Excerpt reprinted from Plainfield Co-op Newsletter, Winter 2011
Les Snow was the Co-op’s treasurer fifteen years ago, in an earlier time of protests. Then it was “Occupy Wall Street” instead of “No Kings.” Here are some of his thoughts accompanying his financial report in the Winter 2011 Newsletter:
“Worldwide, 2011 has been a year people have taken to the streets to demand the end of oppression, be it economic, political, religious or otherwise. As a treasurer of a food co-operative, I have found some related big questions between the lines of our financial reports. Two being, ‘What part has the dominant economic system played in that oppression?’ and ‘What part does an economy based on cooperative principles play in creating healthy and happy lives for all?’
“I’ve found some answers to those questions in a 2010 book by John Restakis titled Humanizing the Economy: Cooperatives in the Age of Capital.” Les quotes from the summary on the back cover: “’Corporate capitalism is failing to meet even the most basic needs of billions of people around the world, undermining the foundation of healthy societies, caring communities, and personal well-being. With over 800 members in 85 countries, the co-operative movement is positioned to help create a more equitable, just, and humane future.’
“In Humanizing the Economy, the author details the co-operative movement’s place in economic history and provides examples of local and regional economies around the world where co-operatives are prominent in the lives of most residents. Restakis also takes on the myth promoted by many politicians that free market capitalism is a foundation of democracy, and shows how a co-operative based market economy promotes democracy and is responsive to the needs of all.”
— — — — —
Editor’s note: Humanizing the Economy is still in print.
We welcome your suggestions for readings or brief reviews to be published in future Newsletters. Send to Glenda Bissex at songboat@vtlink.net.
