In a message dated 11/19/2001 8:36:33 PM Central Standard Time,
8rjd1@qlink.queensu.ca writes:
> Hey All,
> I'm going to be "the MAN" here and defend capitalism. Too many people
> have
> been hacking away at it without any real definite arguments. I say lay it
> down on the table. I also challenge you to think up something better,
>
JON:
Ok, you the man. Good post. My comments follow...
ROB:
Capitalism is dynamic
JON:
Yes, as Pirsig agrees. Plat I'm sure has this quote memorized, page number
and paragraph line and all. I assume, perhaps incorrectly, that most posters
here possess the paperback edition of "Lila" and not the hardcover. The
quotes can be found on page 253.
ROB:
Capitalism is only as bad as the people that buy the
gas guzzling SUV's.
JON:
Yes, I once thought otherwise, but what you wrote is true. Systems aren't
bad; people are bad. Systems--and money--like anything else, can be used as
weapons. But guns don't kill, or guns would be convicted of murder.
ROB:
Capitalism is all about
human nature.
JON:
Exactly. Some proponents would argue that human nature needs to be "tamed" by
socialism (or the other extreme, it needs to be totally unrestrained--namely
anarchy).
ROB:
I want to hear arguments ladies and gents. You are questioning something as
fundamental to me as democracy. As Churchill said, "It may not be perfect,
but it's the best thing we know".
JON:
Was that his exact quote? I thought he said something like "it's awful and
terrible (capitalism) but....it's better than all the rest." And there *are*
unfair aspects of living in a capitalistic society. But guess what? America
is capitalistic, and widely regarded as the greatest, most moral nation on
earth. People don't risk their lives to leave America, but people from all
across the globe risk their lives to come to America.
Ah, the statue of Liberty. It may be just another landmark in the minds of
Americans who see it as just another tourist attraction, but to many in the
world that statue and that torch represent something very very special. An
invitation to freedom.
Jon
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