"Capitalism is the astounding belief that the most wickedest of men will do the most wickedest of things for the greatest good of everyone."
- John Maynard Keynes
"Capitalism is our only moral system. All other systems take advantage of man's rights and liberties. "
- Ayn Rand
"In the Soviet Union, capitalism triumphed over communism. In this country, capitalism triumphed over democracy."
- Fran Lebowitz
"This American system of ours, call it Americanism, call it capitalism, call it what you will, gives each and every one of us a great opportunity if we only seize it with both hands and make the most of it"
- Al Capone
"I am going to fight capitalism even if it kills me. It is wrong that people like you should be comfortable and well fed while all around you people are starving."
- Sylvia Pankhurst
This little collection of Quotes provides a glimpse at the various views and beliefs about capitalism. It certainly is a mainstay of American life. It is the driving force behind every industry, from education to defense, healthcare to sports, and everything in between. I personally think that capitalism has no place in healthcare, education, or media (news). That is beside the point.
The Participatory Economics Project (Parecon) offers a detailed alternative to capitalism. From their website: "The underlying values parecon seeks to implement are: equity, solidarity, diversity, and participatory self management. The main institutional vehicles to attain these ends are council democracy, balanced job complexes, remuneration according to effort and sacrifice, and participatory planning. "
http://www.zmag.org/ParEcon/index.back.htmQuestions to debate:
1.) Is capitalism the best we can do, or should we begin to look at other economic systems that may prove useful.
2.) Could "Parecon" provide a useful Reform movement, specifically in relation to education, healthcare, and Media - The industries that are designed to "serve" the public?
3.) What role do you think capitalism plays in the current political state of affairs in America?
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Jan 25 2005, 07:14 PM
