When the United States Constitution was drafted by America’s Founding Fathers at the Constitutional Convention in 1787, George Mason, the influential delegate from the state of Virginia, was one of only three delegates who refused to sign it.
Perhaps I missed it, but I'm not seeing any mention of a universal "right to a decent education". In my opinion, that should be be the first priority in achieving an "economic democracy".
Ronald, I agree 100% with your concerns. Now retired, I once advised international corporations and banks. I write on the largely unrecognized and stealth ways that the rich have used to obtain the present income and wealth gap. I explain how the systems work so people can understand why all attempts at stopping the upward transfer of wealth have failed and what could be successful. Here is the link to the start of my section on banking:https://janweirlaw.medium.com/introduction-91c4cbd5b7be
I love how direct and to the point these recommendations are. Would like to invite discussion of their implications. Some cities have experimented with guaranteed basic income and have found positive results. And there are strong proponents of localized economies that can identify how wealth bleeds from the community, proposing it be substituted with local enterprise. Are these tentative experiments enough for transition?
Can the discontent of the working class be directed toward these kinds of policies? I think so if it is translated to concrete on the ground solutions that people can participate in and experience directly.
At one time, I made a list of many of the prominent progressive economic demands that were being advocated to create greater economic justice and equity. I then held them up to the four principles of economic democracy and saw that they pretty much all came under one or the other of these principles. This is, the rights of economic democracy are a kind of umbrella, or organizing framework for progressive economic reforms. In the future, I may write an article on this.
You ask: Can the working class be directed toward these kinds of policies? An insightful question. Many have now been directed toward Trumpism. But this attraction will prove illusionary. Then what will they have? It seems to me that there is a vacuum to be filled, were the advocates of economic democracy up to the task.
Excellent article. The only thing I would take exception to is calling America a "demi-plutocracy". I think it was true a couple decades ago when Greg Palast wrote, "The Best Democracy Money Can Buy". But I believe we have shifted since then from a uniquely American Oligarchy (kleptocracy) into a full blown kakistocracy ( government run by the worst, least qualified, or most unscrupulous citizens). There has been a movement with some political candidates refusing corporate $, but it's too little and maybe too late to compete with the Elon Musks of the world and the purchasing of not only political candidates to do their bidding, but also the communication systems that serve as the global commons for discourse.
Perhaps we need to be prepared for fully transforming our governing systems. Like a caterpillar turning into goo before emerging as a butterfly, we need to let go of all our preconceptions and limiting thought structures from the past and surrender to a transformation we can hardly imagine.
In the previous article I posted on economic democracy, I characterized the movement that has given rise to the Trump presidency as "American fascism." In this article, speaking in a broader context and to highlight the growing disparity of power between the uber-rich and the 99 plus percent, is used the term "demi-plutocracy." So I have not been particularly consistent, and perhaps not adequately thoughtful. I appreciate that a case could also be made, as you say Michele, for calling the American governing system as an "American oligarchy" or a "kleptocracy." All these terms seem descriptive in appropriate ways. This being said, words have meaning, and we need to have these discussions as to what is the most appropriate word to be using. Thanks for calling our attention to this.
Thank you for a clear and concise explanation of Economic Democracy . This is something that I will be referring other people to, as the time for Economic Democracy has come.
As I understand, Marc, a number of readers have made their way to this Substack through your postings on other Substacks that reference us -- for which we are grateful.
Thank you, Mr. Logan. This piece resonates deeply with me, not just in theory but in practice, as I witness the stark realities of economic disparity and its ripple effects here in Hawai‘i every day. The wealth gap, the siphoning of local resources by outside interests, and the struggles of communities to retain their cultural and economic sovereignty are not abstract ideas—they’re the lived experience of so many people I know and care about.
In Hawai‘i, the principle of economic democracy feels profoundly relevant. This is a place where the tension between the preservation of cultural identity and the pressures of a globalized economy is palpable. Tourists marvel at the beauty of our islands, yet many residents are priced out of their own homes, unable to sustain themselves in the land of their ancestors. Locally generated wealth, whether through tourism or the exploitation of natural resources, often flows outward, leaving communities here struggling with the basics—affordable housing, access to fresh food, and economic stability.
This imbalance is what drives my development as a change agent. The principles laid out your piece—ensuring basic necessities, increasing purchasing power, empowering local decision-making, and preventing the drainage of local wealth—are the very principles I see as essential to the future of Hawai‘i. These ideas inspire much of my work, from supporting local farmers and markets to advocating for rebuilding Lahaina in a way that centers its people, not corporate interests.
One principle that particularly speaks to me is the emphasis on local economic empowerment. In my work with Napili Farmers Market and other community initiatives, I see firsthand the power of keeping wealth within the community. When local farmers sell directly to local residents, or when a small business thrives because it is supported by its neighbors, it’s not just an economic transaction—it’s a strengthening of the social fabric. It’s a reminder that sustainable, equitable economies begin with relationships and accountability at the community level.
Another principle that inspires me is the idea of guaranteed basic necessities. In Hawai‘i, the high cost of living makes this an urgent issue. I’ve seen families working multiple jobs just to stay afloat, unable to focus on their children’s education or their own well-being. Economic stability isn’t just a matter of numbers; it’s a prerequisite for participation in civic life, for contributing to the collective, and for fostering the kind of thoughtful, engaged citizenry that democracy requires.
Finally, the call to prevent the drainage of local wealth strikes a chord. Here in Hawai‘i, we often talk about aloha ‘āina—love and respect for the land. Yet, much of the wealth generated from this land, whether through tourism, agriculture, or development, is extracted by entities that have no stake in the community’s well-being. This disconnect undermines not only economic democracy but also our cultural identity and resilience.
This piece reminds me that the struggles we face in Hawai‘i are not isolated; they are part of a larger global pattern. It also reminds me that solutions start locally, with empowered communities that prioritize collective well-being over profit. As I grow in my role as a change agent, I am inspired to integrate these principles into my work—whether by advocating for sustainable, affordable housing in Lahaina, promoting local food systems, or supporting policies that ensure economic equity.
Change will not come easily, but the idea of economic democracy gives me hope. It offers a vision of what is possible when people come together to reclaim their power, their dignity, and their future. Here in Hawai‘i, where the values of community, land, and culture run deep, I believe we can be a beacon for how economic democracy can work in harmony with cultural preservation and environmental stewardship.
This is not just about policy or economics—it’s about honoring the neohumanism philosophy and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive. For me, that’s the heart of this work, and it’s why I feel so committed to helping build a future that reflects these values.
I'm both impressed and moved by your comment, Christy. You write with eloquence, passion, clarity and depth about your experience and your local efforts. I'm so pleased that this got shared on this Substack. I suspect that, like myself, readers of your comment now feel an investment -- distant though it may be -- in your aspirations for greater self-determination for the local Hawaiian people.
Thank you, Mr. Logan. This was an excellent read! Now I can put a name to the kind of Democracy I would like to see. Economic Democracy of, for and by the people! I have spent the time since the pandemic seeking out farmer's markets, thrift stores, vegetable stands and lower-priced grocery stores like Aldi's and Sav-A-Lot. On my limited income, these types of places have sustained me. After reading your piece, I wholeheartedly agree that America should move to become an Economic Democracy. That way, everybody would flourish and live better lives. The problem right now as I see it, there might not be anymore elections and trump and his people will have taken over our country. It would be very hard to work toward an Economic Democracy when we have become an authoritarian regime with basically no rights at all.
Peggy: I think there's two ways to look at the pending Trump presidency. One is as you say: an authoritarian regime will be set in place that will stifle progressive change. The other is that his policies and leadership will quicken the inevitable crisis of capitalism and make it apparent all the sooner that deeper solutions -- such as economic democracy -- will be required. I'm not saying this will be pretty; it will involve a lot of hurt. But it may present unanticipated opportunities.
Thank you, Mr. Logan. I believe that trump and his loyal sycophants will do absolutely everything they possibly can to prevent us from bringing about progressive change; however, I do believe because of the pain his brand of capitalism will bring, we just may have the opportunity to send a loud message to Americans about Economic Democracy and how much better it is. I appreciate you helping me understand and navigate through what is surely going to be a test for my sanity! I also appreciate that you are one who is making recommended solutions to America's problems instead of just bashing and blaming everyone for our loss in November. The more ideas and thoughts about real solutions will help us move forward from here.
Economic democracy does not address deferred costs (some call these externalized costs) directly. Economic democracy does not provide a full vision for a healthy society; it is only a piece of what's needed.
There is absolute need to deal with deferred costs of production. Two main approaches should be used. First, there needs to be much greater regulation of industrial production to prevent the waste and toxicity that society and the planet have to pay for. Second, the general society needs to have much stronger shared values around sustainability and circular economy approaches, so that this becomes the behavior that people expect of each other, and of our enterprises.
Perhaps I missed it, but I'm not seeing any mention of a universal "right to a decent education". In my opinion, that should be be the first priority in achieving an "economic democracy".
Peter: The right to education was covered in a separate article which gave four universal rights that should be ensured globally. See: https://crisistransition.substack.com/p/foundation-principles-for-a-planetary
Ronald, I agree 100% with your concerns. Now retired, I once advised international corporations and banks. I write on the largely unrecognized and stealth ways that the rich have used to obtain the present income and wealth gap. I explain how the systems work so people can understand why all attempts at stopping the upward transfer of wealth have failed and what could be successful. Here is the link to the start of my section on banking:https://janweirlaw.medium.com/introduction-91c4cbd5b7be
Another proposal :
All Taxes should be Visible Sales Taxes
- Income Taxes
- Corporation Taxes
- School Taxes
- Fuel Taxes
- Carbon Taxes
- every tax
Take-home pay would not change.
Prices would drop ~50%.
Visible taxes total ~100% of prices.
Cost of items remain the same, But
the pressure on Governments to be efficient would be enormous.
Nice dream.
Of course, it can't happen.
Sadly, politicians have been convinced (by bureaucrats?) that they should buy today's votes by having our grandkids pay => Deficits+Inflation = Debt
People today want a return to prices of 5 years ago. Planned Inflation prevents it.
I love how direct and to the point these recommendations are. Would like to invite discussion of their implications. Some cities have experimented with guaranteed basic income and have found positive results. And there are strong proponents of localized economies that can identify how wealth bleeds from the community, proposing it be substituted with local enterprise. Are these tentative experiments enough for transition?
Can the discontent of the working class be directed toward these kinds of policies? I think so if it is translated to concrete on the ground solutions that people can participate in and experience directly.
Universal Basic Income [UBI] please.
A monthly cheque to all adults (without a bureaucrat paid to look over every shoulder in Guaranteed Basic Income).
Eliminate welfare, student subsidies, etc.
Need more income?
Work without losing UBI.
At one time, I made a list of many of the prominent progressive economic demands that were being advocated to create greater economic justice and equity. I then held them up to the four principles of economic democracy and saw that they pretty much all came under one or the other of these principles. This is, the rights of economic democracy are a kind of umbrella, or organizing framework for progressive economic reforms. In the future, I may write an article on this.
You ask: Can the working class be directed toward these kinds of policies? An insightful question. Many have now been directed toward Trumpism. But this attraction will prove illusionary. Then what will they have? It seems to me that there is a vacuum to be filled, were the advocates of economic democracy up to the task.
Excellent article. The only thing I would take exception to is calling America a "demi-plutocracy". I think it was true a couple decades ago when Greg Palast wrote, "The Best Democracy Money Can Buy". But I believe we have shifted since then from a uniquely American Oligarchy (kleptocracy) into a full blown kakistocracy ( government run by the worst, least qualified, or most unscrupulous citizens). There has been a movement with some political candidates refusing corporate $, but it's too little and maybe too late to compete with the Elon Musks of the world and the purchasing of not only political candidates to do their bidding, but also the communication systems that serve as the global commons for discourse.
Perhaps we need to be prepared for fully transforming our governing systems. Like a caterpillar turning into goo before emerging as a butterfly, we need to let go of all our preconceptions and limiting thought structures from the past and surrender to a transformation we can hardly imagine.
In the previous article I posted on economic democracy, I characterized the movement that has given rise to the Trump presidency as "American fascism." In this article, speaking in a broader context and to highlight the growing disparity of power between the uber-rich and the 99 plus percent, is used the term "demi-plutocracy." So I have not been particularly consistent, and perhaps not adequately thoughtful. I appreciate that a case could also be made, as you say Michele, for calling the American governing system as an "American oligarchy" or a "kleptocracy." All these terms seem descriptive in appropriate ways. This being said, words have meaning, and we need to have these discussions as to what is the most appropriate word to be using. Thanks for calling our attention to this.
Thank you for a clear and concise explanation of Economic Democracy . This is something that I will be referring other people to, as the time for Economic Democracy has come.
As I understand, Marc, a number of readers have made their way to this Substack through your postings on other Substacks that reference us -- for which we are grateful.
Thank you, Mr. Logan. This piece resonates deeply with me, not just in theory but in practice, as I witness the stark realities of economic disparity and its ripple effects here in Hawai‘i every day. The wealth gap, the siphoning of local resources by outside interests, and the struggles of communities to retain their cultural and economic sovereignty are not abstract ideas—they’re the lived experience of so many people I know and care about.
In Hawai‘i, the principle of economic democracy feels profoundly relevant. This is a place where the tension between the preservation of cultural identity and the pressures of a globalized economy is palpable. Tourists marvel at the beauty of our islands, yet many residents are priced out of their own homes, unable to sustain themselves in the land of their ancestors. Locally generated wealth, whether through tourism or the exploitation of natural resources, often flows outward, leaving communities here struggling with the basics—affordable housing, access to fresh food, and economic stability.
This imbalance is what drives my development as a change agent. The principles laid out your piece—ensuring basic necessities, increasing purchasing power, empowering local decision-making, and preventing the drainage of local wealth—are the very principles I see as essential to the future of Hawai‘i. These ideas inspire much of my work, from supporting local farmers and markets to advocating for rebuilding Lahaina in a way that centers its people, not corporate interests.
One principle that particularly speaks to me is the emphasis on local economic empowerment. In my work with Napili Farmers Market and other community initiatives, I see firsthand the power of keeping wealth within the community. When local farmers sell directly to local residents, or when a small business thrives because it is supported by its neighbors, it’s not just an economic transaction—it’s a strengthening of the social fabric. It’s a reminder that sustainable, equitable economies begin with relationships and accountability at the community level.
Another principle that inspires me is the idea of guaranteed basic necessities. In Hawai‘i, the high cost of living makes this an urgent issue. I’ve seen families working multiple jobs just to stay afloat, unable to focus on their children’s education or their own well-being. Economic stability isn’t just a matter of numbers; it’s a prerequisite for participation in civic life, for contributing to the collective, and for fostering the kind of thoughtful, engaged citizenry that democracy requires.
Finally, the call to prevent the drainage of local wealth strikes a chord. Here in Hawai‘i, we often talk about aloha ‘āina—love and respect for the land. Yet, much of the wealth generated from this land, whether through tourism, agriculture, or development, is extracted by entities that have no stake in the community’s well-being. This disconnect undermines not only economic democracy but also our cultural identity and resilience.
This piece reminds me that the struggles we face in Hawai‘i are not isolated; they are part of a larger global pattern. It also reminds me that solutions start locally, with empowered communities that prioritize collective well-being over profit. As I grow in my role as a change agent, I am inspired to integrate these principles into my work—whether by advocating for sustainable, affordable housing in Lahaina, promoting local food systems, or supporting policies that ensure economic equity.
Change will not come easily, but the idea of economic democracy gives me hope. It offers a vision of what is possible when people come together to reclaim their power, their dignity, and their future. Here in Hawai‘i, where the values of community, land, and culture run deep, I believe we can be a beacon for how economic democracy can work in harmony with cultural preservation and environmental stewardship.
This is not just about policy or economics—it’s about honoring the neohumanism philosophy and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive. For me, that’s the heart of this work, and it’s why I feel so committed to helping build a future that reflects these values.
I'm both impressed and moved by your comment, Christy. You write with eloquence, passion, clarity and depth about your experience and your local efforts. I'm so pleased that this got shared on this Substack. I suspect that, like myself, readers of your comment now feel an investment -- distant though it may be -- in your aspirations for greater self-determination for the local Hawaiian people.
Thank you, Mr. Logan. This was an excellent read! Now I can put a name to the kind of Democracy I would like to see. Economic Democracy of, for and by the people! I have spent the time since the pandemic seeking out farmer's markets, thrift stores, vegetable stands and lower-priced grocery stores like Aldi's and Sav-A-Lot. On my limited income, these types of places have sustained me. After reading your piece, I wholeheartedly agree that America should move to become an Economic Democracy. That way, everybody would flourish and live better lives. The problem right now as I see it, there might not be anymore elections and trump and his people will have taken over our country. It would be very hard to work toward an Economic Democracy when we have become an authoritarian regime with basically no rights at all.
Peggy: I think there's two ways to look at the pending Trump presidency. One is as you say: an authoritarian regime will be set in place that will stifle progressive change. The other is that his policies and leadership will quicken the inevitable crisis of capitalism and make it apparent all the sooner that deeper solutions -- such as economic democracy -- will be required. I'm not saying this will be pretty; it will involve a lot of hurt. But it may present unanticipated opportunities.
Thank you, Mr. Logan. I believe that trump and his loyal sycophants will do absolutely everything they possibly can to prevent us from bringing about progressive change; however, I do believe because of the pain his brand of capitalism will bring, we just may have the opportunity to send a loud message to Americans about Economic Democracy and how much better it is. I appreciate you helping me understand and navigate through what is surely going to be a test for my sanity! I also appreciate that you are one who is making recommended solutions to America's problems instead of just bashing and blaming everyone for our loss in November. The more ideas and thoughts about real solutions will help us move forward from here.
Economic democracy does not address deferred costs (some call these externalized costs) directly. Economic democracy does not provide a full vision for a healthy society; it is only a piece of what's needed.
There is absolute need to deal with deferred costs of production. Two main approaches should be used. First, there needs to be much greater regulation of industrial production to prevent the waste and toxicity that society and the planet have to pay for. Second, the general society needs to have much stronger shared values around sustainability and circular economy approaches, so that this becomes the behavior that people expect of each other, and of our enterprises.