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the thing that has become obvious to me over the last few decades is how BAD many of these Capitalism-fetishists are at CAPITALISM!. There is a SEVERE lack of understanding of basic entrepeneurship that SHOULD be at the heart of any business venture. However, I think our business schools have failed us in properly preparing the MBAs for the business world, instead, preparing them for the world of Business.
I think capitalism is good - IF it's done in a responsible manner. And acting in a responsible manner means you treat the public right, whether they are your employees or your customers. It's what I call investing in The Human Infrastructure. You CAN treat your employees like crap, but a GOOD businessperson is going to treat them right so they are motivated to MAKE YOU MORE MONEY!
I saw a story on TV a few years back profiling a businessman who offered ON-SITE daycare, FULL medical benefits, an ON-SITE doctor's office and other perks which prompted the reporter to say "Wow, you really are a great boss". His response? "I'm not doing these things solely out of a sense of altruism but rather because IT WAS GOOD BUSINESS. It made good business sense to do this because of the Return-On-Investment. Going to the doctor meant the loss of ONE HOUR of production rather than half a day.
I think we should start framing the health care debate from a business perspective: You need to spend money to make money. Invest in THE HUMAN INFRASTRUCTURE and you will have MORE people making MORE money to spend on the goods and services that businesses provide. It's makes GOOD BUSINESS SENSE. If you are afraid that a public option will put Insurance Companies out of business then we can taunt them with "Nah Nah, you got beat at Capitalism by SOCIALISTS!" Sort of akin to "You throw like a girl!".
In closing, I'd like it to be known that I lost my job because of MBAs. Because they SUCKED at capitalism. They weren't good at it. Despite suggestions, demands and advice from the front-line people, they continued to run the business like they were reading out of a textbook. From the 50s. The result? They went bankrupt. TWICE. I would use the line "What the hell is the wrong with you, you need a PINKO to teach you CAPITALISM? "
Thank you. A Commie-Pinko who is better at Capitalism than the Capitalists.
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