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Pandemic politics, oligarchic times and the idiotic subject of ‘freedom’

To radically transform our way of life we need to construct the public spaces at all levels in order to have a dignified social and collective, or simply political, life. (Long read). Español

Pandemic politics, oligarchic times and the idiotic subject of ‘freedom’
A message of support for key workers is displayed on an LED screen on top of Tower 42, in the City financial district of London. | Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire/PA Images
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For, paraphrasing Immanuel Kant, no dignity can possibly exist without a public realm, but only price and servitude; if you cannot afford it, bad luck, because you will be left to die. Nor should you think yourself fortunate if, through a ‘charitable’ donation, those who consider themselves masters and the fat cats pretend to save your life, because you are to live – if you happen to save yourself – with your servitude intensified and they with their domination recognised.

Why is the Right, i.e. the political forces which represent and defend the bourgeoisie, and the oligarchic strata with an even greater determination, so nervous and agitated (e.g. in Spain), and why is it so shaky and zigzagging after having boasted to subdue, or at least bully, the world (as is the case in the UK)?

The reason is that the Right has bumped into a real problem, namely, that the coronavirus pandemic has suddenly dissipated the smokescreens which usually pervade normal times, and has forced practically everybody to see and live in their own flesh the deathly consequences of the criminal politics the same Right has carried out against public health and public services, especially over the last ten years.