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We should also make lobbying and significant electoral donations illegal; they are anything but democratic.
Another place where we agree.
We should also make lobbying and significant electoral donations illegal; they are anything but democratic.
1) give me an example.
2) I think we actually agree about crony capitalism. Where I think we disagree is in the assumption that free-market capitalism CAN exist, and the ridiculous assertion by one of your papers that "greed in business tends to do things that benefit others."
There won't be a utopian free-market capitalist society as long as people are involved. Just like there won't be a utopian communist society as long as people are involved. These are neat philosophies that can't exist in the real world. Guaranteed. Do you honestly believe free-market capitalism can exist free from the corruption of selfishness/nepotism/greed? It's not possible. That's why a hybrid, with lots of oversight/correction is the best option.
3) As a historical scholar, you can tell me when in history capitalism didn't result in an income gap with lots of very rich, and lots of people in abject poverty. And remember the power of unions in the post-war U.S.
Another place where we agree.
Also their tax base is much-much smaller. The top 0.1% is worth the same as the bottom 90%. That's some incredible inequality for a "developed" country, especially for the middle class, which is crushed between the rich and the poor.
Plus the top 0.1% pays much less percentage-wise than the middle class, because of all the loopholes created for them.
I am not happy with a system where the more you work the (progressively) higher taxes you pay, but the more you invest the lower. Any income generating activity should be taxed identically, as a fixed fraction of the income (not profit), and we would do away with a ton of bureaucracy and crony loopholes. We should also make lobbying and significant electoral donations illegal; they are anything but democratic.
1) Get real. The SE Asian brand of cronyism is no less corrosive than ours. When poverty falls below 20% in any of these places, feel free to make this point.1.) How about in SE Asia and China where all the American companies have their factories and expanded their businesses. There is an expanding middle class in places likes Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, etc. due to capitalism.
2.) Free market capitalism can and does exist. Most notably in Hong Kong. Greed is what brings innovation and technological advancement. The iPhone, MacBook, TV set, etc. are all a consequence of greed. Someone wanted to make money by filling a need for society. That's why as greedy as it is to want to make money, the end result of free market capitalism is giving society something that it wants or needs. Whether its a restaurant, a shopping mall, a golf course, or whatever, it is something that improves people's lives. Capitalism at the hearti of it is the most altruistic system because you can't succeed without helping society in the process regardless of whether or not you are greedy and want to make a lot of money. We are all greedy. Yes, even you are greedy. Tell me you are not and I'll tell you deep down you know you are lying. You want nice things for yourself in all aspects of life so lets not pretend like money does not matter to you.
3.) Why don't you ask Adam Smith that question.
Down with that symbol of our less than stellar past.
Well done S. Carolina.
Yes Blade, we have all seen the video since it has been posted on every network possible.
What's your take?
At some point the USA has to move beyond race, gender, sexual orientation,etc based laws. SCOTUS has come close the past few years in striking down some Affirmative Action based policies. I would argue that many Libertarians oppose these laws on Constitutional grounds.
That's very easy for a white, straight male to say. Easy to talk the talk until you've walked in another's shoes. You'll NEVER know what it's like.
Justice is blind. The role of our Courts is different than buying a sandwich at Billy-bob's diner.
We make laws based on equality and fairness to all; Race, gender, Religion, etc. have no place in our legal system.
Justice is blind. The role of our Courts is different than buying a sandwich at Billy-bob's diner.
We make laws based on equality and fairness to all; Race, gender, Religion, etc. have no place in our legal system.
I just spent the last five minutes looking for the perfect emoji for this post. You know, the one where the smiley face is rolling on the ground laughing his butt off.
I'm sure you're not as naive as this post makes you sound.
All the apologists on here.....ask a Jewish person how they feel about a Nazi flag and then come talk to me. I mean, really Blade...I truly honestly hope you're trolling
Disclaimer: I would never post a picture of that flag because, oh wait, it's offensive.
@FollowTheMoney i see you 100%. Check out the first few posts and see who was race baiting. It's easy to do on SDN where there a few, if any, strong black voices exist. Once I started posting on here probably tickled Blade pink.