Tom Wetzel

Overcoming Capitalism provided me with the most comprehensive understanding of Syndicalism of anything I've read on the topic, which admittedly hasn't been much. It almost made me want to get a job or move to a city so I could help organize a union. Almost.

I often get frustrated at books that describe issues with the way society is organized, but don't offer any kind of way forward. I appreciate that Wetzel took the time to lay out his path towards his utopia. I don't agree with the vast majority of it (I don't think I even necessarily agree with having a "plan") but it's nice that it exists and that other people will probably take inspiration from it. He writes in a very accessible yet thorough way.

Some things I didn't like:
1. He provides answers to arguments that may be presented by people on the right and communists, but doesn't bring up any of the myriad issues an anarchist might have with his proposals.
2. His plan is pretty much capitalism with more people power. I think it would be better for every living thing, but still not ideal.
3. Although AK Press just released this book, it feels like it was written at least three years ago. Wetzel writes about unions and organizing, but doesn't make any mention of Amazon, Starbucks, or any of the most recent, very prevalent examples; he brings up health issues in workplaces without mentioning COVID; and he talks about police oppression and the way people have fought back, but makes no mention of the 2020 George Floyd uprising.
Maybe he finished writing the book in 2019 and it just didn't get published until recently. I don't know… (más)