Group to explore 'Alternatives for Corporate Capitalism'

As a follow-up to its November meeting, the Fox Valley Citizens for Peace & Justice will hold a second meeting with the same title, "Alternatives to Corporate Capitalism."

The program will be from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 8, at Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, 783 W. Highland Ave. in Elgin.

The focus will be working-class socialism and what can be learned from how people in different revolutions tried to go from capitalism toward an egalitarian society based on solidarity and social justice. These experiences, as in Russia and China, have raised many questions that they will begin to address at this meeting. To begin this conversation, they will focus on three key issues. How could a socialist system respond to the threat of climate change and environmental degradation? How could a new socialist system learn lessons from past efforts, and create a structure that would remain democratic, transparent, flexible, just, honest and accountable to all the people? How could a socialist system distribute wealth and income equitably? Would there be money, banks, debt?

To pick up where they left off, Earl Silbar will begin with historical examples of what some revolutions did to meet these challenges, what Marxist principles and methods proved useful, and what they might learn from those attempts and failures. Then they will gather into smaller breakout groups and discuss how a new, humane system could be applied to some of the enormous challenges in the 21st century.

They will end with reports from each group and a general discussion of what they have learned from one another. They will then find out what direction participants wish to pursue in further meetings.

Light refreshments will be served. The meeting is free and open to all.

For more information, call (847) 742-6602 or visit www.fvc4pnj.org. Follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fvc4pnj.