In a Gallup poll released this week, American support for capitalism reached its lowest point since the survey began, with only 54% having a positive view, while 39% express some support for socialism.
Less socialism in government would be required if capitalism is regulated and enforced to limit monopolies, require truth in labeling, require polluters to pay, allow unions, limit CEO pay to something reasonable, cap stock buybacks, challenge antisocial charters, and get money out of elections and government (bribes from lobbiests, unfair stock purchasing, and anything bitcoin). Socialist tools would be unnecessary if capitalists played fair.
I very much agree that the socialism v. capitalism argument is a false binary. I like to consider entities from a "best host" perspective. I think we are all pretty pleased that our government maintains the roads; is that socialism? I also think we are content with the reality that corporations manage most of our communications (capitalism). There is also a role for NGO's: land trusts, art institutions and advocacy organizations come to mind. I think where we have gone wrong is when we label entities and use those labels as indictments.
Count me in also as one who appreciates this piece as a thoughtful contribution to this conversation; your 'voice of reason' is so welcome and even unusual to take in at this time, as is your hopeful take on the active discontent and it's potential for fueling constructive problem solving.
“And in the end, the labels do more to obscure and distract and divide.”
THAT seems the crux of the problem – abstract concepts, formulas, and labels that stand apart from the lived experience of people and planet. When you bring it down to earth, socialism is primarily about the needs and interests of society (people) whereas capitalism is only about the needs and interests of capital. People don’t factor in except as resource inputs — which can be disregarded if they don’t prove useful.
Less socialism in government would be required if capitalism is regulated and enforced to limit monopolies, require truth in labeling, require polluters to pay, allow unions, limit CEO pay to something reasonable, cap stock buybacks, challenge antisocial charters, and get money out of elections and government (bribes from lobbiests, unfair stock purchasing, and anything bitcoin). Socialist tools would be unnecessary if capitalists played fair.
I very much agree that the socialism v. capitalism argument is a false binary. I like to consider entities from a "best host" perspective. I think we are all pretty pleased that our government maintains the roads; is that socialism? I also think we are content with the reality that corporations manage most of our communications (capitalism). There is also a role for NGO's: land trusts, art institutions and advocacy organizations come to mind. I think where we have gone wrong is when we label entities and use those labels as indictments.
Yes, that role of NGOs etc is also a positive wrinkle on the notion that we are in some sort of pure free-market system
Excellent analysis. Balanced and clear.
Count me in also as one who appreciates this piece as a thoughtful contribution to this conversation; your 'voice of reason' is so welcome and even unusual to take in at this time, as is your hopeful take on the active discontent and it's potential for fueling constructive problem solving.
I appreciate this conversation about different perspectives that help us move in a positive direction. Thank you both.
“And in the end, the labels do more to obscure and distract and divide.”
THAT seems the crux of the problem – abstract concepts, formulas, and labels that stand apart from the lived experience of people and planet. When you bring it down to earth, socialism is primarily about the needs and interests of society (people) whereas capitalism is only about the needs and interests of capital. People don’t factor in except as resource inputs — which can be disregarded if they don’t prove useful.
Thank you Bill
Reading "Capitalism and Its Critics" by John Cassidy is worth accomplishing before a decision is made on this issue. The history is essential.
Was a very good book. I did a What Could Go Right podcast with him as well https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-capitalism-conundrum-with-john-cassidy/id1579067635?i=1000713381756