If you read my post again, you will see I simply asked if I was automatically evil. I have no desire to start an Internet battle. Life is too short to argue over a keyboard. That being said, I see where you are coming from, but isn't capitalism part of what makes this country great?
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I did re-read your post and you are correct, you did
ask if I thought you were "automatically evil." As you read, I provided you my answer on what I
thought and rationale for my original statement.
In answer to your question, "...isn't capitalism part of what makes this country great? Uh, yeah, but the answer is a little more complicated than, "Capitalism is what makes 'Murica great!"
Capitalism is "an economic (entrepreneurship,
capital goods, natural resources, and labor) and political system in which a country's trade and industry are controlled by private owners for profit, rather than by the state." Yes, it has contributed to the success of the Nation, however how capitalism is pursued by some "practitioners" is subject to criticism. Confusion sets in as adjectives apply the term to governmental systems and interventions, as in “state capitalism,” “crony capitalism,” “welfare capitalism,” “monopoly capitalism,” and “taxpayer-financed capitalism.” Thus “capitalism” is used to refer to current mixed economics (mixtures of markets and governmental intervention) and also to the concept of the pure free market.
Some of the disadvantages of Capitalism, gone unchecked, can actually make this country
NOT great. Capitalism does not provide for those who don't have competitive skills or ability. This includes the elderly, children, and the developmentally challenged, as well as their caretakers. Therefore, capitalism requires additional social mores that value the family unit to keep the society functioning. Capitalism does not necessarily promote equality of opportunity. Those without the proper nutrition, support, and education may never make it to the playing field, even though they have valuable innovative, competitive, or efficiency skills. Capitalism ignores external costs, such as pollution. This makes goods cheaper and more accessible, but over time can deplete natural resources and lower quality of life in the affected areas.
In the short term, this is in the best interest of those who are succeeding in capitalism, since they have fewer threats to compete against. They may also start to use their influence, money and power to further "rig the system" by creating more barriers to entry. This includes laws and regulations, educational attainment, and even money itself. In the long term, this can limit diversity and the innovation it creates.
The government's role in capitalism is to maintain a level playing field. It prevents unfair advantages obtained by monopolies or oligarchies. It maintains order with national defense, adjudicates international law, and maintaining the infrastructure. It can tax the capital gains and income to accomplish these goals. The government also creates laws and regulations that insure the free markets aren't being manipulated, and all information is distributed fairly. However, many Americans feel that the government isn't performing their role effectively and that there are a privileged few who are the benficients, and not the general public at large.
I think we can all cite examples of individuals who have exploited the "system" to their personal advantage, some of whom are even running for political office today. These individuals, irrespective of your political preference, are the ones who give capitalism the reputation that many Americans today eschew.
So, should we change this thread to the Pros and Cons of Capitalism or should we stick with favorite road trip stops?
