[mdlug-discuss] Ethanol vs gasoline economy [Was: [mdlug] Automotive technical info ...]

[Wolfger]

On 5/31/07, allen <amajorov at sbcglobal.net> wrote:

> No, there have to be other differences. Capitalism, after all, doesn't
> sport the body count of socialism.

I think you're confusing economic systems with something else...
And if you're using our country as your basis for capitalism, forget
about it. There were a lot more deaths prior to socialistic things
like labor unions and government regulation entering the picture.
People in Chinese sweat shops are suffering for capitalist reasons,
not socialist reasons.

> I'd say that socialism rewards the worst aspects of human nature at the
> expense of society and capitalism harnesses the worst aspects of human
> nature for the betterment of society.

I think you've got that completely backwards. Socialism strives for
the betterment of society, capitalism strives for betterment of the
individual.

> capitalism the great leveler.

Which is why the gap between the wealthy and the poor is widening?

> That's why the poor but honest lad
> who works hard, keeps his eyes open and is ready to take a risk is both
> a clichè and the basis for a fair number of biographies.

So capitalism leaves room for a person changing his social standing
for better or for worse, I agree. I don't see how that levels anything
when mostly the rich get richer and the poor stay poor. Each biography
is offset by thousands of failures.

> Good luck with that benevolent dictator of the world for eternity thing
> but I understand the field of contestants is pretty crowded. I've
> already filled out all the paperwork and finished the "What would you do
> on your first day as benevolent dictator of the world for eternity"
> essay. I am a little concerned about the bathing suit competition though.

Ha! Well, I think we'll be waiting a while to see who gets the
position. Unfortunately, it's looking like Bill Gates.


-- 
Wolfger
http://wolfger.wordpress.com/
http://1fjordaroad.wordpress.com/
AOL IM: wolf4coyot
Yahoo!Messenger: wolfgersilberbaer
Skype: wolfger88