I believe capitalism promotes greed and envy and can bring out the worst in many people. That being said I do live in a capitalist country and so must ‘play the game’ to put food on the table and a roof over my head.
When people start to hold the pursuit of wealth above their responsibilities to other people then this is when the trouble really starts.
Unfortunately socialism doesn't work that well either...too much state control leading to loss on individual freedoms.
I suppose that's why we have democracy...
Socialism and capitalism are both good at killing people--they only differ in their methods.
Capitalism seems to work okay - individuals create wealth that is taxed and then hopefully shared to create a safe, caring and just society
Many people are exploited in the ‘creation of wealth’. Taxation rarely if even redresses this inequality.
Where there is capitalism there is always greed and envy--competition over scare recourses. To compete means, winners and looses. There can never be equality…but governments do have the power to protect the most vulnerable.
Socialism and capitalism are both good at killing people--they only differ in their methods.
Are you calling me a Murderer, QD?
Not unless you're willing to admit to something?
"then it's treason. *FZZZOOMM*" etc
I thought it was only possible treason against a king or queen--a sovereign rule. Are you the king of capitalism then?
There are laws that seek to protect people from exploitation.
I believe people are (at heart) selfish - they are concerned about their own needs first - capitalism takes advantage of this competitve spirit. There is a need for safeguards to protect and promote equality and justice within a capitalist society - I guess it's just matter always seeking to redress and address imbalances.
I mean, what the hell is wrong with steering ones own course?
Nothing wrong with steering ones own course...as long a one doesn't run over others along the way. 
Maybe you want to grow your own rice and worship Cronus or w/e
Yes growing rice...sounds quite appealing (I need a new career).
but it's not my style.
I like your style...
There are laws that seek to protect people from exploitation.
The laws are usually made by those most interested in exploitation.
I believe people are (at heart) selfish - they are concerned about their own needs first - capitalism takes advantage of this competitve spirit. There is a need for safeguards to protect and promote equality and justice within a capitalist society - I guess it's just matter always seeking to redress and address imbalances.
True…at our core we are instinctual, competitive, selfish beings seeking survival at all costs. But not "at heart"--our heart is what makes us selfless, caring and compassionate.
Capitalism does take advantage of our competitive nature. But there is more to us than our most base instincts. The pursuit of wealth at all costs is incompatible with the duty of care we have to our fellow humans.
Although trade and therefore capitalism is necessary to put food on the table it should never be the primary motivator for anyone.
The laws are usually made by those most interested in exploitation.
I disagree - maybe things are different in Britain.
True…at our core we are instinctual, competitive, selfish beings seeking survival at all costs. But not "at heart"--our heart is what makes us selfless, caring and compassionate.
Capitalism does take advantage of our competitive nature. But there is more to us than our most base instincts. The pursuit of wealth at all costs is incompatible with the duty of care we have to our fellow humans.
I agree - we do we have a duty of care to our fellow humans - I believe I live in a caring society. There is a need to maintain a balance in order to allow a competitive spirit to flourish whilst also maintaining a duty of care to our fellow man and then there is also the duty to balance the books and ensure society can prosper so there is wealth to distribute. I vote for the candidate and party I believe will work to ensure a prosperous, fair and caring society. A capitalist system can incorporate some of the ideals of socialism.
Besides, who says i'm not a good person?
Believe me i'm a bit of a ballsy businessman but I guarantee i'm "nicer" than those chaps in the Middle East
Or North Korea, try inviting Kim Il Jong round for tea
I know you’re a good person Ian.
I’ve been playing devil’s advocate (sort of).
Lucie is right…a balance needs to be struck. I know there’s not real alternative to capitalism…I just can’t bring myself to sing its praises LOL
.
Biting the teat that feeds ;p
Biting the hand that feeds you (can't put up any pictures of teats )
But shouldn't that be...biting the hand that feeds on you.
I've considered combining the Capitalist Economic system with a Authoritarian Political system, but I dunno ;p
It's all academic of course, some could argue that my above proposition is probably what USA practices this century lol.
I hate politics with a passion ;p
Causes suffering and makes for boring television ;p
I stand up for what I believe in, Economic, Religious...sod Politics, that shit's borin.
Nice and consistent there Ian
There's a lot going on inside Ian's head.
I haven't read all of the posts, but my question is how does a truth-loving Aspie deal with all of the lies required by advertising and marketing? I took a marketing class in college and it turned my stomach. And how does a justice-loving Aspie deal with the horrors of economics, where it is cheaper to pay off families of dead victims than to redesign a faulty product? (Ford Pinto for example, from the 1970s)
Ok, so you want me to say:
Hurray!! Capitalism has changed the world into a paradise!! Hurrah!