Some important political problems, that are very relevant to Marxists, are being revealed by the evolving health crisis known as COVID 19. We try to discuss some of these issues. The labeling of this epidemic as a “hoax” by President Donald Trump is naturally, completely unwarranted. Unfortunately in a fit of over-zealous skepticism, some Marxists have also minimized the epidemic.
In order to place this discussion in context, we must start from some medical and environmental facts, only then moving to the political ramifications. Throughout this, Marxists may recall how Friedrich Engels wrote about infectious diseases:
“Capitalist rule cannot allow itself the pleasure of creating epidemic diseases among the working class with impunity; the consequences fall back on it and the angel of death rages in its ranks as ruthlessly as in the ranks of the workers.” [1]
Perhaps today’s ‘angel of death’ COVID 19 – wields a blunter blade than it did during the 18-19th century industrial revolution – typhus, plague, diphtheria, tuberculosis, et cetera. But even so, the angel still scythes on. And the current world bourgeoisie is scrambling.
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[1] Frederick Engels, ‘The Housing Question – Part Two How the Bourgeoisie Solves the Housing Question’; 1872; https://www.marxists.org/archive/marx/works/1872/housing-question/ch02.htm