check out the 2021 Hardcover edition of “Understanding Marxism,” with a new, lengthy introduction by Richard Wolff!  Visit: https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/richard-d-wolff/understanding-marxism/hardcover/product-7zr2y4.html?page=1&pageSize=4 “Marxism always was the critical shadow of capitalism. Their interactions changed them both. Now Marxism is once again stepping into the light as capitalism shakes from its own excesses and confronts decline.” Check out all of d@w's books: "The Sickness is the System," "Understanding Socialism," by Richard D. Wolff at http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/democracyatwork _________________________________________________________________________ Follow Wolff ONLINE: Web: http://www.rdwolff.com Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/democracyatwork Twitter: http://twitter.com/profwolff http://twitter.com/democracyatwrk Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/EconomicUpdate http://www.facebook.com/RichardDWolff http://www.facebook.com/DemocracyatWrk Daily Motion: https://www.dailymotion.com/democracyatwrk Subscribe to the EU podcast: http://economicupdate.libsyn.com Shop our worker CO-OP made MERCH: https://democracy-at-work-shop.myshopify.com/

Stay connected with the latest news from d@w. Join our mailing list today: https://www.democracyatwork.info/sign_up Join this special iteration of "Ask Prof Wolff" Every Wednesday at 2PM (Eastern) Live on D@W YouTube Page. Professor Wolff will respond to your questions live! This is Professor Richard Wolff's video response. Submit your own question to be considered for a video response by Prof. Wolff on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/democracyatwo.... Ask Prof Wolff is a @democracyatwrk production. We are committed to providing these videos to you free of ads. Please consider supporting us on Patreon.com/democracyatwork. Become a part of the growing Patreon community and gain access to exclusive patron-only content, along with the ability to ask Prof. Wolff questions like this one! Your support also helps keep this content free to the public. Spreading Prof. Wolff's message is more important than ever. Help us continue to make this possible.

Stay connected with the latest news from d@w. Join our mailing list today: https://www.democracyatwork.info/sign_up Join this special iteration of "Ask Prof Wolff" Every Wednesday at 2PM (Eastern) Live on D@W YouTube Page. Professor Wolff will respond to your questions live! This is Professor Richard Wolff's video response. Submit your own question to be considered for a video response by Prof. Wolff on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/democracyatwo.... Ask Prof Wolff is a @democracyatwrk production. We are committed to providing these videos to you free of ads. Please consider supporting us on Patreon.com/democracyatwork. Become a part of the growing Patreon community and gain access to exclusive patron-only content, along with the ability to ask Prof. Wolff questions like this one! Your support also helps keep this content free to the public. Spreading Prof. Wolff's message is more important than ever. Help us continue to make this possible.

Stay connected with the latest news from d@w. Join our mailing list today: https://www.democracyatwork.info/sign_up Join this special iteration of "Ask Prof Wolff" Every Wednesday at 2PM (Eastern) Live on D@W YouTube Page. Professor Wolff will respond to your questions live! This is Professor Richard Wolff's video response. Submit your own question to be considered for a video response by Prof. Wolff on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/democracyatwo.... Ask Prof Wolff is a @democracyatwrk production. We are committed to providing these videos to you free of ads. Please consider supporting us on Patreon.com/democracyatwork. Become a part of the growing Patreon community and gain access to exclusive patron-only content, along with the ability to ask Prof. Wolff questions like this one! Your support also helps keep this content free to the public. Spreading Prof. Wolff's message is more important than ever. Help us continue to make this possible.

Stay connected with the latest news from d@w. Join our mailing list today: https://www.democracyatwork.info/sign_up Join this special iteration of "Ask Prof Wolff" Every Wednesday at 2PM (Eastern) Live on D@W YouTube Page. Professor Wolff will respond to your questions live! This is Professor Richard Wolff's video response. Submit your own question to be considered for a video response by Prof. Wolff on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/democracyatwo.... Ask Prof Wolff is a @democracyatwrk production. We are committed to providing these videos to you free of ads. Please consider supporting us on Patreon.com/democracyatwork. Become a part of the growing Patreon community and gain access to exclusive patron-only content, along with the ability to ask Prof. Wolff questions like this one! Your support also helps keep this content free to the public. Spreading Prof. Wolff's message is more important than ever. Help us continue to make this possible.

Stay connected with the latest news from d@w. Join our mailing list today: https://www.democracyatwork.info/sign_up Join this special iteration of "Ask Prof Wolff" Every Wednesday at 2PM (Eastern) Live on D@W YouTube Page. Professor Wolff will respond to your questions live! This is Professor Richard Wolff's video response. Submit your own question to be considered for a video response by Prof. Wolff on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/democracyatwo.... Ask Prof Wolff is a @democracyatwrk production. We are committed to providing these videos to you free of ads. Please consider supporting us on Patreon.com/democracyatwork. Become a part of the growing Patreon community and gain access to exclusive patron-only content, along with the ability to ask Prof. Wolff questions like this one! Your support also helps keep this content free to the public. Spreading Prof. Wolff's message is more important than ever. Help us continue to make this possible.

Stay connected with the latest news from d@w. Join our mailing list today: https://www.democracyatwork.info/sign_up Join this special iteration of "Ask Prof Wolff" Every Wednesday at 2PM (Eastern) Live on D@W YouTube Page. Professor Wolff will respond to your questions live! This is Professor Richard Wolff's video response. Submit your own question to be considered for a video response by Prof. Wolff on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/democracyatwo.... Ask Prof Wolff is a @democracyatwrk production. We are committed to providing these videos to you free of ads. Please consider supporting us on Patreon.com/democracyatwork. Become a part of the growing Patreon community and gain access to exclusive patron-only content, along with the ability to ask Prof. Wolff questions like this one! Your support also helps keep this content free to the public. Spreading Prof. Wolff's message is more important than ever. Help us continue to make this possible.

Stay connected with the latest news from d@w. Join our mailing list today: https://www.democracyatwork.info/sign_up Join this special iteration of "Ask Prof Wolff" Every Wednesday at 2PM (Eastern) Live on D@W YouTube Page. Professor Wolff will respond to your questions live! This is Professor Richard Wolff's video response. Submit your own question to be considered for a video response by Prof. Wolff on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/democracyatwo.... Ask Prof Wolff is a @democracyatwrk production. We are committed to providing these videos to you free of ads. Please consider supporting us on Patreon.com/democracyatwork. Become a part of the growing Patreon community and gain access to exclusive patron-only content, along with the ability to ask Prof. Wolff questions like this one! Your support also helps keep this content free to the public. Spreading Prof. Wolff's message is more important than ever. Help us continue to make this possible.

A Patron of Democracy at Work asks: "I wrote an email response to someone who had a lot of strange ideas about Marx and all of the purported evil done in his name. He and others seem to hold Marx personally responsible for the crimes of Pol Pot, Stalin, Mao, et al. I've read a bit by and about Marx and listened to many lectures of those who hold him in high regard. Am I missing something?" This is Professor Richard Wolff's response. To submit your own question for Prof. Wolff, join Democracy at Work on Patreon at www.patreon.com/democracyatwork

A Patron of Democracy at Work asks: "Are sanctions, which are detrimental to ordinary citizens, in some cases justified in order to try to pressure a government committing evil (like in the case of South Africa) to cease?" This is Professor Richard Wolff's response. To submit your own question for Prof. Wolff, join Democracy at Work on Patreon at www.patreon.com/democracyatwork

A Patron of Democracy at Work asks: "Have you looked into the concept of Collective Capitalism as theorized by G. Means and its influence on Japan (which has the largest Communist Party not in control of the government)? Also, the public private relationship in Singapore's economy seems very different from the Western financial capitalist system. Are these various "Eastern" economic models something that would attract support from American workers rather than socialism? In another way, could concessions from capitalism like guarantees of long-term employment, market controls, social services, etc. be ways that capitalists retain private property rights and stymie socialist progress? For background, it seems like the FDR administration used this approach to prevent a full socialist movement from taking power during the great depression." This is Professor Richard Wolff's response. To submit your own question for Prof. Wolff, join Democracy at Work on Patreon at www.patreon.com/democracyatwork

A Patron of Democracy at Work asks: "Please explain the role of the bond market (US Treasuries) in the failure of capitalism and democracy." This is Professor Richard Wolff's response. To submit your own question for Prof. Wolff, join Democracy at Work on Patreon at www.patreon.com/democracyatwork

A Patron of Democracy at Work asks: "It seems like you believe capitalists aren't just greedy and evil but in a system requiring them to do what they do. Is this also true of politicians who vote for and carry out incredibly destructive policies to human lives and the environment?" This is Professor Richard Wolff's response. To submit your own question for Prof. Wolff, join Democracy at Work on Patreon at www.patreon.com/democracyatwork

A Patron of Democracy at Work asks: "In view of the French retirement proposals and the argument that fewer active workers are supporting more retired workers, can you address how changing demographics will affect world economies? I don't see that declining birth rates will change. It seems to make the current form of capitalism even more sustainable." This is Professor Richard Wolff's response. To submit your own question for Prof. Wolff, join Democracy at Work on Patreon at www.patreon.com/democracyatwork

A Patron of Democracy at Work asks: "I am writing to seek your insights on the rapidly evolving artificial intelligence (AI) landscape, particularly with regards to its implementation by profit-driven companies. It is evident that AI technology has the potential to bring significant advancements in various sectors. However, there is a growing concern that AI's deployment by corporations focused solely on profit maximization may exacerbate wealth inequality, eliminate jobs, and displace workers. How do you view the current state of AI evolution and its impact on the labor market, especially considering the role of profit-driven companies in shaping AI development?" This is Professor Richard Wolff's response. To submit your own question for Prof. Wolff, join Democracy at Work on Patreon at www.patreon.com/democracyatwork

A Patron of Democracy at Work asks: "I am a pediatrician but like everyone in the medical field, we are tired of serving insurance companies and Medicine is not fun anymore. I wish we had public insurance as I don't see how health can go with profit. I am opening a small business. My question is, for us tiny companies: what will the future bring with a possible war with China? Aren't we the biggest losers here? We don't manufacture anything anymore! How can small businesses survive in current times? " This is Professor Richard Wolff's response. To submit your own question for Prof. Wolff, join Democracy at Work on Patreon at www.patreon.com/democracyatwork

A Patron of Democracy at Work asks: "Please discuss woke economics. I have seen YouTube clips using this term. After viewing a couple clips I concluded this is capitalism claiming to be the answer to the social problems caused by capitalism. Do I have that correct?" This is Professor Richard Wolff's response. To submit your own question for Prof. Wolff, join Democracy at Work on Patreon at www.patreon.com/democracyatwork

A Patron of Democracy at Work asks: "What do you think about the left's view of immigration and why do you think that seems to be the consensus view? Why are most on the left so in support of immigration when it's clear the working class seem to be rejecting it?" This is Professor Richard Wolff's response. To submit your own question for Prof. Wolff, join Democracy at Work on Patreon at www.patreon.com/democracyatwork

A Patron of Democracy at Work asks: "I'd love to hear your thoughts on what a world looks like if the US dollar loses its primacy. What does the "economy" look like in the USA? Will there be a huge collapse?" This is Professor Richard Wolff's response. To submit your own question for Prof. Wolff, join Democracy at Work on Patreon at www.patreon.com/democracyatwork

A Patron of Democracy at Work asks: "Are Americans ready for Democracy (at work or anywhere else)? I have been a volunteer in a non-profit for decades. We are a 12 step program and have plenty of participation in our weekly meetings. We are nominally democratic in that we ideally hold a monthly group conscience in which we can make simple decisions like whether to make a donation or purchase supplies or some of both. When such a meeting is announced, members scatter like roaches when the light goes on. They 'don't want to get involved.' I have heard it is typical in non-profits that 5% do 90% of the work. Is that also true of worker co-ops?" This is Professor Richard Wolff's response. To submit your own question for Prof. Wolff, join Democracy at Work on Patreon at www.patreon.com/democracyatwork

A Patron of Democracy at Work asks: "Why, in your opinion, did European countries go along with the USA on sanctions on Russia after the Russian invasion of Ukraine last year? Did European leaders miscalculate negative impacts that these sanctions will have on Europe or counted on some benefits that will be worth the losses? Are any benefits present?" This is Professor Richard Wolff's response. To submit your own question for Prof. Wolff, join Democracy at Work on Patreon at www.patreon.com/democracyatwork

A Patron of Democracy at Work asks: "I would like Prof to explain what the meaning of Economic Nationalism is and provide examples of past and present systems." This is Professor Richard Wolff's response. To submit your own question for Prof. Wolff, join Democracy at Work on Patreon at www.patreon.com/democracyatwork

A Patron of Democracy at Work asks: "How could the education system transform under a worker-cooperative economy? What would schools look like for young children to young adults? How would it compare to a capitalist education system, which at least in some part, is designed to make us into workers for capitalists?" This is Professor Richard Wolff's response. To submit your own question for Prof. Wolff, join Democracy at Work on Patreon at www.patreon.com/democracyatwork

A Patron of Democracy at Work asks: "Would you agree that for large monopolistic industries that the entire society depends on for survival, like food, energy, defense, and health care, worker coops would not go far enough? If we're serious about our long-term survival, wouldn't we have to remove the profit motive entirely and give all citizens democratic control over these industries?" This is Professor Richard Wolff's response. To submit your own question for Prof. Wolff, join Democracy at Work on Patreon at www.patreon.com/democracyatwork

A Patron of Democracy at Work asks: "I don't understand how inflation works. How can a 2x4 cost more than it did 10 years ago?" This is Professor Richard Wolff's response. To submit your own question for Prof. Wolff, join Democracy at Work on Patreon at www.patreon.com/democracyatwork

A Patron of Democracy at Work asks: "To what extent does the US Military Industrial Complex factor into the US economy as a whole? It seems like the US is at endless war and, in my opinion, there has to be a significant economic reason for this. Would the US economy take a great hit or maybe fall apart completely if not for the seemingly endless war profiteering?" This is Professor Richard Wolff's response. To submit your own question for Prof. Wolff, join Democracy at Work on Patreon at www.patreon.com/democracyatwork

A Patron of Democracy at Work asks: "How should we answer when people say, 'capitalism is the only way there is, nothing else works.' How do we live without earning and profiting from our working and, in doing this, making ourselves prosperous from our own industry and ideas?" This is Professor Richard Wolff's response. To submit your own question for Prof. Wolff, join Democracy at Work on Patreon at www.patreon.com/democracyatwork

A Patron of Democracy at Work asks: "From a Marxist economic perspective, can you explain how austerity politics and austerity measures eventually lead to over-policing?" This is Professor Richard Wolff's response. To submit your own question for Prof. Wolff, join Democracy at Work on Patreon at www.patreon.com/democracyatwork

A Patron of Democracy at Work asks: "I, as a socialist myself, agree with the socioeconomic model that you advocate, with worker-owned cooperatives substituting today's private businesses. However, making the actual changes, reforms and, if you like, revolution, would also bring an end to stocks, stock-based companies, and the stock market. I can't get my head around how we actually get rid of the capitalist stock markets without letting the state take over with force or having the capitalists cause big damages to the economy as an act of revenge. What should we do with the stock market?" This is Professor Richard Wolff's response. To submit your own question for Prof. Wolff, join Democracy at Work on Patreon at www.patreon.com/democracyatwork

A Patron of Democracy at Work asks: "Based on the content that I consume, my expectation is that factions of the 1% like BlackRock intend to own all family housing in America and rent it to us. The prices of homes going down paired with higher interest rates makes the game even more favorable for those who can buy these properties in one payment. My question is, how will these parasites intercept houses from young people who are expecting to inherit their parent's home? Is there a mechanism for them to do that?" This is Professor Richard Wolff's response. To submit your own question for Prof. Wolff, join Democracy at Work on Patreon at www.patreon.com/democracyatwork

A Patron of Democracy at Work asks: "As we see billions once more go to Ukraine, as we have seen trillions upon trillions go to wars since WWII, isn't it correct to say that Military-Keynesianism is fascism? Technocratic fascism? If so, why? And if not, why not? A Boeing factory in every state, not to mention other military contractors that pay off the coin-operated politicians signifies fascist to me." This is Professor Richard Wolff's response. To submit your own question for Prof. Wolff, join Democracy at Work on Patreon at www.patreon.com/democracyatwork

A Patron of Democracy at Work asks: "Can there be another segment about surplus and economic sinks? If capital has to increase all the time, why is there a surplus? And if there is a surplus, why can't we spend it on social programs like health care and infrastructure?" This is Professor Richard Wolff's response. To submit your own question for Prof. Wolff, join Democracy at Work on Patreon at www.patreon.com/democracyatwork

A Patron of Democracy at Work asks: "The war of ideas is real and, as often as I can, I engage with opposing ideas. From my perspective, I find that socialistic approaches to most social/economic issues check the box of many of the purported ideals of my more/less conservative neighbors, however, I cannot pierce the armor of their preconceptions. I'm tired of blaming their propaganda consumption. I want to affect their actions, not blame their cause. How can we overcome this deterrence? The cold hard merit of my arguments is not enough to overcome their insulation. Is there a better tactic for day-to-day arguments than relying on the merit of my arguments to bear fruit?" This is Professor Richard Wolff's response. To submit your own question for Prof. Wolff, join Democracy at Work on Patreon at www.patreon.com/democracyatwork

A Patron of Democracy at Work asks: "Is capitalism a religion? Has it become the established religion of the United States?" This is Professor Richard Wolff's response. To submit your own question for Prof. Wolff, join Democracy at Work on Patreon at www.patreon.com/democracyatwork

A Patron of Democracy at Work asks: "Are any complex systems eternally homeostatic? Cyclic behavior is a euphemism for millions of people will lose their jobs and homes, quit school, etc. I don't think that anyone imagines an economic system sans fluctuations. That would be truly Utopian. Or dystopian rather because fluctuations can be rightly considered a healthy feature of complex systems. But my overall impression in listening to professor Wolff is that these instabilities are borne in no small measure from the fundamental tensions that constitute the employer/ employee relationship." This is Professor Richard Wolff's response. To submit your own question for Prof. Wolff, join Democracy at Work on Patreon at www.patreon.com/democracyatwork

A Patron of Democracy at Work asks: "Hello, I am an officially retired person, although I continue to work on projects in the arts, in part to supplement Social Security and in part as a labor of love. I often feel that I am somewhat excluded from the critical effort I see here to remake our work lives. What role can seniors play? We do, after all, possess lifetimes of experience." This is Professor Richard Wolff's response. To submit your own question for Prof. Wolff, join Democracy at Work on Patreon at www.patreon.com/democracyatwork

A Patron of Democracy at Work asks: "I was wondering if there has ever been a political party that focuses primarily on the formation, maintenance and sustenance of worker co-ops? My understanding is that worker co-ops are all inclusive by design and would include folks that have been marginalized by society (i.e. people of color, women, gay folks, etc). Would it be useful to develop a political party in the U.S. whose primary focus would be on worker co-ops?" This is Professor Richard Wolff's response. To submit your own question for Prof. Wolff, join Democracy at Work on Patreon at www.patreon.com/democracyatwork

A Patron of Democracy at Work asks: "One issue I hope Prof. Wolff might address is a comparative analysis of the role of for-profit vs. non-profit corporations. For example, in the recent shows on inflation, he notes that raising prices by the employer is motivated by profit maximization. This dynamic can't play an obvious role for a non-profit, but they could raise prices to maximize the salaries of high-ranking corporate employees. But do they? Alternatively, would we be better off with more non-profits? The big picture here would be invaluable." This is Professor Richard Wolff's response. To submit your own question for Prof. Wolff, join Democracy at Work on Patreon at www.patreon.com/democracyatwork

A Patron of Democracy at Work asks: "You're known as an advocate of worker cooperatives. However, back in the 19th century, Friedrich Engels (as well as Eduard Bernstein, the father of Democratic Socialism) was very skeptical of worker cooperatives because of the power the workers at a company could still have over the general public to whom they were not responsible to, meaning they could still, for example, create a monopoly, jack up prices, and engage in protectionist tactics. Instead, Engels and Bernstein preferred consumer cooperatives, in which the public that patronized the business would be the ones to own it and the business would be responsible to them, thereby giving the public a say in the running of the company as well as the workers. What do you think about the advantages and disadvantages of the two systems and why do you think worker cooperatives are the superior arrangement?" This is Professor Richard Wolff's response. To submit your own question for Prof. Wolff, join Democracy at Work on Patreon at www.patreon.com/democracyatwork

A Patron of Democracy at Work asks: "Can you please address the previous and current systemic collusion/connivance between the union leadership [of possibly every labor union] and the corporate management? And not just the fairly recent scandal of UAW/FCA regarding eroding solidarity and diminished worker benefits. Although, the technical question was how the US DOJ found evidence for it and management motives behind it, this might help make the case to democratize the enterprise."

A Patron of Democracy at Work asks: "Hello Professor Wolff, here in Germany, gas prices are very high due to the sanctions policy with Russia. It is typical of a market economy that the gas that has become scarce is priced higher in order to alleviate the shortage. In this way, the scarce gas is distributed to the rich who can make monetary inquiries. How should allocation of goods (let's say gas/oil to take today's shortage) work in a socialist mode of production?"

A Patron of Democracy at Work asks: "Dear Prof. Wolff, can you explain the value of a National Infrastructure Bank?"

A Patron of Democracy at Work asks: "Greetings Prof Wolff, my question is one of ethics. How does a collective remain competitive in a dog-eat-dog capitalist environment when the expectation is that a worker-owned enterprise would be presumed to follow the law? I'm not saying all privately-held enterprises are corrupt but it follows that if a given firm were to cut corners, all other competitors would have to follow suit to continue to exist. And what of deregulation? Are there examples whereby ethical principles are an existential threat to coops under capitalism?"

An audience member of Ask Prof Wolff LIVE asks: "Can you discuss the concept of labor markets and how they influence collective bargaining power?" Prof Wolff answered this question during a live Ask Prof Wolff event. We look forward to having more live "Ask" sessions like these! Some will be open to the public, some will be for the generous donors who sustain our work. Some will be with Prof Wolff, and others will feature other d@w hosts! Stay connected with us to hear about the next live event! The best way to keep in touch with us is by signing up to our email list: https://www.democracyatwork.info/sign_up

An audience member of Ask Prof Wolff LIVE asks: "If inflation is a result of employers increasing prices to make higher profits, how does the Fed connect the interest rate as a way to directly control inflation?" Prof Wolff answered this question during a live Ask Prof Wolff event. We look forward to having more live "Ask" sessions like these! Some will be open to the public, some will be for the generous donors who sustain our work. Some will be with Prof Wolff, and others will feature other d@w hosts! Stay connected with us to hear about the next live event! The best way to keep in touch with us is by signing up to our email list: https://www.democracyatwork.info/sign_up

An audience member of Ask Prof Wolff LIVE asks: "In a worker cooperative society, what would be the role or major functions of the state?" Prof Wolff answered this question during a live Ask Prof Wolff event. We look forward to having more live "Ask" sessions like these! Some will be open to the public, some will be for the generous donors who sustain our work. Some will be with Prof Wolff, and others will feature other d@w hosts! Stay connected with us to hear about the next live event! The best way to keep in touch with us is by signing up to our email list: https://www.democracyatwork.info/sign_up

An audience member of Ask Prof Wolff LIVE asks: "Fascism is when the state and corporations merge, so why isn't the system that China has considered fascist? Is it fascist, is it not?" Prof Wolff answered this question during a live Ask Prof Wolff event. We look forward to having more live "Ask" sessions like these! Some will be open to the public, some will be for the generous donors who sustain our work. Some will be with Prof Wolff, and others will feature other d@w hosts! Stay connected with us to hear about the next live event! The best way to keep in touch with us is by signing up to our email list: https://www.democracyatwork.info/sign_up

An audience member of Ask Prof Wolff LIVE asks: "What are the major historical downsides to a deflation? Are price decreases in a specific sector (e.g. fuel if, hypothetically, the shocks to that supply chain end sometime) generally isolated from these?" Prof Wolff answered this question during a live Ask Prof Wolff event. We look forward to having more live "Ask" sessions like these! Some will be open to the public, some will be for the generous donors who sustain our work. Some will be with Prof Wolff, and others will feature other d@w hosts! Stay connected with us to hear about the next live event! The best way to keep in touch with us is by signing up to our email list: https://www.democracyatwork.info/sign_up

A Patron of Democracy at Work asks: "How different would teaching economics be in a world full of coops? What would be the same/different?"