Reading all the economic millenarianism on this thread, I've started to wonder: is the supposedly immanent planetary collapse of capitalism something to be feared or is it something which you look forward to as the final proof that you were right all along, goddamnit?
how is it "economic millenarianism" to say that the u.s., by any normative theory, is headed toward a serious economic depression and eclipse by other capitalist powers???
ALSO, imminent collapse of u.s. economy does not necessarily entail collapse of planetary capitalism -- though it very well may OR, again, perhaps u.s. will drag rest of the world down with it in a desperate world war for control of oil and other key resources (i.e., the real commodities that back the dollar)
in any case, i both fear and would welcome the day that u.s. economy collapses
i fear the day because i realize how materially cushy my american life has been, and not sure if i'd be able to cope with the pain of prolonged economic depression and turmoil
i also fear being economically dominated by other parts of the world -- though this fear is most likely irrational, i.e., much more likely that u.s. will simply revert to a second-rate but still developed economic power while retaining its military and technological primacy, at least in the near term (i.e., spanning next 50 years)
i.e., even if i subscribe in some ways to marxist criticisms of capitalism, and believe that capitalist elites are indeed my oppressors, i especially fear the rule of the elites of other countries, who will have very little pity for the barbarous american consumer-turn-pauper
i would welcome the day b/c i really don't give a fuck anyway and more or less disdain the way i and most others live
i also welcome the day b/c i think it may breed more solidarity on the streets, in the clubs with the 10-cent drink -- but this is probably incredibly naive! -- people will be isolated, bitter, ashamed -- dark dark days indeed -- maybe this is millenarianism?!?