Capitalism and Socialism:

[DHodges]

Take an extreme case: a 50-IQ imbecile cannot have an equal opportunity with a 180-IQ genius of obtaining a degree in astrophysics.

That's not what equality of opportunity means.

[Ryan Rudolph]

my two cents:

Socalism only works if its a weak socialism and not a full blown socialism. IE: Canada is a weak socialism, but it still allows the principles of capitalism to function. Cuba is an example of full blown socialism, which I think fails inevitably due to the weaknesses of human nature, and the fact that when small numbers of government leaders attempt to run industries that they know nothing about, then failure is inevitable. IE: Cuba, North Korea.

btw, At least Barack Obama is smart enough to say that he doesn't want to be in the automotive business...

And in my opinion some regulations are necessary to tame the blind unethical nature of capitalism, which seeks profits at all ends. This tendency of capitalism emerges due to the human nature to seek lasting financial security at all ends, and to accumulate. Regulations, which is often seen as socialist meddling can often times tame the injustice of the capitalist system. However, poorly thought out regulations can also harm an economy or destroy entire corporations.

Many here have argued over the term "Free market" which in my opinion is a market that is not entirely controlled by a government that doesn't understand how markets work. IE: Cuba and North Korea do not have free markets because their leader's desire to control most industries prevents authentic economic growth and progress. Basically, when a government or public's behavior disrupts the production and distribution of goods and services to the point where the quality of living of that country is severely hampered, then that country no longer has a healthy functioning "free market".

[Diebert van Rhijn]

Socalism only works if its a weak socialism and not a full blown socialism. IE: Canada is a weak socialism, but it still allows the principles of capitalism to function.

Perhaps a country has to be rich, modern and productive enough before getting too much into socialism?

Regulations, which is often seen as socialist meddling can often times tame the injustice of the capitalist system. However, poorly thought out regulations can also harm an economy or destroy entire corporations.

That's the problem with free markets as well: the larger players will manipulate the market to their own ends. A proper unregulated market would be more like the communist 'flower-power' ideal: that people would act responsibly and cooperative from the bottom-up.

Basically, when a government or public's behavior disrupts the production and distribution of goods and services to the point where the quality of living of that country is severely hampered, then that country no longer has a healthy functioning "free market".

Those governments often understandably determine that they'd loose too much control as the market would birth such powerful monopolistic (including very powerful organized criminal) forces that a healthy functioning government would soon be impossible. It's a bit of a catch-22. In Saudi-Arabia you can see an example where any democratic structure keeps being sacrificed for the benefit of capitalist forces.

[Nick]

Socalism only works if its a weak socialism and not a full blown socialism. IE: Canada is a weak socialism, but it still allows the principles of capitalism to function.

Perhaps a country has to be rich, modern and productive enough before getting too much into socialism?

Isn't that what Marx said when describing the evolution of society? First a capitalist revolution needs to happen where, fueled by the prospect of vast wealth, rampant growth of capital and infrastructure occurs. Then a socialist revolution can happen where the people take control of capital in order to allow more people to enjoy the fruits of the massive infrastructure built under capitalism.

Seems to make sense to me. It's kind of hard to have a socialist revolution when there's nothing to socialize right?

With that said, I think the United States has the potential to be one of the greatest socialist nations to ever exist if enough people want it, and the elected leaders are brave enough to stand up to the capitalist system that is currently in place.