Time to breathe a little life into this long neglected forum.
I know...I know...we don't really need a restricted forum
to discuss the topic. It's no fun to discuss it among just
ourselves.
But here it is, so I'll use it, & see what happens.
First, a note of caution:
This is not to dis any socialists. We don't abuse
outsiders in restricted forums. I'm just addressing
the reality of how the term "socialism" appears to
be most commonly used on RF.
"Socialism" is coming to mean more than its definition,
ie, the people own & control the means of production.
People are using the word to describe something different.
Call it "democratic socialism" or "social democracy".
It typically refers to heavy regulation of business, but it's
still capitalism. "Socialism" also refers to publicly owned
infrastructure, resources, schools, health care, etc.
Essentially, they calling capitalist countries like Denmark
"socialist".
I intend the above to create no controversy.
If socialists can redefine their label, let's do the same
with "capitalism". I propose....
Capitalism - noun
An economic system wherein people are free to start
& run businesses with reasonable regulation to protect
life, limb, environment, & liberty (which includes freedom
from monopolies). With so little need for control of society,
its form of government is democratic. It's so productive
that it incorporates generous social services. People
thrive in an environment of free association, ie, relationships
cooperative & voluntary rather than coerced.
In short, capitalism is economic liberty, prosperity, peace,
cooperation, & social freedom.
Whaddaya think...redefine "capitalism" to be what we
want it to be?
I know...I know...we don't really need a restricted forum
to discuss the topic. It's no fun to discuss it among just
ourselves.
But here it is, so I'll use it, & see what happens.
First, a note of caution:
This is not to dis any socialists. We don't abuse
outsiders in restricted forums. I'm just addressing
the reality of how the term "socialism" appears to
be most commonly used on RF.
"Socialism" is coming to mean more than its definition,
ie, the people own & control the means of production.
People are using the word to describe something different.
Call it "democratic socialism" or "social democracy".
It typically refers to heavy regulation of business, but it's
still capitalism. "Socialism" also refers to publicly owned
infrastructure, resources, schools, health care, etc.
Essentially, they calling capitalist countries like Denmark
"socialist".
I intend the above to create no controversy.
If socialists can redefine their label, let's do the same
with "capitalism". I propose....
Capitalism - noun
An economic system wherein people are free to start
& run businesses with reasonable regulation to protect
life, limb, environment, & liberty (which includes freedom
from monopolies). With so little need for control of society,
its form of government is democratic. It's so productive
that it incorporates generous social services. People
thrive in an environment of free association, ie, relationships
cooperative & voluntary rather than coerced.
In short, capitalism is economic liberty, prosperity, peace,
cooperation, & social freedom.
Whaddaya think...redefine "capitalism" to be what we
want it to be?
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