I just can't understand Rocky's post. Does he mean that Capitalism is the inevitable outcome of natural laws (like gravity)?If so, he should explain why this "natural" law has only been in effect for only a tiny fraction of human history, the last 150 years. He should explain why Capitalism is in effect for only a small fraction of the world's population, the USA, Europe, and parts of Asia.
What kind of "natural law" is only in effect for some of the people, some of the time? The truth is that the type of system we have is dependent on the choices we make. I hope we choose Capitalism. But we *must* choose...it will not come about through some Fukiama-esque law of history.
Perhaps Rocky meant that debate is useless because we're unable to take action. I live in the USA, where our political system give us enormous power to change and modify our system. During the 1970's we had a ruinous tax rate of 70% on certain income brackets. We voted to cut this in half.
One man recently posted from Red China. The systems his people choose today will determine their future. Isn't it great that they can hear different perspectives on Capitalism rather than Communist-state propaganda (or the subtle form of propaganda offered by Baywatch as well)?
People have power to make choices, to make history. Some can vote, others must fight. But ballots or bullets, we have to give some thought to where we should go, to what we want. That's why I'm glad to participate in this forum.
- nat
