Functional socialism

76 FUNCTIONAL SOCIALISM FUNCTION AND FINANCE

Since, however, taxation assumes an altogether different form in a functional society, the economic group superseding the individual, we are at once confronted with the problems how to pay the taxation. That necessitates as simple as possible an explanation of the attitude of function to finance.

We shall save ourselves trouble and misunderstanding if we declare that function will never sit on a dual throne with finance. Function knows from long experience that finance is, functionally considered, of minor importance. If we could imagine ten degrees in function, finance’s status would rank about five or six. The best minds are wasted on finance. The cashier’s job is mechanical and not intellectual. He is a recorder; not a controller. He must do what he is told. The banking system must become the accountancy department of the nation. It may tender advice, if asked; otherwise the control of money, currency, and credit must rest with the economic authority, in co-operation with the State.

IMMORALITIES OF CAPITALISM

Heaven forfend that I should find myself involved in the interminable discussions now proceeding on the subject of money. We may hope that perhaps — possibly —somehow —some day —who knows—an improved banking technique may be evolved. One notices that most of these discussions are within the framework of the existing system.