No rights, no charge: Skilled Work, Without the Worker

Click here to access article by John Markoff from The New York Times. (If you don't have a free registration with them, you can access the same article here.)

While the many robots in auto factories typically perform only one function, in the new Tesla factory in Fremont, Calif., a robot might do up to four: welding, riveting, bonding and installing a component.

If the economy were to be guided by principles of an inclusive democracy instead of capitalism, such marvelous technology would be there to support whole societies, not merely one small class of people who have claims of "ownership" over it. Think about it. This technology replaces arduous, repetitive, and mind-numbing work that could free people to pursue more stimulating, creative, and socially worthwhile projects without any loss of income. Instead, it frees people to stand in employment lines and practically beg for any work they can get.

Also, think about how these robots and the associated technology were created: by working people who worked and accumulated knowledge over the many centuries, especially since the Age of Enlightenment. So, I ask you: why should today's small class of people benefit from this to the detriment of all others? They will answer: because we bought the ownership rights. That is true, but only within the rules of a capitalist system. And, they would have you believe that "there is no alternative". I wonder how long most people will continue to believe their self-justifying lies?