Economic Update with Richard D. Wolff Solidarity Cities as Alternatives to Capitalism
Apr 22, 2025
Maliha Safri, a Professor of Economics at Drew University, joins the discussion on urban solidarity economies. She explores how cities like Worcester and Philadelphia create alternatives to capitalism through cooperative initiatives. The conversation highlights the historical roots of grassroots activism, particularly the Iglesias Gardens, and emphasizes the importance of community resilience against gentrification. They propose 'counter mapping' as a strategy to visualize and resist economic exclusion, showcasing the power of solidarity in transforming urban landscapes.
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Capitalism Opposes Progress
- Capitalism takes credit for societal improvements it opposed relentlessly.
- Socialists fought for laws that actually improved living standards, not capitalists.
Veterans' Economic Sacrifice Recognized
- Veterans receive employment preference due to economic sacrifices from military service.
- Trump's administration is undermining this commitment by firing veterans from Veterans Administration.
Tariff Uncertainty Harms Economy
- Trump's tariff uncertainties prevent businesses from planning investments.
- This uncertainty contributes to recessions and economic isolation of the U.S. globally.
