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Is capitalism evil?
16 years ago
General
On Nightline tonight, they interviewed Michael Moore, who talked about how capitalism is eeevil. At the end, they asked for viewer feedback. I typed a message on their "Closing Arguments" page, but then decided that I really don't know the nature of that forum. There's likely a lot of trolling, lots of debate, and lots of tempers rising. I know that a lot of people will be using that forum, simply because it's a nationally-syndicated show, so these things are very likely. I'm not going to risk committing myself to any debates that might stem from my comment. I just want to post and be done with it. A one-post stand, if you will. So I'm going to post my message here(expanded a little, since that forum seems better for shorter messages), and you may respond if you want. I'm more familiar with you guys, so it won't be as overwhelming as posting to Nightline's site. So here's my answer to, "Is capitalism evil?":
Capitalism rewards good work. Plain and simple.
Sure, there are exceptions. Sure, it's not perfect. But if all was shared equally, a farmer would be complacent with low-quality and low-yield crops. Charity is good, but I can't support a system that doesn't reward people for doing a good job.
The reason I say charity is good, is because if less-fortunate people are helped, there will be fewer less-fortunate people bringing us down. BUT, only give if you can spare it. Don't force others to chip in. Let's keep charity a choice, so people don't become less-fortunate because they gave more than they could. Some people ACTUALLY NEED more money than others. I have simple needs, so I can live on my $12,000/yr salary(can't be very happy on that though). Some people have health problems, or children, or a home business, or do more traveling, or don't have roommates, or really like their Starbucks(blegh, coffee). Let them be happy. If they worked hard for their reliable car, let them use their money on it.
From what I watched, Michael Moore's only complaints were of people taking advantage of capitalism. People will take advantage of any system you throw at them.
Capitalism rewards good work. Plain and simple.
Sure, there are exceptions. Sure, it's not perfect. But if all was shared equally, a farmer would be complacent with low-quality and low-yield crops. Charity is good, but I can't support a system that doesn't reward people for doing a good job.
The reason I say charity is good, is because if less-fortunate people are helped, there will be fewer less-fortunate people bringing us down. BUT, only give if you can spare it. Don't force others to chip in. Let's keep charity a choice, so people don't become less-fortunate because they gave more than they could. Some people ACTUALLY NEED more money than others. I have simple needs, so I can live on my $12,000/yr salary(can't be very happy on that though). Some people have health problems, or children, or a home business, or do more traveling, or don't have roommates, or really like their Starbucks(blegh, coffee). Let them be happy. If they worked hard for their reliable car, let them use their money on it.
From what I watched, Michael Moore's only complaints were of people taking advantage of capitalism. People will take advantage of any system you throw at them.
Alouette_Avian
~alouetteavian
I'd agree with you there. Capitalism at least puts the power (given the type of associated government) the power with the individual, to make choices about their own individual lives and families. You just don't get that with many other economic systems.
ittmi
~ittmi
OP
That's a good way of putting it too! It truly does give the power to the people.
