Gailee, I would submit that a large part of what’s destroying our democracy is losing sight of the fact that Capitalism is not very good at distribution. It only can work if it’s wedded to social democratic institutions, a regulatory state which contains its excesses, moderates its raw brute greedy and self-serving impulses, keeps it honest, gives it a human face, makes it work for all of us.
Gailee, I would submit that a large part of what’s destroying our democracy is losing sight of the fact that Capitalism is not very good at distribution. It only can work if it’s wedded to social democratic institutions, a regulatory state which contains its excesses, moderates its raw brute greedy and self-serving impulses, keeps it honest, gives it a human face, makes it work for all of us.
Hmmm, that's a very interesting point, MaryPat -- I hear you saying Democracy let its guard (rules) down and permitted capitalism to run amok. Fascinating idea.
It seems now, tho, that capitalism IS our form of government.
Nope. Other way round. The original Adam Smith wrote very clearly that capitalism could only work as a viable economic system if it were carefully and consistently regulated and managed, and pointed out the dangers if it weren't. We are living his prophesies now. Funny how proponents of Big Capitolism take care never to mention that part of Smith's writings.
SLWeston, Thank you for your kind words. A question: If you don’t believe we have the capacity to regulate and contain Capitalism, what would you suggest as a replacement?
Sadly, BarbaraJo, I'm so much better at criticism-spewing than solution-finding! lol
I have no answer for you. I keep wondering if paring this whole mess down to its basics, one on one, neighbor to neighbor is an answer. It sure feels appealing. The damndemic shutdown, the pioneer-life feel to existence for a while there, meeting people as we walked our neighborhood every evening, that we're-all-in-this-together vibe, the lifeboat camaraderie -- what an eye-opener, brain-expander, heart-softener.
How about community-building and -organizing as a new form of government -- no one in charge, each one sharing their expertise, coordinating with nearby communities?
SLWeston, Though parts of your comment resonated, I, nonetheless, am destined to persevere in the struggle for a more inclusive, pluralistic, multi-ethnic democracy, even when it can be shown, as it often can, that decisions get made for ideological purposes I don’t share. Still, I and fellow travelers will stay the course. We’ll try to affect the agenda, swallow the medicine if outvoted, and be there next time as well….
Gailee, I would submit that a large part of what’s destroying our democracy is losing sight of the fact that Capitalism is not very good at distribution. It only can work if it’s wedded to social democratic institutions, a regulatory state which contains its excesses, moderates its raw brute greedy and self-serving impulses, keeps it honest, gives it a human face, makes it work for all of us.
Beautifully stated, Barbara Jo. And I agree with Gailee — I just don’t think this nation is able to tame capitalism as it once did, mid-last-century.
That is a problem with DEMOCRACY, not Capitalism. Sort of like having children owning the parents, and tossing all the rules.
Hmmm, that's a very interesting point, MaryPat -- I hear you saying Democracy let its guard (rules) down and permitted capitalism to run amok. Fascinating idea.
It seems now, tho, that capitalism IS our form of government.
Heart that-- we are a corporatocracy, which MaryPat stated somewhere around here...
Nope. Other way round. The original Adam Smith wrote very clearly that capitalism could only work as a viable economic system if it were carefully and consistently regulated and managed, and pointed out the dangers if it weren't. We are living his prophesies now. Funny how proponents of Big Capitolism take care never to mention that part of Smith's writings.
Agree (heart not working). What a difference a context makes.
SLWeston, Thank you for your kind words. A question: If you don’t believe we have the capacity to regulate and contain Capitalism, what would you suggest as a replacement?
Sadly, BarbaraJo, I'm so much better at criticism-spewing than solution-finding! lol
I have no answer for you. I keep wondering if paring this whole mess down to its basics, one on one, neighbor to neighbor is an answer. It sure feels appealing. The damndemic shutdown, the pioneer-life feel to existence for a while there, meeting people as we walked our neighborhood every evening, that we're-all-in-this-together vibe, the lifeboat camaraderie -- what an eye-opener, brain-expander, heart-softener.
How about community-building and -organizing as a new form of government -- no one in charge, each one sharing their expertise, coordinating with nearby communities?
(I'm too old for this other shit.)
SLWeston, Though parts of your comment resonated, I, nonetheless, am destined to persevere in the struggle for a more inclusive, pluralistic, multi-ethnic democracy, even when it can be shown, as it often can, that decisions get made for ideological purposes I don’t share. Still, I and fellow travelers will stay the course. We’ll try to affect the agenda, swallow the medicine if outvoted, and be there next time as well….
I like your style, Barbara Jo.
A renewal of villages. With all that that entailed.
Yes. "Democracy Capitalism", as Frederick calls it.