I am a capitalist

[Retired Engineer Bob]

After such a provocative statement further explanation is needed of course.

Where to begin........

Mom was a stay at home person. She has convinced me that this was her choice, although I have lingering doubts. Our regional school district had no pre-school when I was a pup, nor kindergarten. School started at grade 1.

I did watch Sesame Street, and Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood pre-school at home. Mother made a point to read to me early. I was encouraged to learn early on.

Reading, reading, reading. I loved reading, evolved from Hardy Boys to Jaws by the 4th grade. Science fiction became a big thing for me. I recall being excited getting a library card for Milwaukee system, the world opened up.

Per testing, the school suggested I move up one or two grades. Mother refused, thought emotional development is as important as scholastic, and held me back.

I guess I had a penchant for math and science. High school testing suggested I persue (sp?) engineering. Graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee in ‘89.

The first job was for a consulting engineering firm, $22k/yr. After almost 10 years, my boss told me they were fed up with the current company which had been bought and sold several times. The top four folks from the local office were going to start a new company. I was invited to join, and I could invest in shares.

I did. Borrowed $25k (at 9% interest) from my folks. Shares were $125/per. Paid folks back. Part of my retirement is being forced to sell share back. Current value is $2,550/share. I can retire at 56.

My company did water and wastewater treatment. We had to compete against other firms to get our work. Contractors had to competitively bid our projects. Everything was open to public inspection. We won more often than not and we’re successful. Access to clean water has saved more lives than any other medical advance. Our work prevents cholera, typhoid, dysentary among others.

I refuse to feel guilty.

I am a Democratic Party supporter. My first presidential vote was for Dukakis.

[Hoyt]

1. Nothing wrong with making money through honest work, treating people fairly, etc.

We darn sure aren’t going to produce tax funds needed for healthcare, bolstering Social Security, improving safety net, child care, life pursuits, infrastructure, education, climate change, equality, deficit reduction, responding to new needs and conditions, etc., trading/bartering among ourselves.

But, we do need to take the edge off capitalism run wild for short-term gain, no matter who gets screwed.

Good post.

[Retired Engineer Bob]

4. Thank you Hoyt

We were in it for the long haul, nothing short term. Company’s 25th is coming up next year. Of course pursuit of profit is important, but I believe keeping happy clients was key to our success.

[Silent3]

2. A lot of people here on DU completely blur the distinction between corporatism...

...banking, the stock market, crony capitalism, etc., with capitalism itself.

Or, if they possibly get those distinctions, they'd like to hand-wave it all away by inferring or insisting that any capitalism at all must inevitably turn into the kind of financial system we have now, with all of its corrupt influence on politics,

[pbmus]

3. Capitalism works for owners ... workers, not so much

You have had a serendipitous life. Graduation from a prestigious engineering university, parents that had money to lend you, and became part owner of a startup company that prospered thru a freeer market than today. We your workers salute you. And welcome to DU.

‘Capitalism is an economic system characterized by private or corporate ownership of capital goods, by investments that are determined by private decision, and by prices, production, and the distribution of goods that are determined mainly by competition in a free market’

[Retired Engineer Bob]

5. It's not that simple

My dad was a tool and die maker, his father a machinist. Neither went to school. My pop insisted his kids do more, and earn a degree. He knew that the era of getting a good paying job out of high school was a thing of the past. An education was the key to a successful future. Nothing more, or less, than a realistic reading of the tea leaves.

I went to a state school. At the time in state tuition was well subsidized, my tuition was $750/semester. I lived at my grandparents house, and commuted to school by city bus.

When other students left on spring break to party, it was time to get to my part time job. In the summer, there were several times I had a weekly timesheet with 84 hours, 12x7.

Tell me I should feel guilty.

[pbmus]

7. I have not accused you of anything other than having a ...

Serendipitous life…and every time you say more, you confirm that accusation…your father was engaged with his children and smarter than many fathers. Again, a state university, the best engineering school of its time.

You should never feel guilty for succeeding…. On the other hand , if you haven’t given back, you can feel guilty.

[Retired Engineer Bob]

12. Good greetings Serendipitous

I had to look up up the term Serendipitous

“come upon or found by accident; fortuitous:”

I did not just wonder through the forest and come upon my degree. It took 5 years of study to make it happen. My parents and grandparents sacrificed a lot to make it happen.

As far as giving back:

My husband was an “illegal”, it took some resources to get him ‘leagalized” over a five year period. We are now legally married. He is starting with nothing. We are both HIV positive, without insurance cost is $6,500/month. I give modestly now, will give more generously in the future. As the fight attendant says, put your own mask on before attending others.

[pbmus]

13. Serendipitous...is an

adjective
1. come upon or found by accident; fortuitous:
serendipitous scientific discoveries.
2. of, relating to, or suggesting serendipity.
3. good; beneficial; favorable:
serendipitous weather for our vacation.

[Retired Engineer Bob]

15. Bolded no. #3

Is fine. Thanks

I am learning from DU

[GulfCoast66]

6. Well, no system seems to work better.

Although Western European Nations, capitalist all, have found a way to help ensure the benefits of capitalism benefit those with no or little capital.

[pbmus]

8. It's better, when better means owner/CEOS cannot make 450times a worker salary.

There are other safeguards which are better than our supposed free market system…

[Retired Engineer Bob]

9. The president of my company

Last edited Thu May 6, 2021, 03:32 AM - Edit history (1)

Our president Made 1.75 X what I was making. Seemed reasonable for the extra hours and BS he had to deal with.

Edit: Added ”Our President”

[betsuni]

10. I like that Elizabeth Warren said she was capitalist to her bones.

None of that silly populist utopian savior narcissistic stuff. Only Republicans want unregulated capitalism.

Last year I read the memoir of a man who escaped from North Korea as a boy, and it gave me a new appreciation of having the opportunity of having your own garden, your own house. In this modern world people want their own stuff, not like low-population hunting and gathering cultures. Theoretical societies are fun when you're young, but then you learn what people are like.

[-misanthroptimist]

11. Capitalism is atrocious unless highly regulated.

I wonder, for example, if wastewater treatment would even be a thing without government regulation? I strongly suspect it would not in most instances.

[Retired Engineer Bob]

14. Without government regulations

I believe there would be no controls.

Raw sewage would run in ditches to the nearest stream. Downstream communities would pump it to your faucet. Let the buyer be aware.

[-misanthroptimist]

17. I was a little concerned my post might offend you.

Glad to see we're in accord. It's the negative externalities that make capitalism so odious as a system, imv.

[Retired Engineer Bob]

18. No problem

It’s the Republican noise machine that makes it sound like the Democratic Party is communist, will confiscate your home, and move 20 less fortunate folks in. It’s all BS and needs to be called out.

Billionaires should pay taxes at the same or greater rate than the rest of us. Somehow they got the Trump supporters to believe trickle down is in their interest. Please sir, I want some more.