More than schadenfreude — the Euro left on capitalism

On the other side of the pond, at least, it’s arguable that leftist intellectuals have brought the sharpest scrutiny to the future of capitalism since 1968.

The Guardian captures reflections and analysis of a number of them, beginning with legendary ’68er Daniel Cohn-Bendit.

The two other names most recognizable to bourgeoisie Democratic liberals on our side of the pond would be George Monbiot and George Galloway, followed by former Labor minister Tony Benn.

Galloway expects capitalism as we know it to end, but isn’t sure how, given the continued rightward move of both Labor and the LDP.

Benn expects a resurgence of the working left inside Labor… call it New Labor Labor, or New Left Labor, puns intended.

Monbiot, a Guardian columnist, sees this as both a chance for a Green upsurge in Britain and a new level of left-of-center coalition building:

It is striking that the left has been slow to capitalise on the situation. There is now a good opportunity to build a common front between trade unions, disillusioned labour voters, greens and people who feel that their economic position is slipping.

I’m not familiar with the details, but I think the Greens as a political party, while stronger than here, are weak compared to the Continent. But, good luck indeed with that hope, George.

Cohn-Bendit excoriates the worst of neo-liberalism while rhetorically asking if it can learn from this:

This financial crisis is for capitalist neo-liberals what Chernobyl was for the nuclear lobby. It's a catastrophe. I hope we all learn lessons from it. But am I optimistic that we will? That's another question. To think that the biggest neo-liberal nation in the world would start nationalising banks ... we're rubbing our eyes in disbelief.

Indeed.

That said, Cohn-Bendit thinks capitalism is capable of still reforming itself, and that it will do so.