Capitalism



Here's an article about how Capitalism continues to unfairly get a bad rap in many arenas despite its record of success. At least that's how the author sees it:

"The 20th century even went to the trouble of testing the alternative -- socialism -- to memorable effect. So it is hardly as if some better economic paradigm is out there waiting to be tried. The one we have has succeeded, in every way, beyond all plausible expectations. Its only rival was a correspondingly egregious failure, ethically and in material terms as well. Given all that, what sustains this steady anti-capitalist sentiment?
Partly, of course, it is that hundreds of millions of people still endure lives, often brief lives, of grinding poverty. Even so, you might think that capitalism would still be recognized -- more than it is, at least -- as the poor's best hope, rather than as the system that holds them back. Poverty is retreating faster than ever before in many developing countries. You can't help but notice that the countries that are opening themselves up to trade and foreign investment -- in effect, to global capitalism -- are advancing the fastest. China is the most conspicuous example. Is capitalism holding China back, keeping its people in poverty? Obviously, just the opposite."
In this country, the hypocrisy of anti-Capitalists can be downright humorous; sipping Starbuck's latte, wearing their Skecher shoes as they talk on their cellphones organizing people to be flown-in for the big protest.

Posted: Sun - May 15, 2005 at 10:41 AM          

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