J. A. McDonald

Capitalist economists are more entertaining than the average radio program. They are always face to face with some profound problem that gives them a chance to fall over themselves in essaying the wrong answer. The difficulties surrounding the subject, however, in no way alter their attempts to accomplish the impossible. They assemble data and...
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The socialist movement, small in numbers as it is, has within its ranks a fair representation of so-called civilized man. The majority are not noticeably vocal, nor do they have the ability to express themselves in writing. Another section, albeit possessing certain talents for communicating ideas, are unfortunately constrained to keep their propaganda activities...
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From the Western Socialist, #1, 1968 From mythological archives comes the legend of the phoenix, a bird of rare and unseemly attainments. After a lengthy and variegated existence, a pervasive act of its own volition caused it to be consumed in fire, and eventually to rise in callow newness from its ashes. Modern Japan...
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From the Western Socialist, #1, 1960 Why does the World Socialist Party belittle the nationalization of wealth, when it really means the same thing as Socialism? If the government, on behalf of the people, decides to take over the wealth of the nation, what sense is there in wasting our time doing the same...
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In the early days of trade union activity it was customary for the government to enter into disputes between workers and employers and simply bludgeon the workers into submission. Strikes were illegal and efforts to raise wages were regarded officially as criminal conspiracies calling for punishment that was often severe and brutal. In some...
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From The Western Socialist, January, 1948 A strange animal – man – until we get to know him. Brilliant, in a sense, he has developed systems of production, exchange, communication, and transportation that make the other animals look rather stupid. But, on the opposite side of the scale, he suffers deficiencies that enhance the...
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Our study of human society leads us to the conclusion that it is composed of two classes – the working class and the capitalist class. Between the two there are groups and individuals that battle classification on a scientific basis. They are border line cases. In the ranks of each of the two classes...
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From the Western Socialist, March-April, 1942 “The mode of production in material life determines the general character of the social, political, and spiritual process of life.” When Karl Marx presented this analysis to a confused world, back in 1859, he provided an explanation of cause and effect in the social world that still serves...
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