General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Chris Matthews delivers the damn smartest reply I have seen to the "Socialist" accusation [View all]elder phd
(18 posts)he does not understand either capitalism or socialism.
fact is, prime capitalism IS crony capitalism. that is the logical conclusion of the capitalist system over time. any cursory or deep reading of marx shows that, but we've lived the experiment; we can see these results right before our eyes!
trying to regulate capitalism is like trying to lasso a badger. good luck with that.
because capitalism is based on zero ethical or moral principles whatsoever, they have to be brought in as an afterthought, like a hall monitor. we all know how that works out.
socialism is superior for the express reason that it is based on the explicit moral principle that we are all in this together, and best we behave accordingly, in all we do.
the rugged individualist capitalism of the US is not what engenders the creative and inventive impulses of our recent history; those inclinations are natural and human, and abundant sociological studies have shown that folks are not motivated by money so much as solving problems and making things work.
instead, that individualism has led to a gross distortion of the very notions of liberty and freedom, a profound narcissistic selfishness and paranoia, when the truest liberty and freedom can only be realized when the entire environment and its creatures are supported and nurtured.
i mean, what can it possibly mean to "get yours" when ANYone else is hungry or naked or homeless?
watch how capitalists craft their arguments and you'll start to notice their paranoia and fear of losing what is "theirs," and their entitlement to get yet more. the narrowing of vision limits how individuals - ironically - are de-humanized and stripped of all liberties and freedoms. they cannot even see how the possessions they're addicted to in truth possess and imprison them.
i could go on, but you get the picture. bottom line, what i say to folks who claim we just need a regulated capitalism (beyond pointing out how impossible it is to lasso and tame a badger), is ok, what would your world look like with the necessary laws and economy ? the ultimate resulting "fair and just" society would be... (wait for it) ...socialism. and - importantly - democratic socialism, where every individual gets a vote and has a say. and no one - NO ONE - is a commodity.