[paraclete]

Capitalism allows the opportunity for individual advancement - more so than socialism or communism.



G&P

You seem to be under the impression that Capitalism is mutually exclusive from these other methods of organisation, however capitalism is alive and well in France and Australia and also in China. What this proves is that Capitalism isn't directly related to the political environment within which it exists.

Laizze-faire Capitalism cannot be allowed to exist because it has no social conscience, it must be regulated, controlled and directed. Which system of political organisation you use to do this is up to the citizens of the country. There are excesses in all systems usually directly related to the power given the leaders

[inthebox]

Hello again, in:

It does...

However, we have decided to socialize certain risks and/or tasks by gathering together and hiring the government to run them for us... Some of those would be the police and fire departments, the highway departments, our water and electric supply, and the military.

We've also chosen to offer a safety net for those who are unable to provide for themselves. That would include Medicare and Medical, the food stamp program, and welfare, among others.

We are for sure, NOT a pure capitalist country. We've blended lots of socialism into our every day lives, and we've lived to tell about it. Some people, who abhor socialism, actually take advantage of it when nobody's looking.

excon

Agree with your first paragraph. Note that socializing the risk of hi risk mortgages through Fannie and Freddie have led to the current economic crisis. You agree with that? Pure capitalism in this area would have put the risks on the investor not the taxpayor. Pure capitalism would not have bailed out the mega banks and investment houses that you love.

Medicare and medicaid and social security were not "chosen" they were voted on and passed before my time. Now the taxpayor has NO CHOICE but to pay into this government ponzi scheme. In addition, the "rich" certainly do not get their money's worth from the money they pay in taxes to social security. Also realize that social security was passed in an era where the life expectancy was around 65 and the life expectancy for blacks was less than 65.

My agi is top 10% in the nation and the top 10%, the "rich," pay about 70% of the taxes in this country. If I fall ill and am unable to work, or get sick; is it really taking advantage of the system if I, having been paying so much in to the system that supports others, use the benefits that were promised to me?

Is it really right to be increasing entitlements in a recession and then passing off the costs [ principal and interest ] to others and future generations?


G&P

[excon]

Is it really right to be increasing entitlements in a recession and then passing off the costs [ pricipal and interest ] to others and future generations?

Hello in:

My post wasn't in defense of who we are. It's just an explanation.

In terms of the above, my support for the IDEA of health care reform should not be confused with support for this bill. MY idea, wouldn't do that. But, they didn't ask me.

excon