[quote=njtosd][quote=CA renter][quote=SD Realtor]Not just candy. Society owes them health care, education, and a 6 figure job.[/quote]
And capitalists think their employees, customers, etc. owe them a profit…often, a very sizable one that is in no way correlated to the amount of “work” done or the risk taken on the part of the capitalist.[/quote]
CA Renter – I have to disagree. But I have to ask you a question – do you disagree with capitalism as an overall economic structure , or do you just not like parts of it?
In any event, no one holds a gun to anyone’s head and says you must work at this company or you must buy from this vendor (except, now that I think about it, the ACA). If you dont want to be cheated as an employee – start a business that doesn’t extract “sizable” profits (I’m including small businesses here). And in terms of being a gouged customer – there is always the DIY route. People did it for centuries. One could strive to be Amish (without the religion). I’m being a little flip here, but everything in life is a choice. And we should take care of those who are incapable of helping themselves, but not those who are unwilling.[/quote]
I have a problem with the monopolization of resources (and access to resources) and oligarchies. Both are the end result of capitalism.
IMHO, creating a structure that provides the most for the greatest number of people is ideal. I think that capitalism works exceedingly well in areas where resources are not relatively scarce or finite, and where wants are provided for. Where finite resources and basic needs are concerned, I favor a very strong, transparent, and accountable socialized system.
It’s important to note that when I refer to capitalism, I’m not talking about mom and pop opening their own businesses, etc. Unfortunately, the real capitalists have brainwashed people into thinking that mom and pop are representative of what capitalism is all about. The real capitalists are the ones who might loan mom and pop the money to start or expand their business (something the government could do), not the ones who work. Even more damaging are the capitalists who control corrupt politicians who grant these capitalists rights to public resources (or resources that *should* be public).
When I refer to capitalism, I’m talking about the control of resources, with capitalists being those who earn income from “investments” (hoarding and speculation), and workers having to pay the capitalists for access to everything they need to live — specifically, rentier capitalism where the capitalists don’t work and don’t provide any tangible benefits to our society and economy.
Edited to add: We do NOT have choices in many cases. Try buying products and services only from companies that have a low CEO/worker compensation ratio. For some things, like fruits and vegetables, it can be done; but for things like energy, healthcare, cars, etc.? Good luck. Sure, we could all try to live like the Amish, but I don’t think that’s a reasonable proposition. An egalitarian, more open system does not mean that we have to live in the Dark Ages.
