Open Markets: The Downfall of Unbridled Capitalism

It turns out that I am a lousy capitalist. The proof is plain to see. I am poor. I am poor not by world standards but by capitalist standards.

The very curious thing is that I have worked hard to achieve this level of poorness. I routinely spend 45-50 hours a week at work. I live in an economically depressed region of the country which helps to keep my cost of living down. We are buying a modest house on a county road. Managing my income my wife has successfully kept current with all our debts. Each of the five members of my immediate family have taken steps to accommodate my lack of capitalistic prowess.

I just have to face the fact that I am a poor capitalist.

The very curious thing is that in this exact same situation I would be a wealthy socialist. I would still work hard, spending 45-50 hours a week at work. I would still live in my modest house. My wife would continue to manage my income efficiently. None of us would live outside our means.

Here is a wonderful word puzzle. See if you can see the problem:

As a society we have accepted capitalism as a lifestyle.

Answer: There is no mechanism for saying "As a capitalismy we have accepted society as a lifestyle."

Put in the simplest terms, unlike socialism, there is no 'social' in capitalism. Conversely in our capitalistic lifestyle everything, and I do mean everything, is a commodity. In our capitalist lifestyle even our own self worth is expressed in the price tags of market value.

"You get what you pay for."

This is certainly true when you bargain in good faith with a reputable broker. But this phrase has come to mean the opposite in our capitalistic lifestyle: If you don't pay for something then it is worth nothing. Consider then a few things that you cannot pay for:

A good reputation
Justice
Health
Faith
Love

In pure capitalistic terms they must be worth nothing. Yet in social terms they are invaluable.

IMPORTANT NOTE: I in no way endorse or subscribe to the propagandistic view that Socialism is a state run welfare system. I will continue to work and contribute to society. I will continue to honor my debts. I will only accept assistance when my needs exceed my resources.

One year ago today:

One Peace, One Day... Soon!

Peace Day - September 21st, 2008 - TODAY!!!

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I am going to vote for Barack Obama.
I am William "Papa" Meloney and I endorse this message.