Winterhaze13

Theses on Capitalism 1. Capitalism is elitist in that it creates a new aristocracy based in capital accumulation that makes up the ruling class in a democracy. 2. Capitalism exploits the disadvantaged in society by paying the most needy less, in order to boost profits. As a result, many of the disadvantaged are left behind in society, creating apathy. Inc. Single mothers, immigrants, ext. 3. Capitalism is incompatible with democracy in the sense that capitalism is competitive while democracy should be cooperative. 4. Capitalism creates conflict in society by pinning citizens against one another in the pursuit for capital. 5. Capitalism creates powerful multi-national corporations that often act out of self interest and never out of the common good of society. Corporations don’t support social justice. 6. Corporations have come to influence and even dictate state policy while preventing equality and social justice that conflicts with their economic interests. Capitalism keeps democracy from reaching its full potential. 7. In capitalism the employer pays their workers the lowest possible wage in order to maximize profit. In doing so, they prevent the economic welfare of their workers. Also, they do not promote equal pay for equal work. 8. Capitalism creates a discrepancy in wealth. In the United States, the wealthiest 20% possess almost half the wealth, while the poorest 20% possess roughly 5%. Source: World Bank 9. Capitalism does not permit universal education and therefore prevents social equality. It has created a money-driven society where the best education is available only to the wealthy because of inflating tuition costs. 10. Most politicians are wealthy and have business links when going into politics. As a result, this prevents them from acting out of the best interests of their constituents. Instead, they protect business interests in hopes that major corporations will fund their campaign. 11. Capitalism creates a situation where a large portion of the wealth resides in a small minority of individuals of society which are relied on heavily to drive production. As a result of this heavy concentration, the purchasing power of individuals is limited and as a result demand often wanes. This is what causes recessions. 12. Capitalism’s imperial tendencies allow multi-national corporations to exploit foreign labour to drive down production costs and increase profit. This is the reality of neo-liberalism and globalization where non-industrial economies struggle to compete with more efficient and flexible companies. 13. Capitalism has an insatiable appetite for new markets and resources which leads to competition and thenceforth conflict between states. 14. Capitalism encourages poverty and unemployment in the interest of keeping wages and inflation low. This marginalization prevents equal work of equal value. 15. Capitalism often separates economic good from social good because economic production is often achieved through (human or resource) exploitative means. http://www.communalknighthood.blogspot.com/

10 Points on Capitalism 1. Capitalism is elitist in that it creates a new aristocracy based in capital accumulation that makes up the ruling class in a democracy. 2. Capitalism exploits the disadvantaged in society by paying the most needy less, in order to boost profits. As a result, many of the disadvantaged are left behind in society, creating apathy. Inc. Single mothers, immigrants, ext. 3. Capitalism is incompatible with democracy in the sense that capitalism is competitive while democracy should be cooperative. 4. Capitalism creates conflict in society by pinning citizens against one another in the pursuit for capital. 5. Capitalism creates powerful multi-national corporations that often act out of self interest and never out of the common good of society. Corporations don’t support social justice. 6. Corporations have come to influence and even dictate state policy while preventing equality and social justice that conflicts with their economic interests. Capitalism keeps democracy from reaching its full potential. 7. In capitalism the employer pays their workers the lowest possible wage in order to maximize profit. In doing so, they prevent the economic welfare of their workers. Also, they do not promote equal pay for equal work. 8. Capitalism creates a discrepancy in wealth. In the United States, the wealthiest 20% possess almost half the wealth, while the poorest 20% possess roughly 5%. Source: World Bank 9. Capitalism does not permit universal education and therefore prevents social equality. It has created a money-driven society where the best education is available only to the wealthy because of inflating tuition costs. 10. Most politicians are wealthy and have business links when going into politics. As a result, this prevents them from acting out of the best interests of their constituents. Instead, they protect business interests in hopes that major corporations will fund their campaign. More Theses on Capitalism 1. Capitalism creates a situation where a large portion of the wealth resides in a small minority of individuals of society which are relied on heavily to drive production. As a result of this heavy concentration, the purchasing power of individuals is limited and as a result demand often wanes. This is what causes recessions. 2. Capitalism’s imperial tendencies allow multi-national corporations to exploit foreign labour to drive down production costs and increase profit. This is the reality of neo-liberalism and globalization where non-industrial economies struggle to compete with more efficient and flexible companies. 3. Capitalism has an insatiable appetite for new markets and resources which leads to competition and thenceforth conflict between states. 4. Capitalism encourages poverty and unemployment in the interest of keeping wages and inflation low. This marginalization prevents equal work of equal value. 5. Capitalism often separates economic good from social good because economic production is often achieved through (human or resource) exploitative means. http://communalknighthood.blogspot.com/

Every US senator is a millionaire, every partyhead in Canada is a white mail, only 20 of MPs are women. There is very much a ruling class. No one chooses to be poor, that just shows how ignorant you are. The fact is that not everyone has the same opportunity to excell and demonstrate their skills. Because everything is money-driven, for example not everyone can go to the best schools because they're the most expensive. In an sense, but legislatures should at least cooperate with each other to pass the best bills. They compete to cooperate in a way. Well, in the sense you are when you are looking for a job. Often people have to reduce themselves for employment because capitalism has always created labour surplus. As a result workers are usually at the mercy of employers. Then who am I going to vote for? That's the problem, both major parties in Canada are corporate-driven. Also, corporations don't create jobs, in fact small and medium-sized companies as well as the private sector create the majority of jobs in society, corporations just inflict harm. Well, that's the problem with a profit-driven system. Also, people don't always have the flexability to go somewhere else because of the labour surplus. Also, I'm a socialist not a communist. And I'm a student by the way. People should have equality in opportunity!! And they don't have that. That isn't justice. I do pay my way, its not easy but I do and I know people who are in a much more unfotunate position then myself. I'm thinking about other people, maybe you should start doing the same. Corporate donations make up the bulk of political campaign donations. Do some research.

Why stop at $40. I am sure burger flippers deserve to life in comfort for that gruelling work. How about $100/hour? And what is wrong with that? If the economy was not profit-based like capitalism, then maybe more social problems could be eradicated. But people like you choose to defend a system that takes advantage of the less fortunate. Remember, people used to defend feudalism too, after a while they adopted a new model. And with declining growth rates and instability in the world economy, don't be surprised that we start looking for a new model soon. 10 Points on Capitalism 1. Capitalism is elitist in that it creates a new aristocracy based in capital accumulation that makes up the ruling class in a democracy. 2. Capitalism exploits the disadvantaged in society by paying the most needy less, in order to boost profits. As a result, many of the disadvantaged are left behind in society, creating apathy. Inc. Single mothers, immigrants, ext. 3. Capitalism is incompatible with democracy in the sense that capitalism is competitive while democracy should be cooperative. 4. Capitalism creates conflict in society by pinning citizens against one another in the pursuit for capital. 5. Capitalism creates powerful multi-national corporations that often act out of self interest and never out of the common good of society. Corporations don’t support social justice. 6. Corporations have come to influence and even dictate state policy while preventing equality and social justice that conflicts with their economic interests. Capitalism keeps democracy from reaching its full potential. 7. In capitalism the employer pays their workers the lowest possible wage in order to maximize profit. In doing so, they prevent the economic welfare of their workers. Also, they do not promote equal pay for equal work. 8. Capitalism creates a discrepancy in wealth. In the United States, the wealthiest 20% possess almost half the wealth, while the poorest 20% possess roughly 5%. Source: World Bank 9. Capitalism does not permit universal education and therefore prevents social equality. It has created a money-driven society where the best education is available only to the wealthy because of inflating tuition costs. 10. Most politicians are wealthy and have business links when going into politics. As a result, this prevents them from acting out of the best interests of their constituents. Instead, they protect business interests in hopes that major corporations will fund their campaign. http://www.communalknighthood.blogspot.com/

Are the Knights of Columbus? I'm using the Templars, Hospitallers as a model. Knights just means guardians.

And I think this is just another thoughless right-wing response.

That doesn't have enough catch.

Platform of the Communal Knighthood I. Introduce a national child-care program that is completely funded and regulated by the federal government. II. Nationalize all natural resource industries such as oil, gas, mining, steel, as well as some of the more important industries including automobiles and electronics. III. Introduce universal education at all levels, including at the graduate level. IV. Dismember the corporate world and replace it with a larger public sector, as well as with smaller and more competitive firms. V. Introduce legislation that will increase the number of unions in the economy. VI. Increase the presence of unions in the political process. VII. The state should guarantee social services such as health insurance, pension and unemployment insurance. VIII. Welfare programs should be adjusted according to inflation. If inflation is too high, the state should limit spending to the more privileged families. IX. Introduce a full employment policy. This could be maintained through employment in the public sector. X. Nationalize the banking system and eliminate interest on loans to low-income or middle-income households. XI. Raise the minimum wage to $9.25 for students and $11.50 for adults. XII. Introduce a law to regulate yearly raises that are consistent with the inflation rate. XIII. Introduce a law that prohibits any elected official or their family from possessing and commercial or industrial property. XIV. Revamp the tax system to assure that the wealthiest 10 percent of society does not possess for then 20 percent of the gross national product. While the poorest 20 percent cannot possess less then 10 percent. This will create a minimum and maximum standard of living. XV. Adopt a party-based political system where the ruling party will elect a consul to rule for a period of 4 or 6 months. XVI. Abolish the military and replace it with a large organized police for, as well as declare neutrality. http://www.communalknighthood.blogspot.com/

10 Points on Capitalism 1. Capitalism is elitist in that it creates a new aristocracy based in capital accumulation that makes up the ruling class in a democracy. 2. Capitalism exploits the disadvantaged in society by paying the most needy less, in order to boost profits. As a result, many of the disadvantaged are left behind in society, creating apathy. Inc. Single mothers, immigrants, ext. 3. Capitalism is incompatible with democracy in the sense that capitalism is competitive while democracy should be cooperative. 4. Capitalism creates conflict in society by pinning citizens against one another in the pursuit for capital. 5. Capitalism creates powerful multi-national corporations that often act out of self interest and never out of the common good of society. Corporations don’t support social justice. 6. Corporations have come to influence and even dictate state policy while preventing equality and social justice that conflicts with their economic interests. Capitalism keeps democracy from reaching its full potential. 7. In capitalism the employer pays their workers the lowest possible wage in order to maximize profit. In doing so, they prevent the economic welfare of their workers. Also, they do not promote equal pay for equal work. 8. Capitalism creates a discrepancy in wealth. In the United States, the wealthiest 20% possess almost half the wealth, while the poorest 20% possess roughly 5%. Source: World Bank 9. Capitalism does not permit universal education and therefore prevents social equality. It has created a money-driven society where the best education is available only to the wealthy because of inflating tuition costs. 10. Most politicians are wealthy and have business links when going into politics. As a result, this prevents them from acting out of the best interests of their constituents. Instead, they protect business interests in hopes that major corporations will fund their campaign.

No, what you are describing is capitalism everywhere but North America, Japan and western Europe.

Asia is only better off because of international investment and not any liberal reforms of any kind. Many countries have tried liberal reforms but they don't work most of the time. If it was a pure capitalist economy that would set the stage for a communist revolution. And? Churchill was a conservative, obviously he'll think like that. Albert Einstein said that socialism was the way to go. Where does he say that. Also, FYI the author is me. But my point is that most of the wealth is allocated to a small minority and taht isn't fair. What is your point? Those country's problems are capitalist related like outsourcing and also the fact that low population growth leads to economic stagnation because today most economic growth is achieved through immigration and hence the income levels are stagnate. Now I have to go do some work.

The Mobility Myth

Av. ann. growth in real GDP 1992-2002: United States: 3.3% Canada: 3.5% Source: The Economist. Pocket World in Figures: 2005 Edition.

Good lord, there are many things wrong with your response, I don't know if I have the time to adress them all. Since the end of Keynesian (If you don't know what Keynesian is take a course like I did), the economy grew twice as much as the neo-libealism era (1973-present) Now we have a escalation of debt, income stagnation and a greater discrepency in wealth. You can find out of info on that in my essay. The U.S. might have a slighter better economic performance because it's more economically liberal but as you can see, most of the wealth belongs to a very small minority. That is not progress at all. Canada is closer to the European model and hence our society is better off.

Capitalism has created more wealth and put it hands of more people than any other system ever invented, the only crisis in capitalism depends on the degree to which it is infected by socialism and the laws of plunder. Therefore the two can not be disconnected. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Capitalism is socialism for the rich. Capitalism has created alot of wealth but what else has it done or would that wealth even be created under any other system. But what is clear, as you acknowledged is that capitalism has some serious systemic flaws and need to be addressed. Also, under the socialist-oriented system of keynesian the economy worked better because it was more pro-worker.

That's another essay I've written but now let's discuss capitalism on it's own merits.

The Growing Crisis of Capitalism The existing economic status quo is in need of reform. Capitalism possesses a number of systemic flaws which inflict harm on society. Capitalism fails to generate profit to those that are in greatest need. Instead it creates a new type of inequality that is not based on appearance, but rather one that reinforces class distinction. How bad is the current situation? In the period 1979-2000 in the United States, the real income of the poorest of American households rose by a meagre 6.4%, while that of the top fifth rose by 70%.[1] And most disheartening of all the top 1% rose by an amazing 184%.[2] This suggests that the overwhelming amount of economic growth in society is being achieved in the upper classes of society. Can this by considered progress? This can hardly be seen as a dynamic society. This has created a two-tier society consisting of the capitalist kings who roam in their palaces and honest-hard working people who often live in slums and working class neighbourhoods that don’t have the best schools and have higher crime rates as compared to wealthy neighbourhood. This is known as economic segregation. Therefore, if capitalism is socialism for the rich, then what we need is socialism for the poor. The complete reliance on private capital possessed by a minority in society to stimulate the economy is unstable and irresponsible. This reality has become steadily worse with the advent of the neo-liberal market, which undermines it’s notions of liberty by creating large firms that stunt competition rather then promote it. Also, the concentration of wealth in private institutions creates a disparity in wealth which stunts economic growth and creates an employment floor. This usually creates rigidity in the economy. It is far more rational and responsible if the bulk of the wealth in society is allocated to those who need it the most and would create the greatest benefit in society. This section will outline various ways in which capitalism creates inequality in our society and fails to promote the common good. On the democratic front, capitalism is incompatible with democracy because it does not allow democracy to reach its full potential. This is due to the fact that capitalism is competitive while democracy is meant to be cooperative. The two main principles of democracy are freedom and equality. Capitalism upholds the freedom aspect of democracy, albeit only economic freedom, but completely rejects the equality aspect. Unlike democracy, Capitalism thrives under inequality. It is democracy that keeps capitalism from truly becoming “creative destruction”. Democracy is what keeps capitalism on its heals. This combined with the fact that capitalism has never been effective without state interference. Democracy is meant to generate good in the economy by giving everyone rights as well as freedom, while capitalism largely undermines many democratic principles, most notable equality. Instead, capitalism creates conflict in society by pinning citizens against one another in the pursuit for capital. Inequality in our society today is based on capital accumulation as capitalism has created a money-driven society. Also, capitalism is elitist in the sense that it creates a new aristocracy or ruling class that is based on capital accumulation in a modern democracy. Although some modern democracies have tried and partly succeeded in curving this reality but it does exist in large part, particularly in the United States. In American universities only one out of 30 students comes from the poorest quarter of society.[3] This reflects the myth of social mobility. Therefore, capitalism fails to produce enough social climbers as well as a legitimate ruling legion that would represent all walks of life in a given democratic society. This can be described as democracy at its height which has never existed. Capitalism exploits the disadvantaged in society by paying the neediest less, in order to boost profits. In a capitalist free market the wages are not regulated and as a result discrimination is common, particularly discrimination based on sex, race and age. As a result of this, many of the disadvantaged are left behind in society, creating apathy for their needs. Its notion is one in which the wealthy become wealthy through the labour of the poor, whom they employ. In order to prevent this exploitation the state should regulate wages by measuring the value of a specific job. In addition, assure that the labour laws are strict and very pro-worker. Under Neo-liberalism the number of unions has declined and as a result we have a less worker-oriented economy. We need to increase the number of unions and strengthen labour laws to suit the worker. In addition, in a free market the worker’s are often at the mercy of employers and often settle for a lower wage because of the scarcity in employment that capitalism often creates. The powerful multi-national corporations that capitalism creates often act out of self-interest and never out of the common good. They fail to support social justice and are so powerful in the era of globalization that they can greatly influence the policy of governments while preventing equality and social justice that conflicts with their economic interests. As a result, the rights of citizens are often harmed by these practices. Not to mention, these corporations are often not law-abiding and they successfully find loopholes in laws that exonerates their wrong-doings. Furthermore, many politicians are wealthy and have business links when going into politics. As a result, this prevents them from acting out of the best interests of their constituents; instead they protect business interests in hopes that major corporations will fund their campaign. [1] Anonymous. The Economist, America’s Great Sorting Out: The Missing Rungs in the Ladder. July 16, 2005. Pg. 17. [2] Ibid. [3] Ibid.

Ideology of the Democratic Labour Party The following is a number of proposed reforms that the Democratic Labour party hopes to enact. Please note that these proposals are not meant to be revolutionary but reformist. It is largely taken from Social Democracy and Keynesianism. They include: -The existing economic status quo needs to be reformed. Neo-liberalism creates a greater disparity in wealth and stagnation then any of its predecessors. It undermines it’s notions of liberty by creating large firms that stunt competition rather then promote it. The concentration of wealth in private institutions creates a disparity in wealth which stunts economic growth and creates an employment floor. As a result rigidity exists in our society. If capitalism is socialism for the rich, then what we are proposing is socialism for the poor and middle classes. -The two main principles of democracy are freedom and equality. Capitalism upholds the freedom aspect of democracy, albeit only economic freedom but completely rejects the equality aspect. Capitalism thrives under inequality. What we need is a more democratic economy that advocates both liberty and equality. We need to eliminate multi-national firms and replace then with smaller but more competitive firms. Also, the public should be more involved in the decision-making process of the state. Open the democratic process to everyone. -The economy must consist of a balance of private enterprise and some public ownership. The state should control the most important industries, including raw materials such as oil, gas, mining, steel, and the automotive industries to generate revenue and employment. While the private sector should have a monopoly on the goods and services sector. Health and education should remain completely publicly funded and regulated. Banks should remain completely private with laws banning monopolies and foreign banks into the economy. Lastly, dismember media empires and prohibit state-owned media. -Eliminate the higher and lower classes through taxation. The social structure of society should consist of lower middle class, middle middle class and upper middle class with strict restrictions on inheritance. Social mobility will be very common as all persons will have access to the best education and public services. This will spell the end of elitism and the rise of the intelligentsia. -Social necessities such as healthcare, life insurance, pension and education will be absolutely provided by the democratic economy and with revenue from the state-run industries. Childcare will be guaranteed to assure that women have the opportunity to work and make money. -The labour board should have the authority to review any form that has been accused of violating labour laws such as racial, age and gender discrimination. As well as protection for immigrants and the disabled. -The democratic process should be broken up into two varies: the law-making body and the economic body. The law-making body will introduce laws and enforce them while the economic body will decide what to do with state revenue. Both bodies are elected, however the law-making body is open to exclusively those with a law degree or/and a law background. -Create schools of government, which will create professional politicians with knowledge in law, economics, history, sociology and of course politics.

http://www.economist.com/agenda/displaySto...tory_id=4054539 After this weeks news of debt relief by the United States and the United Kingdom, as well as the announcement of Live 8, are these a step in the right direction towards helping Africa. Will the U.S./U.K. aid package help Africa in a significant way? What can be done to help Africa? What is the main hurdle that is keeping Africa as the dark continent?

I'm sorry, this is an intelligent conversation hence you are out of P L A C E. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Yeah OK Winter....you are the man! My apologies, please tell me what topics I can post on. Thank you for your patience with me, I am at your mercy sir! <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Yes, this is an intelligent discussion. If you disagree with me tell me why you think I'm wrong. Don't insult me because that shows a lack of argumentative skills on your part.

I'm sorry, this is an intelligent conversation hence you are out of P L A C E.

Social programs were better funded during the welfare state peeriod and we were better taken care of back then. And I think that the Canadian state has proven to be quite reliable with social justice as compared to the United States. Again under Keynesianism the state was more involved in the economy and as a result our economy did much better than it's doing now. So, it's very debatable whether the state harms efficiency in the marketplace. Healthcare is available to everyone but I mean returning it to the state it was before the Liberals took office when it was the envy of the world. In terms of education if you think that it is avalable to everyone then that is naive and ignorant. If that was the case we would not need student loans. And characterizing the poor as lazy is bigotry and disgusting. Small businesses are actually the largest employers in any economy. How many people do you know work for a major corporation. We should redistribute in order to make the economy more competitive and equal. Worker's don't always have the flexability to leave a job because there are only so many jobs out there and as a result they are stuck in a situation where they have no choice but to stay out of consideration for their families. And it's debatable whether Unions and labour laws stunt employment but if they didn't exist the harm that would be created would far exceed any benefit. This isn't about the gun registry, which is a good idea by the way. And people rely on the state to help them with employment. I think you are beginning to rant. I don't think it's helped as much as it should, so let's take it a step further. Because some people are disadvantaged and if you don't understand that then that makes you a hypocrite and cynical. In our society we acknowledge that some people are more fortunate then others and as a result they should provide for those that aren't. Most people in the upper classes inherit their wealth and also they have a greater propensity to save therefore that wealth could be better concentrated else where. That's bigotry, I'm an immigrant and I bet that I work far more than you do. In fact in Canada because of demographics immigrants are what is driving our strong economy. Okay, you are a moron!!! Most wealthy people inherit their wealth, small or medium sized businesses drive our economy and because of ideological differences I believe that the wealthy should pay the bulk of taxes because they are more privileged. And how do people become wealthy? Through the labour of the poor. And that doesn't sit well with me. I think I'm done. I've posted this platform on about ten sites and I think you are the dumbest person that I've come across. I'm ashamed too, because this is a Canadian site.

I was just wondering if anyone had seen the great Canadian documentary The Corporation. This documentary discusses how the corporation and capitalism have come to gain power and influence our society by making us consumer obsessed. If you have seen the film, I like to know your opinion. If not, I suggest you watch it. It will open your mind. For now, let's consider these questions: Is the corporation an inevitable feature of capitalism? Since the advent of globalization the corporation has increased it's power substantially. What consequences might this have on society or the marketplace? What can be done to make corporations more responsible and accountable? What might the world economy and society look like if corporations no longer existed? Do corporations do any good rather than generate wealth for the wealthiest people in society? Some Links: http://www.thecorporation.com/ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0379225/

I'd assume a Political Science major would would be smarter than to include the word "Front" in the name of his political party. Canadians will never support a party that calls itself a "Front", which sounds only slightly less confrontational than "Brigade" or "Army". Never. Not even if it was "The National Mothers and Hugs Front." -k {best action group name ever: the "Militant Islamic Liberation Front" (MILF for short...)} <{POST_SNAPBACK}> You mean you wouldn't vote for the Liberals if they changed their name to Liberal Front? People don't pay attention to those type of things.

What very small group - the government? I agree, and democracy is exactly what creates that situation. The free market opens the decision-making process to the largest group of all: consumers. Whose fault is it if a person buys an SUV? And why are you leaving it at that - can't find an argument? They don't, and never will. Some people are stupid, some people smart. Democracy takes fairness out of society. It forces people to submit to the will of others, giving up their rights on pain of jail, death or emigration. By the same standard, somebody at the bottom of the East River wearing concrete overshoes did something that warranted their murder, so we shouldn't worry about the Mafia. How can you not hear? This is in print. Stop saying "what" and answer the question. I don't dislike democracy, I hate it. It is a system of exploitation and violation of rights which even in our democracy we pretend are sacred. It is the means by which the majority can tyrannize the minority (and even whereby the minority can tyrannize the majority, if the constitution is worded in certain ways). Democracy basically legitimizes the imposition of the will of other people onto you against your will and without your consent. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I agree democracy isn't perfect but can you name a greater alternative that doesn't do what you accuse democracy of doing.