Capitalism Defined
This article was prompted by a vehement comment made on another writers article. The commenter was attempting to promote capitalism as the only solution to maintaining a free society.
No one can make such a strong comment with such complete assurance.
We certainly can see in today’s world, that capitalism has taken a wrong turn, and unless re-directed it will eventually destroy our entire economy.
Nothing is absolute, and even the best of intentions can be twisted to become detrimental to the best interest of society as a whole.
“Capitalism is an economic system characterized by private, or corporate, ownership of capital goods, by investments that are determined by private decision rather than by government control, and by prices, production, and the distribution of goods that are determined by competition in a free market” {Webster’s dictionary}
Saving Graces
While the dictionary definition provided above appears to be a positive thing; that “positive” is only a peremptory supposition.
In other words, it was meant to be applied within the boundaries of decency, fair play, and for the good of economic growth.
“Capitalism” as defined, can only benefit society when its implementation is aimed at growing and maintaining a healthy economy that benefits society as a whole.
Destructive Forces
When decency and fair play is abandoned to embrace greed and self serving, the “core value” of Capitalism is corrupted.
Capitalism then quickly becomes a massive destructive force that only serves a few, while destroying the lives and livelihoods of the majority of people, and the entire economy as well.
Embracing greed and avarice as a national heritage can only lead to the societal decline that leads to a low, destitute, or demoralized condition that we see all around us today across the globe; that is a definitive result of capitalism gone amok.
Reigning in Capitalism
We may believe that ‘Capitalism’, even in its current state, is the best we have in today’s world, but to allow its further deterioration is unconscionable.
It has become shockingly unfair and unjust; and a truly destructive force in today’s world.
We cannot get rid of it, but we surely can reign it in.
But, in order to reign it in, we must have leaders that understand the destructiveness of greed and avarice on the level of the individual and the corporation; as well as on the nations needs and aspirations for a better tomorrow.
Redistribution of Wealth
The wealthy of the world fear the words “redistribution of wealth”.
They fear the loss of elitism and power over others that their excessive wealth may be subject to; and that fear also causes the ill informed to see ‘restructuring’ as duplicitous.
They fear the imaginary contradictory duplicity of any thought, speech and/or action that might delete or diminish their elevated status in society. As do those aspiring to gain that coveted elevated status in society.
But that fear need not come to pass unless society moves on from today; without trying to change the past, and leaving the devil with his dues already collected.
Let the wealthy stay wealthy but stop them from hoarding to the point of destroying society in the future.
The old adage:
“we can’t change the past, but we can create a better future by what we do today”, has never had a more profound meaning.
We just have to convince our government to consider the needs of (all) people and stop fearing, and catering to, the wealthy and financially powerful.
by Independent Mind July 21, 2014
, The Role of Capitalism in our Society Today www.ozeldersin.com bitirme tezi,ödev,proje dönem ödevi