The following Independence Day interview didn’t have to be edited for clarity. Most live links were not part of the original replies.
Peter: Who in the Entitled States of Amnesia remembers the Unitary Executive, the pet project of the Federalist Society and Opus Dei? Is that indeed what it was?
ChatGPT: The concept of the Unitary Executive Theory, which advocates for strong executive power and asserts that the President possesses the authority to control the entire executive branch, is associated with legal and political circles in the United States. This theory has been notably supported by members of the Federalist Society, a conservative and libertarian legal organization.
While the Federalist Society has indeed been a strong proponent of the Unitary Executive Theory, the involvement of Opus Dei, a Catholic lay organization, is less clear and not typically cited in discussions of this theory. The Federalist Society's influence in promoting this theory has been substantial, especially during the administrations of Presidents Ronald Reagan, George W. Bush, and Donald Trump. Many legal scholars and judges associated with the Federalist Society have supported and advanced this theory through their writings and judicial decisions.
The theory itself has been controversial, with critics arguing that it can lead to an excessive concentration of power in the executive branch, undermining checks and balances essential to the U.S. Constitution. Proponents, on the other hand, argue that it ensures a more effective and accountable executive branch.
In sum, the Federalist Society's support for the Unitary Executive Theory is well-documented, while the specific involvement of Opus Dei is not typically a focal point in the mainstream discussions of this legal and political theory.
Peter: Nothing could be more revolting to old-time anarchists and Wobblies than the Unitary Executive. Who during the last decades has shed light on this from that point of view?
ChatGPT: The perspective of old-time anarchists and members of the Industrial Workers of the World (Wobblies) would indeed be starkly opposed to the Unitary Executive Theory, given their advocacy for decentralization and opposition to concentrated power. In recent decades, several scholars, activists, and writers have shed light on the dangers of the Unitary Executive from a critical or anarchist standpoint.
Noam Chomsky: A prominent critic of centralized power, Chomsky has frequently highlighted the dangers of an overreaching executive branch. His critiques often focus on U.S. foreign policy, civil liberties, and the erosion of democratic institutions.
Howard Zinn: Although he passed away in 2010, Zinn's works, including "A People's History of the United States," continue to influence contemporary critiques of government overreach and executive power. Zinn’s perspective from the lens of social movements and grassroots activism provides a historical context for understanding the opposition to concentrated executive authority.
David Graeber: An anthropologist and anarchist, Graeber (who passed away in 2020) wrote extensively about bureaucracy, authority, and the state. His works like "The Democracy Project" and "Debt: The First 5,000 Years" explore themes relevant to the critique of centralized power structures.
Naomi Klein: Known for her works on corporate power and neoliberalism, Klein’s "The Shock Doctrine" and subsequent writings often intersect with critiques of concentrated political power and the erosion of democratic governance.
Gore Vidal: An essayist and novelist, Vidal was a vocal critic of the American political system, particularly the concentration of power in the executive branch. His works often combined historical analysis with sharp political critique.
Chris Hedges: A journalist and author, Hedges has been a vocal critic of U.S. policies, including the expansion of executive power. His books like "Empire of Illusion" and "Days of Destruction, Days of Revolt" examine the decline of American democracy and the rise of corporate and executive power.
These individuals, among others, have provided critical perspectives on the Unitary Executive Theory and its implications for democracy, civil liberties, and the concentration of power. Their works continue to inspire those who seek to challenge and decentralize authority in the spirit of old-time anarchists and Wobblies.
Peter: Don't forget Sheldon Wolin and his concept of inverted totalitarianism.
ChatGPT: You're right. Sheldon Wolin's concept of "inverted totalitarianism" is highly relevant to the critique of the Unitary Executive Theory and the broader concentration of power in the executive branch.
Sheldon Wolin: A political theorist, Wolin is known for his analysis of American democracy and his concept of inverted totalitarianism, which he explores in his book "Democracy Incorporated: Managed Democracy and the Specter of Inverted Totalitarianism." Wolin describes inverted totalitarianism as a form of government where economic and political power is consolidated in a way that subverts democratic processes and institutions without overtly dismantling them. Unlike classical totalitarianism, which is characterized by a charismatic leader and a centralized, oppressive state, inverted totalitarianism operates through corporate influence and the erosion of democratic norms.
Wolin’s work is significant because it provides a framework for understanding how the concentration of executive power and the influence of corporate interests can undermine democratic governance and civil liberties. His critique aligns with the concerns of anarchists and those opposed to the Unitary Executive Theory by highlighting the dangers of centralized authority and the ways in which it can be disguised under the veneer of democratic institutions.
Including Sheldon Wolin's insights adds a deeper dimension to the critique of the Unitary Executive Theory, emphasizing the subtler and systemic ways in which power can become concentrated and democracy can be eroded. His work is crucial for anyone seeking to understand the contemporary threats to democratic governance and the need for vigilance against the concentration of political power.
Links
Independence Day
There is a way to end the lord-serf relationship in the workplace. There is a way to end wage slavery. It’s called worker-owned cooperatives. In line with this, here is the last question of the interview:
Peter: List worker-owned cooperatives in Rhode Island.
ChatGPT: Here are some notable worker-owned cooperatives in Rhode Island:
Fuerza Laboral: This organization plays a central role in promoting worker-owned cooperatives. They support various cooperatives through their Worker-Owned Cooperative Incubator. Some of the cooperatives associated with Fuerza Laboral include:
Healthy Planet Cleaning Co-op: Focuses on providing eco-friendly cleaning services.
Sol Power: Specializes in installing solar energy systems and has completed over 400 projects in Rhode Island.
White Electric Coffee Co-op: A unionized coffee shop that transitioned to a worker-owned cooperative.
Break the Cycle Cooperative Hub: A cooperative aimed at empowering formerly incarcerated individuals.
Reclaim RI: This organization has been instrumental in supporting the creation of worker-owned cooperatives, particularly in the cannabis industry. They helped secure six licenses for worker-owned cannabis cooperatives, ensuring that the industry benefits workers rather than large corporations (Fuerza Laboral/Power of Workers) (Uprise RI) (Fuerza Laboral/Power of Workers) (Reclaim RI).
Luna Community Care: Provides community care services.
PVD Flowers: A floral studio that operates as a cooperative.
Heartleaf Books Co-op: A cooperative bookstore.
Nuts & Bolts Nursery: A cooperative nursery.
RI Birthworker Co-op: Focuses on providing birth support services.
These cooperatives are part of a growing network in Rhode Island that aims to create sustainable, democratic, and local job opportunities, promoting economic justice and worker empowerment. For more detailed information about each cooperative, you can visit their respective websites or the Fuerza Laboral page.
More…
What ChatGPT missed is the Rhode Island Center for Employee Ownership:
What is a worker cooperative?
There are many kinds of cooperatives, such as credit unions and co-op markets. But unlike other consumer-owned cooperatives, a worker co-op is a business owned by the people doing the work.
A worker cooperative (or co-op) is a type of business that puts worker wellbeing and community benefit at the core of its purpose.
Who are we?
The Rhode Island Center for Employee Ownership (RI CEO) is a non-profit organization working to promote and support the growing cooperative economy in the Ocean State.
Keep in mind that not all worker-owned cooperatives are created equal. Crucial in their daily operation is the system of governance they choose.
One last Independence Day thought, which recurs everywhere except in the legacy media, was formulated by Chris Hedges as follows:
All of the true correctives to American democracy came through movements that never achieved formal political power.
Just to list a few:
The end of child labor
Civil rights and systemic racism
Women’s suffrage
Labor rights
Environmental protection
Marriage equality
The fight against AIDS (e.g., ACT UP)
LGBTQ+ rights movement
The movement against mass incarceration
The fight against poverty and inequality
Once such battles are won—many are ongoing struggles—politicians will take credit for the accomplishments. Don’t let that fool anyone!
Thank you!!