The moral poverty of American capitalism

[Mr_Jefferson_24]

By Jason Miller
Online Journal Contributing Writer

http://onlinejournal.com/artman/publish/article_861.shtml

<snip>

As the Magna Charta emerged and evolved, and the United States Constitution was conceived and implemented, “feudalism” and monarchy began to gasp their dying breaths. Ostensibly, the rule of law was superseding the rule of men to deliver a sound measure of justice and equality.

In truth, humanity simply traded one set of tyrants for another. To this day many still cling to the myth that the United States is the nexus of freedom, equality and human rights. Yet the constitutional republic of the United States was forged primarily by white men, many of whom were wealthy land owners looking to free themselves from the tyranny of King George while preserving their narrow interests. The fact that there was significant resistance to the inclusion of the Bill of Rights in the Constitution speaks volumes of the priorities of many of our Founding Fathers.

In creating a powerful federal government, minimizing the decision-making power of the poor and working class to occasional elections of representatives (while limiting the impact of their votes by forming the Electoral College), ignoring the Native American population, and maintaining the legality of slavery, our founders created a nation which afforded freedom and equality almost exclusively to white males who possessed a measure of wealth.

America’s propertied ruling class quickly learned to manipulate their laws to exploit the rest of the population in ways not unlike their predecessors who reigned from thrones. As they lived like lords and kings, the elites of the United States basked in the glow of admiration of their “enlightened values.” Over the years they showed their true colors to the world by engaging in numerous imperialistic endeavors, nearly wiping out the Native American population, and fighting progressive movements like Abolition and Women’s Suffrage with virtually every fiber of their collective being...

[Warpy]

1. I caught a snatch of an NPR thing on the car radio about WalMart

and its latest stock holder meeting. Apparently there was an 18% revolt among stockholders who were questioning the company's UNCHRISTIAN (their words) labor practices. This was seen as incredibly significant in terms of stockholder rebellion since the Walton heirs own the majority of stock in that company. With that huge a rebellion among the people who are holding their public shares, they've had to take note.

There was a lot more to it than that, but the rebellion was spearheaded by the religious groups holding large blocks of stock.

It's about time.

[Mr_Jefferson_24]

4. Good for them. WalMart employees need good representation. nt.

[rinsd]

2. Another day, another article of Marxist agitprop.

Damn you George Bush for creating a willing market for failed dogmas!

[Mr_Jefferson_24]

3. I think any increase...

...in articles being written that examine and critique America's political history/system is a healthy development. If King George deserves some credit for this, I'd score it as one of the very few things he may have influenced for the good.

BTW, I'm not making any kind of debate challenge here, but do feel free to offer any supporting arguments for your "Marxist agitprop" thesis if your so inclined. I'd be interested to read them.

[OneBlueSky]

5. if you buy that American capitalism is morally bankrupt . . .

(which I do), you must also conclude that the American government -- which is essentially owned by US corporations -- is also morally bankrupt . . .

and that's what's causing most of our problems today . . .

[Mr_Jefferson_24]

7. I agree. One need only look at the ever widening...

...gap between rich and poor, and the eroding middle class--morally bankrupt is an apt description.

[Vidar]

6. Great article. Thanks for posting.