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rhett o rick

(55,981 posts)
6. I think to characterize capitalism as evil reveals part of our economic problem.
Sun Mar 30, 2014, 10:13 AM
Mar 2014

Capitalism is an economic system and itself isnt evil any more than a knife is evil. I know this sounds like I am being picky but believing that capitalism is evil goes along with the idea that capitalism is like a person and it isnt. Capitalism should be viewed as a tool which can be used for good or bad just like a knife.

Humans cannot live in society without rules. There is a natural tendency to look out for one's self. But to live in an orderly society, humans must some times sacrifice what's best for themselves to make the society function for the best of the society.

Also, it must be clear that when we say capitalism needs to be regulated, we mean "for the benefit of society as a whole" and not for a select few. Our capitalistic based system currently has lots of regulations, but they have been modified to benefit a very small, select few.

The SCOTUS did our society a great disservice in the Citizens United decision where they ruled that our Constitution restricted us as a society on how much we can regulate our capitalist system. They demonstrated their enormous power to overrule the Congress and the President. IMO this is out of hand. The SCOTUS has too much power (but that's a discussion for another day).

The argument that the capitalist (oligarchs) cant be regulated by society because it's not "democratic" is bogus. Our democracy isnt inherently laissez-faire. We as a society can and must control our democracy and economic system to benefit society as a whole and strip the oligarchs of their power.

Capitalism isnt evil, we must take responsibility to control it, by whatever means necessary.

Other than that, have a great day.

when I took finance classes in the 70's.... steve2470 Mar 2014 #1
This. Jamaal510 Mar 2014 #2
I think to characterize capitalism as evil reveals part of our economic problem. rhett o rick Mar 2014 #6
Agreed. It's anthropomorphizing capitalism to describe it as "greedy".... socialist_n_TN Mar 2014 #11
"Anthropomorphizing", that says it. Thanks. nm rhett o rick Mar 2014 #15
There is if you wish to maximize profits. Starry Messenger Mar 2014 #3
Indeed, its the law of "If I don't do it, somebody else will" cprise Mar 2014 #4
He's wrong. Sadly, capitalism *does* drive wages to their lowest possible level - it's messed up. reformist2 Mar 2014 #5
Actually there is such a law of capitalism...... socialist_n_TN Mar 2014 #7
True, but for some reason capitalists don't count costs to... polichick Mar 2014 #9
No, because it's an undefined/unquantifiable cost and not on the books....... socialist_n_TN Mar 2014 #10
Which is a big reason capitalism sucks! polichick Mar 2014 #12
Which is why I'm a commie...... socialist_n_TN Mar 2014 #13
Me too - commie, another word for SANE. :) polichick Mar 2014 #14
I think so Comrade polichick........ socialist_n_TN Mar 2014 #18
You find that law in the Bible of Greed madokie Mar 2014 #8
It's the job of governments and unions to look out for the interests of workers. lumberjack_jeff Mar 2014 #16
I think the problem is that no one has demonstrably shown... Shandris Mar 2014 #17
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