This issue of The Masses, Volume IV, Number 2, from August 1912, focuses on the pressing issues and debates surrounding capitalism, socialism, and labor in America. The central theme revolves around the critique of the Capitalist system and its detrimental impact on the working class.
The magazine delves into the Wages System under Capitalism, arguing that it perpetuates poverty by creating an over-supply of labor, leading to low wages for workers. The authors advocate for the abolition of this system to establish industrial democracy and ensure equitable distribution of resources.
Another notable topic in this issue is the assessment of Theodore Roosevelt, who was once vilified by socialists but now faces scrutiny as his political career evolves. The magazine’s writers discuss Roosevelt’s intellectual villainies and his role within the context of capitalist politics.
Overall, this issue highlights the dissatisfaction with the current political and economic landscape in America, calling for drastic changes to address social and economic inequality. It underscores the importance of challenging the status quo and advocating for a more equitable society, ultimately paving the way for socialist ideologies to gain traction among the working class.