2009-03-06, 12:13 PM
So what? America is already pretty socialist in some respects. A purely capitalistic society wouldn't provide schools or build roads for the public good or (lol) regulate financial markets... everyone could pay for their own education or build their own roads or avoid their own scams. =P
IMO, I think both philosophies are partially right. I think that systems should be socialized if it's more efficient and equitable to do so. I mean, it would be more economically "efficient" to privatize roads, but then only people who could afford to pay for their own roads would get one, and that would keep even the somewhat-rich from the improvements to business that having a road would bring. It's better for the economy to tax each person a little for roads, then build them so that everyone can use them.
It's the same for education, as we believe that everyone should have a fair shake at life, and not be denied access to the ability to read, write, etc. just because their parents can't afford private school tuition. And that is as American-Dreamy as it comes.
It's just about the situation. Obviously, socializing many industries would be bad, because the lack of competition would stifle innovation and cost-cutting. High-tech industries would be the worst. If the government wants to promote these, then subsidies and grants can be used instead.
I don't get what's up with using "socialist" as an insult, though. Politics as usual. Heck, "liberal" is still a swearword in some circles! If it's so bad, then "captain of industry" should become a swearword again too. ;D
As for a rant on something more controversial:
IMO, I think both philosophies are partially right. I think that systems should be socialized if it's more efficient and equitable to do so. I mean, it would be more economically "efficient" to privatize roads, but then only people who could afford to pay for their own roads would get one, and that would keep even the somewhat-rich from the improvements to business that having a road would bring. It's better for the economy to tax each person a little for roads, then build them so that everyone can use them.
It's the same for education, as we believe that everyone should have a fair shake at life, and not be denied access to the ability to read, write, etc. just because their parents can't afford private school tuition. And that is as American-Dreamy as it comes.
It's just about the situation. Obviously, socializing many industries would be bad, because the lack of competition would stifle innovation and cost-cutting. High-tech industries would be the worst. If the government wants to promote these, then subsidies and grants can be used instead.
I don't get what's up with using "socialist" as an insult, though. Politics as usual. Heck, "liberal" is still a swearword in some circles! If it's so bad, then "captain of industry" should become a swearword again too. ;D
As for a rant on something more controversial:
Spoiler