- Capitalism and Alternatives -

Re: We don't live in Utopia

Posted by: Ted ( Madison, WI, USA ) on May 13, 1997 at 01:52:43:

In Reply to: We don't live in Utopia posted by Bill on May 11, 1997 at 18:42:52:

> How can you compare the fallout from a government beuracracy and poor social
> structures to that of capitalism?

It would be easier to reply if you were more specific. Let me remind
you that capitalist corporations are every bit as "bureaucratic" as
government entities. These corporate bureaucracies have their own
fallout, such as environmental degradation, "downsizing", and increasingly harsh conditions of employment.

Capitalism is Freedom. It is the drive for personal and econmic freedom.

Freedom for the one percent of Americans who own forty percent of the
wealth, perhaps. The rest of us under the thumbs of the bosses don't
feel nearly so free.

>> Most workers put in far more than they will ever get back. That is the
>> definition of capitalism.

> Are you crazy? Think about the founders of that business that you so condemn.

You're not reading my arguments carefully. Leaving aside for a moment
the fact that four out of five new businesses fail within two years,
of course the founders of successful companies make out like thieves.
My point was that most WORKERS will get little in return for helping
the rich get richer.

>> There are many well-educated people among the unemployed. Education and
>> aptitude are no guarantees of success in capitalist society.

> Good Point. We don't live in Utopia. As far as education, only the truely
> ignorant would dismiss the power of knowledge.

"We don't live in Utopia", "that's life", "deal with it" and other
cliches are not intelligent responses to people who are concerned with
the predatory nature of capitalism. Injustice, economic or otherwise,
cannot be rationalized with pat answers.

The power of education (as distinct from knowledge) is pretty meager
compared to the power of capital. Ask any of the growing number of
computer programmers, engineers and other technological workers who
spent many years and thousands of dollars acquiring their skills, only
to be replaced by workers from foreign countries who could be employed
for less money.

>> The only right a worker has under capitalism is the right to choose
>> a master. Once under the control of a boss, he or she no longer has
>> any rights except those granted by the "superior". Workers are told
>> when to show up, when to go home, and what to do in between. They are
>> monitored, evaluated and disciplined. They are paid a small fraction
>> of the value they produce for the boss. If they refuse the master's
>> orders, they can be "fired" and the cycle begins again.

> I think you should change jobs and watch Milton Freidman's series on
> Freedom of Choice. This can be found at your state library.

I'm well acquainted with Mr. Friedman and his laissez-faire philosophy,
having read his books and watched his series, which was originally
broadcast on PBS (an amusing irony). Perhaps you should acquaint
yourself with the writings of John Rawls, Paul Samuelson, John
Kenneth Galbraith and other economists who offer a different viewpoint.
These are also at your public library, which incidentally is not a
capitalist enterprise.

>> Under this kind of near-total submission to authority, all talk of
>> rights and freedoms is a cruel joke.

> Alright, your right I think I will just go kill myself.

No doubt some people can find happiness and meaning as slaves for
capital, but others will always seek true freedom. And don't think
about killing yourself--the corporations will do it for you and save
you the trouble.




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