capitalism vs. socialism

[( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)]

Which system would you prefer to live in. Give your pros and cons for each. Thanks!

 

[OldWiseGuy]

Capitalism, with generous social programs, just like we have now.

Capitalism encourages innovation, investment, and growth, while Socialism discourages these.

 

[( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)]

Capitalism, with generous social programs, just like we have now.

But can you truly not call that a form of socialism then?

 

[bèlla]

Capitalism. I want the ability to earn a living in the manner I believe most suitable. Whether that means working for an employer or starting a business I want the choice to exist.

I want to be rewarded for my work. Not according to what’s fair but what I deserve based on my capacity, work ethic, and contribution.

I don’t want to live in a society where there’s no incentive to try. One where my gifts and talents aren’t fairly compensated or recognized.

I don’t want to live in a place where the outcome has been decided before I draw breath and my end mirrors the beginning with no room for change. I must have the ability to advance and scale.

 

[OldWiseGuy]

But can you truly not call that a form of socialism then?

We talking about Socialism in it pure form: government ownership of the means of production. Taxes collected from private business and used for social programs isn't Socialism.

 

[High Fidelity]

Neither.

Any of the two as an absolute are horrendous and failed systems which is why no country employs either of them in their entirety but have a blend of the two weighted differently depending on the country.

Socialism is a buzz word used to add fearmongering to the ideals of socialised healthcare and such. Either way, I am happy with where I live. Plenty of jobs, free healthcare, social programs to help the needy etc.

No where is perfect but I'd rather live in a system that helps the many than a system that rewards the few.

 

[High Fidelity]

We talking about Socialism in it pure form: government ownership of the means of production. Taxes collected from private business and used for social programs isn't Socialism.

That's what people pretend it is. They use fear tactics because their corporate sponsors stand to lose from basic human rights like free healthcare.

 

[Not David]

Is this related with being single or it is just a random topic?

 

[( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)]

Is this related with being single or it is just a random topic?

a random topic for singles.

 

[keith99]

We talking about Socialism in it pure form: government ownership of the means of production. Taxes collected from private business and used for social programs isn't Socialism.

Close. It is government ownership of 'heavy industry' which meant ownership of those businesses that required so much capital investment that competition was severely limited.

I find capitalism with government regulation and oversite of such industry a better choice. In large part because it is more robust. The industry involved is still responsive to demand (including exactly what to deliver) and also still often has direct competition. The automotive industry for example. Do note that seatbelts and airbags are in cars in large part due to regulation. But making seatbelts less intrusive yet still functional is mainly due to competition.

Also direct government ownership is very vulnerable to producing a highly negative result if just a few government officials have their own agenda. That is not to say a regulated capitalist system is immune to abused like bribery, just that it is in my opinion less likely to occur in disastrous degrees.

 

[OldWiseGuy]

That's what people pretend it is. They use fear tactics because their corporate sponsors stand to lose from basic human rights like free healthcare.

If everyone is entitled to free healthcare what do the healthcare providers live on, other free stuff? Where does all this free stuff come from?

 

[blackribbon]

Socialism:
A classroom of students. Test day. They take the test. All different grades were earned from A's to F's. The teacher announces that the class average was an 85%. Everyone is going to get an 85 regardless of what they earned. Next test rolls around. The A students are angry that they worked so hard and only got a B inspite of earning an A grade. They still study because it is still in their nature to work hard and achieve. The B students put in about the same effort because they receive what they earned. The D and F students sit back and say, I didn't work or try and I still got a B, this is great. I am not going to even think about the test this time. Test day. One A from a kid naturally talented, lots more Bs, mostly Cs, Ds, and Fs because everyone put in less effort expecting the high achievers to carry them. Class average is now a 75%. That is what everyone gets.

What do you think will continue to happen? Will the kids who normally don't try very hard suddenly care and work harder? Or will the high achievers start to give up and get lazy because no matter how hard they work, they never receive the fruits of their labor. They get the same as the kids who don't open a book.

That is socialism. Everyone theoretically gets the same regardless of how much they put into the system. It that way it punishes hard work and effort. No reason to try harder or put in the extra effort.

Does God teach that we can be rewarded by putting in half-butt effort? Or are we expected to give life our all...and those that do give God their all are told they will be rewarded in Heaven (even if it doesn't translate to wealth and fame on earth). God does not give equal to all. There are plenty of references to rewards for working hard. The difference between Godly living is where you are putting that effort and what you are doing with your rewards. No where does God say that it is bad to earn money....He gave the intelligence and capability to some people to succeed in business and even told a parable where the man who invested and used the bag of money trusted to him was rewarded for taking the risk by blessing him with more gold. He does warn about the love of money. So a man trusted with a lot of money faces more temptations. We are also rewarded according to what we do with what God blesses us with.

The Bible portrays a capitalistic system. We are rewarded by our effort. We are also expected to use our money to serve God and not make it our God, but God never said that we should all get the same. The baseline is the same. Salvation for giving our lives to God. Beyond that, there is a lot of references to rewards.

 

[blackribbon]

That's what people pretend it is. They use fear tactics because their corporate sponsors stand to lose from basic human rights like free healthcare.

Where did we get a basic right to free healthcare? God doesn't even guarantee equal health status.

 

[High Fidelity]

Where did we get a basic right to free healthcare? God doesn't even guarantee equal health status.

God doesn't guarantee food and water either but you wouldn't let a person starve to death when it's well within our means to prevent that, would you?

 

[blackribbon]

God doesn't guarantee food and water either but you wouldn't let a person starve to death when it's well within our means to prevent that, would you?

Do you believe that food is a right? Does the government provide it to everyone or only those who need some help? Last I looked, everything in my kitchen was bought with money I earned.

Also, how much is given free to those who need assistance? Do we provide seven course meals with prime rib? Or do the people who need assistance get basic nutrition? Same goes for healthcare. Does everyone get for free access to all forms of healthcare or just the basics? And how do we deal with health issues related to lifestyle caused conditions? Do we guarantee all forms of care to everyone regardless if they abused their body...and what about those who do not intend to care for their bodies after receiving care?

 

[blackribbon]

Who pays for this "free" healthcare? I can't afford to be a nurse if I don't receive a paycheck. I honestly can't afford to pay more in taxes so that someone else can get free healthcare. I might even change careers if I made less money because the stress of working 12 hour night shifts is barely worth what I make now. I love taking care of people but honestly, I also need to be able to take care of the two children God blessed me with.

 

[blackribbon]

How much of your paycheck are you ready to give to the government to provide healthcare to your neighbor? And why do you believe the government would provide better care than if you invested that money toward buying insurance?

 

[OldWiseGuy]

Is this related with being single or it is just a random topic?

A topic for related random single beings.

 

[Sketcher]

Capitalism. It is better both practically and morally.