Economic thought and the needs of all

Many members on ATS know more about economics then me. But I'm curious as to what system of economics can improve a country and still have the corporations in touch with the labor class. Economics is politics all over the world. The biggest issue since civilization. I'm a socialist who is even consider a radical within socialist circles. Every time my friends discuss how great Communism would work for a nation. They would bring up how countries have more peace, non-racism, better trained laborers and more free privileges in the country, no homelessness and so much else. Of course no political ideology is perfect. History has not favored socialist societies. I would bring up how after a revolution a country, like Cuba, still has not improved their cities as much as a capitalist nation, less money is coming in, then out and then corruption takes over. The People's Republic of China has now also adapted capitalist economics in their country. The transformation is insane. If the People's Republic of China still followed the practices of early Chinese socialism then the country would of already be destroyed by the large needs of the Population in China.

It not so much the systems that are the problem.
It is the people that run them.

Socialism is great, as an idea, a communist utopia, but humans ruin it.

Capitalism, to bad to many BIG guys took it over.

Power, greed etc. Humans are the problem, the systems are fine.

reply to post by Toadmund


You're correct! It is human nature to need and want. My question is what as a people, can have a better and useful economic system? There are many problems in both capitalist and socialist nations. What can we do to fix them.

Here's a great cartoon on my thoughts of economic issues.

When you speak of Cuba - you have to remember and factor in that it is a tiny third world island with nothing to export except nickel and cigars, it has to import 60% of its food - and has a crippling embargo by the biggest superpower on the planet going against it. Yet still, it has accomplished so much.

Its not necessarily the system a nation-state functions with, but what everyone else is doing that's the deciding factor in how "well" a country is "performing".

If everyones playing checkers and you come along and want to play chess - you're going to have quite a bit of opposition.

reply to post by Romantic_Rebel


Here ya go. Read it and if you can Star, Flag and Reply.

Hope you like it.

www.abovetopsecret.com...

[edit on 5/27/10 by Misoir]

reply to post by Romantic_Rebel


Within $10,000, whats your annual income?

Honesty would be appreciated.

Why do you ask this question? My income is $800.00 monthly.

Reply to post by Romantic_Rebel

My personal opinion on this matter is that basic needs like power, water, gas, roadways, public transportation, healthcare, food, basic clothing etc. should be socialized and funded by taxes available to everyone based on need. But entertainment, housing, excess food, personal transportation, personal items like: nice clothes, cell phones, computers, gaming systems, etc. are all bought through excess income. This would be a workable system if the world was perfect I suppose.


Posted Via ATS Mobile: m.abovetopsecret.com

reply to post by Romantic_Rebel


No wonder you support socialism, aka income redistribution.

You make $9600 per year.

Are you an American, or do you live in another country?

reply to post by brainwrek


I'm an American. Life is difficult and bills cost more money then I can make. Thankfully the government has passed different programs for support.

Originally posted by Toadmund
It not so much the systems that are the problem.
It is the people that run them.

The above quote is the correct answer to the OP's question, IMHO.

Somebody once asked the Dalai Lama if he thought communism or capitalism was better. He answered something to the effect that either system (or any number of other possible systems) would work if the people in charge acted with compassion and the good of the whole in mind. If not, the system would fail. I found this very insightful.

Its also worth remembering there are lots of laws and regulations on the book that don't get enforced, or agencies that are either hobbled or excessively bloated, etc. These things distort justice and effectiveness. There are also mistakes, wrong judgement calls, laws or measures that should be passed but never were, and so on. These are flaws, but they are not the result of a system or ideology.

reply to post by dbloch7986


Ever bothered to read the Constitution?

What you propose would not only violate it, but it would rape it prison style.

Originally posted by brainwrek
reply to post by Romantic_Rebel

 

No wonder you support socialism, aka income redistribution.

You make $9600 per year.

Are you an American, or do you live in another country?

He makes alot of money for someone who's not even 18.

And he lives in Sacramento, CA. He tells too much about himself on posts.

reply to post by Romantic_Rebel


Have a cell phone? Get rid of it.

Obviously you have an internet connection....get rid of that too.

Not to be insulting, but by the very definition of the word, you are a parasite.

Get another job. Get 2 more. Cut back on your bills. Everyones life is rough at some point, relying on others to take care of you is not the answer.

reply to post by Misoir


I didn't know that? It's always good to tell people about yourself truthfully.

reply to post by Misoir


According to his profile, he is 21.

You sure about your facts?

reply to post by brainwrek


from my point of view I'm not a parasite. Many might abuse the systems of welfare. But a lot of people need help that only welfare can give them.

Originally posted by Romantic_Rebel
reply to post by Misoir

 

I didn't know that? It's always good to tell people about yourself truthfully.

There is a difference between telling a lie and refraining from revealing personal information.

Its a pretty vital difference to grasp in the Internet age.

reply to post by Romantic_Rebel


Well of course you dont think of yourself as a parasite, but in fact you are.

par·a·site   [par-uh-sahyt] Show IPA
–noun
1.
an organism that lives on or in an organism of another species, known as the host, from the body of which it obtains nutriment.
2.
a person who receives support, advantage, or the like, from another or others without giving any useful or proper return, as one who lives on the hospitality of others.
3.
(in ancient Greece) a person who received free meals in return for amusing or impudent conversation, flattering remarks, etc.


Again, I ask, why not cut off your internet connection, cell phone, etc etc to free up more money for bills?

Originally posted by brainwrek
reply to post by Misoir

 

According to his profile, he is 21.

You sure about your facts?

I'm 99% sure. I wish I can remember a post of his where stated how old he was, unless he was lying and saying he was under 18.