Profit and Fraud (1960)

From the August 1960 issue of the Socialist Standard

Recently, the New Zealand Government bought from a firm in England thirteen brand new jet bombers. When being serviced, it was discovered that they had second hand engines. The New Zealand Government have naturally complained and at the time of writing, the matter is sub-judice. (The Times, 2/7/60). What is obvious is that the profit motive spares no one if the chance is there of obtaining as much as possible for as little as possible—a gibe usually thrown at the workers when they ask for increases.

The writer, many years ago, was familiar with a dairy manager who was employed by a large dairy company. One of his duties was to remove the labels from foreign honey and replace it with labels boldly stating the honey to be Pure English. This, of course, increased its value and up went the profits. Another instance was similar, but this time in a factory where a workman was given the task of removing the imprint “Made in France" and overprinting “Made in England." It is not surprising that the employer of this concern rides in a Rolls Royce.

A more recent incident of fraud was a builder who introduced himself as a Church Sidesman, but it made no difference. An unexpected Sunday visit to the work he was doing, and a difficult climb on to the roof, revealed that faulty roof timber which was scheduled to be renewed had been covered with plasterboard and that new window frames were the old ones covered with a coat of paint. It is said that all’s fair in love and war. Capitalism should join them and make a trinity. The common acceptance at being caught actually crystallizes the relation between buyer and seller in this pernicious system and should have no defence. Alas, the essence of fraud which is bound up in the present system is no bar to fame. Just witness the applause of the press and radio to those who have made the climb to the top.

Hasten the day when the workers realize that, by abolishing the money system with its profit basis and by producing for the needs of man through the possession of the tools and resources by common ownership, there will be no second or third quality; no markets to steal by war or stealth. What a world there is for the making, where the joy of a truly social relationship of man to man could develop. The Socialist Party of Great Britain is in existence to bring this about. Come and join us. There is no other way to eliminate the injustices inherent in the present system known as capitalism.

G. B.