Here, at Economic Democracy for the Americas, we have been advocating for several ideas, ideas denounced by the right, but these ideas are now being confirmed by current events.

One of these ideas is worker ownership.

Another is that the governments should be able to make strategic investments in the economy, but in a way that should always be conditional. Instead of simply subsidizing companies, why not take shares and become part-owners. Capitalists should stop using public money with no conditions or consequences : it is we, on the left, that can now say "There is no more free lunch... for the fat cats".

Now, Obamas' plan for Chrysler involves both : see articles here and here. We should salute these initiatives and press that they go further.

The government of Canada (with the partnership of Ontario) will be owner of 2% of the new company. How ironic that it is the Conservative Party, which fought against these "socialist" ideas when others were proposing them, that is now implementing them in government.

This, in addition to the fact that UAW's retirees will own a very important share of the company, creates many precedents.

I'm certainly not saying that this is perfect. Far fromit. We can and should still have many doubts about this agreement. However, it's amazing how people are willing to think outside the box when they have no other choice.

If someone is accepting government and worker ownership of big business in times of crisis, then why not do it also in good times?