The persistence of Socialism (and its evil twin, Communism) is one of the best examples of mankind's stubborn inability to learn from the difficult lessons of history. This, of course, advantages those who can fathom the counterintuitive nature of Capitalism -- Greed creates Wealth, whereas Charity creates Poverty.
The persistence of those -isms is rooted in the desire for freedom and equality in the hearts and minds of those who are oppressed by greedy and powerful elites.
ReplyDeleteDon't confuse economic policy with government structure. For instance, China is now experiencing totalitarian Capitalism.
DeleteFinland. Iceland. Sweden. Denmark. All socially progressive. All strongly capitalistic.
ReplyDeleteI went on that Apple European trip with a Swede ... the president of Brio. He let Sweden to come to the US to start his company because of the oppressive socialism there.
DeleteBTW, these countries (and many other EU so-called socialist Utopias) can afford to overspend on welfare because they rely on Uncle Sam for defense.
DeleteOur dilemma is that there is too much allegiance to the extremes: the crazy rich that want proudly scheme to get ever greater rewards for no marginally greater labor, and the crazy poor that proudly scheme to have a comfortable lifestyle for no discernible labor at all.
ReplyDeleteYes indeed. But it is the greedy rich who create the wealth (Adam Smith's "invisible hand").
DeleteYou edited the original statement. And made it worse. Greed only creates wealth for the greedy. History shows that this eventually leads to revolution. Check it out.
ReplyDeletecapitalism. (ˈkæpɪtəˌlɪzəm) n. (Economics) Also called: free enterprise or private enterprise an economic system based on the private ownership of the means of production, distribution, and exchange, characterized by the freedom of capitalists to operate or manage their property for profit in competitive conditions.
ReplyDeleteThat is substantially what America has today. You have to grant that the huge amount of military equipment and personnel sets a socialist tone.
Temper the capitalism with a strong foes of altruism towards the working class and you have a sane society IMHO.
We have a society with enough capitalism left after you know who, that our economic self-interest (greed) is creating so much wealth to allow us to afflict many who don't need it with charity. Our wealth engine still overwealms our poverty engine.
DeleteI sense that Ayn Rand is feeding your biases.
ReplyDeleteMaybe if you tempered “greed” with “economic ambition” you could catch more traction.
ReplyDeleteIn my above comments, substitute:
ReplyDeleteEconomic Self-Interest = Greed
Non-Critical Indulgence = Charity
You can't just make shit up. Words have meaning. Greed: intense and selfish desire for something, especially wealth, power, or food. synonyms: avarice, cupidity, acquisitiveness, covetousness, rapacity.
ReplyDeleteThe definition does not wimp-out with mere suggestions of "self interest."
No one I know fits your "non-critical indulgence" label.
Socialists consider any owner of a business as "greedy" ... remember "you didn't build that?" Do you deem any company exec trying to produce a better product or give a better service as "greedy"? If so, look in the mirror, Bernie.
DeleteAnd the millions of free Obamaphones are an example of "non-critical indulgence" ...