Are we willing to explore two noble ideals of capitalism that have failed.

[sicksicksick_N_tired]

One noble ideal is "open competition" (e.g. there is an equal playing field open to intelligent, creative and innovative entrepreneurs). The other one is "meritorious reward" (hardest working, intelligent people are advanced).

First, the fantasy-idealists of capitalism MUST ACKNOWLEDGE that, US capitalism has neither promoted open competition or meritorious reward. If anything, both open competition and meritorious reward are rare: extremely rare: it is primarily economic-elitist-based. Those who deny that fact simply do not live in reality.

If that basic reality is accepted, we must ask "WHY" have the two noble ideals of capitalism have failed (at least, those who are STILL IN DENIAL about how modern capitalism actually operates)?

Well, let's start with the fact that, capitalism and/or "free markets" should NEVER be perceived as benevolent entities. Both are MAN-MADE systems/institutions. As we all know from our education in BASIC CIVICS, every man-made system/institution is doomed to tyranny UNLESS THE RULE OF LAW rather than the RULE OF MEN is applied.

Unfortunately, the rule of men have pervaded the U.S. legal system, all around. The rule of greedy capitalistic/corporacratic men are controlling this nation.

So, the noble ideals of capitalism (and democracy) are being blocked,...by rich, greedy, immoral and power-sucking men.

Are those noble ideals being undermined by modern regulation or by man? :rofl:
Are there inadequate laws in place to protect the noble ideals associated with either capitalism or democracy?

Let's move on to another important question:

Can democracy and capitalism co-exist?

---> ABSOLUTELY! BUT ONLY IF EQUAL ENFORCEMENT OF FAIR LAWS PROTECTING AGAINST OPPRESSION (an opening into the economy) ARE ENACTED AND ENFORCED.

Democracy and capitalism have common goals: to maximize the potential of both individuals and a nation of people. The conflict between the two is treatment of those who can not, for whatever reason, be ideally productive. Moreover, conflict arises over how those willing to 'win-at-all-costs' are controlled, are prohibited from dominating either systems. Unfortunately, neither those who believe in the ideals of capitalism or those who are suppose to protect a democracy (the people) from such oppression have identified the problem: greedy fuckers who could care less about any ideals other than self-centered ideals.

Perhaps, the true advocates of both democracy and healthy capitalism can come together and make a difference. The question is, do either have the courage to take down the greedy fuckers who will threaten to end all noble man-made causes by any means available? If the tyrants are given a pass, no matter by will or ill, the ideals of neither democracy or capitalism is reality. Both are merely a carrot to pacify the mass.

I'm just trying to focus on and identify our problems. If we can articulate our problems, we can begin to explore solutions.

Right?

[defendandprotect]

1. "Capitalism isn't about competition; it's about killing the competition" . . .

And we can well see that right now with the financial turnovers killing most of the
competitor and leaving us with yet more monopolies --

Think also of Detroit in its alliance with the oil industry over decades, depriving
us of cars with better gas mileage -- and probably Electric Cars --- !!!

And on and on -- pollution, destruction of the planet -- global warming.

[Poseidan]

5. capitalism is not meant to be darwinism

Our system would likely be fine, if the size of corporations was regulated. The bigger they are, the harder they fall. If they were never big enough to do major damage, their decline would not be a national or global problem. Citizens can have small arms, not nuclear weapons. Corporations should be treated the same way.

[defendandprotect]

9. Unregulated capitalism is merely organized crime . . .

True . . . regulated capitalism was more successful, but it still isn't

economic democracy.

And, it was overturned by elites with money to challenge democracy and its regulations;
i.e., by corruption of government officials.

That's why these corporations should be broken up right now and our anti-monopoly laws
enforced.

And all remedies and re-regulation put back in place.

Corporations must serve public interest and be tightly controlled.

Meanwhile, as long as citizens have guns, society will see gun woundings.

As long as we have corporations/capitalism we will be on the hook for bailouts.

[billyoc]

2. Oh, yes, I'm convinced beyond the shadow of a doubt that there are

5 or 6 of us. :evilgrin:

[cliffordu]

8. Yep. Count me in. I just saw the light....

:rofl:

[defendandprotect]

3. Capitalism and democracy are not synonymous . . .

we need economic democracy an that isn't capialism . . . !!!

[asteroid2003QQ47]

4. "Healthy capitalism" a contradiction in terms.

Capitalism is the astounding belief that the most wickedest of men will do the most wickedest of things for the greatest good of everyone.
- John Maynard Keynes

[spag68]

6. capitalism

Marx was and still is right. If workers had voting rights it would go a long way toward correcting the problem.

[napoleon_in_rags]

7. football.

The best players/teams rise to the top when:

1) There are clean impartial officials making and enforcing the rules.
2) There are lots of people watching.

[defendandprotect]

10. ...and doillar bills also frequently change the outcome of sports . . .

corrupting players, teams and even nations looking to push olympics -- etal.

The dollar bill is a corrupting influence -- let's uninvent it.