Socialism –v- Capitalism

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
02/09/2009 10:43

Which is the better system – capitalism, or socialism?



We know that Capitalism is the world’s dominant economic system. However do you think that Capitalism rewards people in perverse ways. Some footballers or company chief executives earn a thousand times more than nurses. Wealth is concentrated in the hands of the few. The rich get richer, the poor get poorer.



Is this right?

Geejay


Joined: 18/04/2009
Posts: 475

Message Posted:
02/09/2009 14:32

Neither is "better" than the other when it is unfettered.



Why not an amalgamation of the best of both systems ?

Capitalism socially monitoring, managed and contained for the greater good !

ROBnJO


Joined: 30/06/2008
Posts: 1289

Message Posted:
02/09/2009 15:06

You don't make poor people richer by making rich people poorer.



Even 'Socialists' realise this.



There is no longer any true Socialism.



Our current UK Government have proved that most Socialists are closet Capitalists.

littlejohn


Joined: 09/03/2009
Posts: 316

Message Posted:
03/09/2009 00:51

But you make poor people poorer by making rich people richer.

Our current government is not socialist nor would it have been in power if it were !!!

The brits are too good at "cap doffing" to vote for real change so next year we will probably go back to Thatcherite policies which will revoke the small concessions given to the poor by this lot and return to looking after the city gent types, bankers, farmers etc and the very people who consistently sell us all down the river for short term gain.

minertor



Joined: 14/02/2009
Posts: 1238

Message Posted:
03/09/2009 01:14

I read somewhere this week, maybe on here, "a socialist is a man with a knife and fork, looking for a capitalist with a meat pie"

Geejay


Joined: 18/04/2009
Posts: 475

Message Posted:
03/09/2009 14:57

littlejohn......"But you make poor people poorer by making rich people richer"....nice sounding Socialist phrase, pity it's not true.

All you get is a greater difference. Then again richer people pay more in tax (theoretically) so increasing their input to the social fund for the poor. In the UK of course the poor are not so poor when compared to the poor in Africa/Asia.

Both Socialism and Capitalism need to be fettered to avoid corruption and for the greater good. That requires more control by us the citizen. Public referendum on more matters especially those concerned with the constitution could be part of the answer.

minertor



Joined: 14/02/2009
Posts: 1238

Message Posted:
03/09/2009 15:30

Hi Geejay, what do you think the annual cost of aforementioned referenda would be?

keithr


Joined: 20/08/2008
Posts: 720

Message Posted:
03/09/2009 16:47

Either side is still ruled by the basic human instinct of getting more than the other person,it is inevitable,whichever country you apply it to,it is still "me me me "

ilovecyprus


Joined: 08/05/2007
Posts: 2880

Message Posted:
03/09/2009 16:59

Agree with geejay, that you need an amalgamation of both, and the two need to be restricted to ensure that their perverse extremes are not manifested.



We need entrepeneurs and valorous risk takers to create wealth within the society, accruing funds in order to raise the weath of all within society, however, Milton Friedmans extreme form of laissez faire capitalism can leave many assailable, as it creates a harsh and competetive environment leaving the vulnerable easily exploited and unprotected.



My view is that many of the richest have psychological black holes which drive them in steely and competetive ways (unless they have an epiphany like Bill Gates). Governments need to curb their excesses (has to be unilateral agreement or the rich go where they can exploit loopholes) but the rich also need to realise that they are rich because of society, and although the poorer are richer than the poor of yesteryear great divides in wealth create social discord.

girne 29


Joined: 06/12/2007
Posts: 1488

Message Posted:
03/09/2009 22:02

Geejay

the rich pay a high level of tax ,but evidently of 400 UK based super rich, all but 65 managed to avoid paying tax.

So evidently not all of us have to pay tax.

hattikins


Joined: 17/02/2008
Posts: 2793

Message Posted:
03/09/2009 22:18

A close friend of mine had it right, she ran a very successful business and made lots of money, she enjoyed the high life and all the trappings of wealth to the full. She also set up a residential home for adults with learning disabilities, employed trained staff to ensure proper care for the residents,paid them a decent wage and offered good working conditions and provided everything required to ensure residents had a full and worthwhile life, all profits from this were ploughed back into the business.

Coachie



Joined: 29/07/2008
Posts: 2135

Message Posted:
03/09/2009 22:46

Hattikins..We have one here in my village,has a superb reputation and like your friend they have all the trappings that go with a succesful business.Nice big house and two nice cars currently away on a 2 week cruise and pays his staff basic wage and no overtime at weekends or Bank holidays except Xmas Day.Nice people to work for!!!!!!!!

yrys88


Joined: 08/08/2009
Posts: 1140

Message Posted:
03/09/2009 23:35

Neither. Capitalism/Socialism are not practical in todays world.



Libertarianism is the way to go.. And will be soon.