Socialism And Capitalism: Where Are We Heading?
Posted: Friday, April 02, 2010
by Michael Ramzy
delusionthread.com
A beautiful night in America and here in Austin the wind is so strong I wonder if the city itself is getting ready to launch itself into the sky to land somewhere . . . else.
There has been so much political vitriol lately and I've found it all seems to boil down to this one question: Are we heading toward socialism? If you ask those on the right, the answer is, 'you betcha! (apologies to Ms. Palin). If you ask those on the left, the answer is, 'hopefully'. Of course, I am making liberal generalizations (no pun intended), yet it really isn't much of a question since the answer is a resounding no.
Very quickly, here is where we are: Capitalism is basically the 'survival of the fittest' of economics. The pros are those with more ambition, drive, and of course, starting capital, will 'survive' best. The downside is the inevitable running over of those without the same ambition and drive. Capitalism rewards those who, by sometimes any means, achieve that which someone else cannot.
The main pro of Socialism is that everyone is granted an equal share based on the theory that everyone is the same. One central source (the state) dictates who gets what, and those with give to those without so that, in the end, everyone has pretty much the same thing. The main con is the fact everyone is not the same; that is, ambition and drive and talent are different in each and every individual so that there is a massive dumbing-down (economically) of the populace.
So where are we heading? We are still a capitalist society. Health Care might seem socialist to those talking-heads on television and the internet, yet it truly isn't since there is no mandate that everyone get the exact same product for the exact same cost. Those who scream socialism in this are unaware of what socialism, true socialism, entails.
In addition, we must remember socialism and capitalism cannot coexist. Redistribution of wealth, which has been happening in this country for countless years, is not socialism since there is no mandate forcing everyone to do the same thing. It is not lowering the bar economically since we have now more billionaires than ever before, and more millionaires. So, if anything, the bar is either staying the same or raising a few notches.
Sure, those on the right might say, 'well, we're almost there now.' and I would say, 'well, we've been 'almost there' for awhile now, so what's the real point you are trying to make?'
I would say to those on the left, who decry the capitalist leanings of our country, to get over it: this country will continue to be a free-enterprise system since that is the best economic system of the ones attempted so far. Those on the left like to use the 'exploitation' argument to say socialism (or some variation) reduces exploitation to a minimum. This is separate from the reality that someone, somewhere, in every economic system, will be (either actually or perceptually) exploited. The slums of Havana (present to this day), the drug-infested cities of Russia (before the fall of the Empire) are testament to this exploitation. And yes, the slums in America are just as depraved, just as full of stories of exploitation.
I would say to those on the right, who decry the socialist leanings of our country, to get over it: this country will continue to be a 'nanny-state' to many of those who cannot, or will not, rise above their perceived (or actual) station. America will continue to help those who cannot, or will not, help themselves. Why? Because this is America, and this is what America does. When you hear the words 'give us your tired, your poor, your huddled masses', to whom was this referring?
All in all, we as a nation have to get over this self-imposed head-shaking at 'where the country is heading' and instead put our effort into getting it where it can go. You as an American and as a citizen have a duty to be an American.
It is easy to forget ourselves. Perhaps it is time to remember . . .
This Article has been viewed 1,534 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
Top-level comments on this article: (4 total)Enjoyed your article and it made a lot of sense for people to consider. You should run for something--not pizza or the phone but for some type of office!SteveThanks for the comment. I wouldn't be any good in any office since I like to sleep at night, but I appreciate the sentiment.
Allright, where did my comment go?(Once more, with feeling.)Great article, Michael. A lot of food for thought.Thanks Ken. I wondered if it was too much food, but I thought c'est la vivre. People need to at least try to understand there are a lot of problems these days, yet labeling something doesn't magically solve anything. Thanks again.
Interesting article Michael. We as a people must learn to stand on our on two feet and if we need help then we should have help but we should not be carried through our whole life because then we will never stand on our own two feet. Sometimes we smother the very people we love with too much help.You are exactly correct. Help should always be there in case, but should not replace individual drive, achievement or talent. You might get help with those things (as in a grant), but you cannot (or perhaps should not) live solely on the help of others.Thanks for reading and commenting.
"I would say to those on the left, who decry the capitalist leanings of our country, to get over it: this country will continue to be a free-enterprise system since that is the best economic system of the ones attempted so far"True Mike we needed capitalism throughout our history. It helped us build this country into what it is today. However as we evolve into a more civilized and humane people I believe socialism will make a scene into our future. good articleMaybe. Either that or simply the fact people will become more altruistic over time. Thanks for reading and commenting.
We want your comments! If you can read this, you don't have javascript enabled, so you can't use this comment system. Please enable javascript.