Geert, I have a simple question for you, which I hope clarifies the main point I am trying to make: In a given period, if rent (or interest) were to increase (for whatever reason), and everything else remains the same, would the total surplus-value increase or remain the same, according to Marx's theory? I argue that, according to Marx's theory, the total surplus-value would remain the same, because the total surplus-value is determined by surplus labor, independently of the division of the total surplus-value into individual parts (profit, rent, interest, etc.). Therefore, an increase of rent (that is not due to an increase of surplus labor) would not affect the total surplus-value, but would instead be necessarily offset by a decline in one or more of the other individual parts of surplus-value. Geert, do you agree with this? I sure hope so. This is the main point I have been trying to make. I look forward to your reply. Comradely, Fred
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