November 7, 2024
Moving Forward
Even with the dust not quite settled on the 2024 U.S. presidential election, it’s not too early to see that once again, the working class finds itself at a crossroads, disillusioned and disenfranchised. The re-election of Donald Trump serves as a stark reminder that the American political system remains deeply entrenched in capitalist interests, far removed from the needs and aspirations of the working class. This election underscores the illusion of choice presented by the two-party system—both of which ultimately serve the capitalist overlords at the expense of the working masses. And now it’s bound to get worse.
The Democratic and Republican parties have long masqueraded as opposites, each claiming to champion different visions for America. Yet, beneath the surface, both parties are beholden to the same capitalist class that funds their campaigns and lobbies for their policies. The 2024 election was no exception. While the Democrats paid lip service to progressive ideals (barely!), their actions revealed a commitment to maintaining the status quo. Their failure to offer a genuine alternative paved the way for Trump’s victory, highlighting the futility of seeking revolutionary change within the confines of a capitalist-dominated political system.
Consider the issue of healthcare. While Democrats advocate for incremental reforms and Republicans push for deregulation, neither party confronts the root problem: a profit-driven healthcare system that leaves millions uninsured or underinsured. The pharmaceutical industry’s influence results in exorbitant drug prices, a burden that falls disproportionately on the working class. This alignment with capitalist interests over people’s welfare exemplifies how both parties prioritize profits over meaningful change.
The capitalist system thrives on exploitation and inequality, and its influence over politics ensures that any threat to its dominance is neutralized. Most politicians, regardless of party affiliation, rely on corporate donations and are influenced by lobbyists representing big business interests. This symbiotic relationship perpetuates policies that favor the wealthy elite—tax cuts for corporations, deregulation, and austerity measures that disproportionately impact the working class.
A poignant example of capitalist exploitation is the ongoing disregard for indigenous peoples and their lands. Energy corporations relentlessly pursue resource extraction projects like the Dakota Access Pipeline and the Keystone XL Pipeline (which Trump said he allow to move forward), which threaten sacred indigenous territories and vital water sources. Despite fierce opposition from Native American communities and environmental activists, these projects often receive government approval and perpetuate a legacy of colonization and exploitation, all in the name of profit.
The 2024 election cycle saw unprecedented amounts of money poured into campaigns, with Super PACs and billionaires (especially immigrant billionaires from South Africa) wielding significant influence over candidates. Issues crucial to the working class, such as living wages, affordable healthcare, and workers’ rights, were overshadowed by the interests of the capitalist class. This dynamic reinforces Marx’s assertion that the state serves as the executive committee of the bourgeoisie, maintaining the conditions for capital accumulation at the expense of the rest of us.
As the capitalist system continues unabated, so do the crises it engenders. Climate change accelerates as corporations prioritize profits over the planet, with environmental regulations rolled back and renewable energy initiatives undermined. Corporations continue to prioritize short-term profits over environmental stewardship, lobbying against regulations that would curb emissions and protect natural resources. Hunger and poverty persist in one of the wealthiest nations on earth, a glaring contradiction that exposes the system’s inherent inefficiency in meeting basic human needs.
Exploitation extends beyond national borders through imperialist policies that destabilize other nations for economic gain. Internationally, the U.S. continues to engage in trade practices and military interventions that benefit multinational corporations while leaving devastation in their wake; e.g. the current genocide in Palestine supported by both political parties. Companies outsource manufacturing to countries with lax labor laws, subjecting workers to poor conditions and meager wages. The Rana Plaza collapse in Bangladesh, where over 1,100 garment workers died due to negligent safety standards, is a gross example of how capitalist greed endangers lives. These actions exacerbate global inequalities and fuel resentment, further destabilizing the international order.
Food insecurity and hunger persist even in affluent nations like the United States. According to recent reports, over 38 million Americans, including 12 million children, face food insecurity. This paradox of scarcity amid abundance highlights the inefficiencies of a system that values profit over human need.
Ironically, Trump’s victory may serve as a catalyst for the very revolutionary change that is necessary. His administration’s overt support for the rich and blatant disregard for the struggles of the working class lay bare the inequalities perpetuated by the capitalist system. By intensifying the exploitation and widening the wealth gap, the contradictions of capitalism become increasingly apparent. This will only be exacerbated over the next four years.
Such contradictions will eventually lead to class consciousness among the proletariat—and we can see with the increase of collective bargaining over the recent years, that maybe some workers are beginning to catch on. As the working class becomes more aware of their shared oppression, the conditions become ripe for revolutionary change. Trump’s administration, in its pursuit of capitalist interests, may inadvertently accelerate this awakening by stripping away the veneer of democracy and exposing the oligarchic nature of American politics. For some of us this has been obvious for years, but for others, especially under the sway of corporate-owned media interests, it might take more to wake them up.
The mainstream media, often heralded as a pillar of democracy, functions increasingly as a tool of the capitalist elite. Major media conglomerates like Comcast, Disney, and News Corp own a vast majority of news outlets, creating a media landscape where a handful of corporations control the flow of information. This concentration of ownership results in news coverage that aligns with the interests of advertisers and corporate stakeholders rather than the public good.
During the 2024 election, media outlets focused extensively on sensationalism and partisan bickering, diverting attention from substantive issues like wealth inequality, systemic racism, and climate change. For instance, the minimal coverage of widespread labor strikes at corporations like Amazon and Walmart underscores how the media sidelines stories that challenge capitalist narratives. Investigative journalism that exposes corporate malfeasance is often stifled, while airtime is given to trivial scandals that generate higher ratings.
This manipulation of information serves to maintain the status quo, keeping the working class uninformed and disengaged from the systemic forces that oppress them. By shaping public perception, the media ensures that democratic participation is limited to choices that do not threaten capitalist interests.
Combatting the capitalist media machine requires a concerted effort to promote media literacy and support independent journalism. Alternative media outlets, such as Democracy Now! and Jacobin, provide critical analysis and coverage of issues neglected by mainstream sources. By disseminating information that challenges capitalist narratives, these platforms empower individuals to make informed decisions and engage in meaningful activism.
The current political landscape underscores the futility of seeking change through traditional electoral politics within a capitalist framework. Instead, the working class must organize outside of these structures to build a movement capable of challenging and ultimately dismantling the capitalist system. This involves grassroots organizing, labor strikes, and the formation of alternative institutions that operate on principles of collective ownership and democratic control.
Education plays a crucial role in this process, though I must admit I’m a bit disheartened and dubious about the system’s continued ability to really educate. By fostering a critical understanding of capitalism’s exploitative mechanisms, individuals can break free from the ideological constraints that perpetuate their oppression. Solidarity among the working class, both domestically and internationally, is essential to mount an effective resistance against the entrenched capitalist interests. Education systems must be reformed to include critical thinking and an understanding of capitalist structures, rather than just producing more workers to be exploited by the corporate machine. By equipping the younger generation with the tools to question and analyze, we lay the groundwork for a more conscious and active populace.
The 2024 presidential election highlights a crucial truth: meaningful change often begins at the grassroots level, not just within the corridors of power. Recognizing that corporations prioritize profits over people, it’s imperative that we refocus our efforts on establishing and nurturing local support communities to protect those who are most vulnerable. By doing so, we can create resilient networks that operate independently of corporate interests and foster a sense of collective well-being.
These local initiatives can take many forms—community gardens to combat food insecurity, neighborhood cooperatives that provide essential services without exploitation, or mutual aid groups that offer support during times of crisis. Such efforts empower individuals by promoting self-sufficiency and reinforcing the idea that we do not need to rely on companies that do not have our best interests at heart. After all, making profits for these corporations should not be a priority in our lives.
Resistance to the capitalist system doesn’t always manifest through grand revolutions; often, it unfolds through small, deliberate actions in our daily routines. Choosing to support local businesses over multinational corporations, reducing consumption of goods produced unethically, or dedicating time to community projects are all practical ways we can challenge the status quo. These everyday choices collectively undermine the profit-driven motives of companies that exploit labor and resources.
By emphasizing local community development and personal agency, we take pragmatic steps toward a more equitable society. This approach acknowledges that while systemic change is necessary, it is through the accumulation of small acts of resistance that we build momentum. Each decision to prioritize people over profits chips away at the structures that perpetuate inequality.
In essence, the path forward lies in solidarity and proactive engagement within our communities. By fostering environments where everyone’s needs are met through mutual support, we reduce dependence on systems that have historically neglected the well-being of the many in favor of the few. It’s through these collective efforts that we can create a foundation for lasting change—one that prioritizes human dignity and shared prosperity over corporate gain.
The challenges we face are significant, but they are not insurmountable. By focusing on what we can do individually and collectively at the local level, we harness the power of community to protect the vulnerable and promote justice. In embracing everyday acts of resistance, we reaffirm our commitment to a future where the well-being of all takes precedence over the profits of a few.
