Pirate ships were different – they were under democratic worker control. Captains weren’t absolute rulers, but elected leaders who commanded only during battle. Day-to-day operations were handled democratically by the entire crew. Loot was divided equally and immediately, and pirates ate – and drank – better than their law-abiding contemporaries. This was the major reason pirates were feared: it was easy to convince exploited sailors to join up with them. And join up they did.

And

…there is nothing inevitable about the emergence of anticapitalist politics, in piracy or anywhere else. But anything that strikes terror into the hearts of the rich and powerful should be welcomed aboard with full honors.