Capitalism........So 20th Century?

[marmar]

Published on Tuesday, May 18, 2010 by CommmonDreams.org
Capitalism: Big Surprises in Recent Polls

by Charles Derber


According to the conventional wisdom, the US is a center-Right country. But a new poll by Pew casts doubt on that idea. It shows widespread skepticism about capitalism and hints that support for socialist alternatives is emerging as a majoritarian force in America’s new generation.

Carried out in late April and published May 4, 2010, the Pew poll, arguably by the most respected polling company in the country, asked over 1500 randomly selected Americans to describe their reactions to terms such as “capitalism,” “socialism,” “progressive,” “libertarian” and “militia.” The most striking findings concern “capitalism” and “socialism.” We cannot be sure what people mean by these terms, so the results have to be interpreted cautiously and in the context of more specific attitudes on concrete issues, as discussed later.

Pew summarizes the results in its poll title: “Socialism not so negative; capitalism not so positive.” This turns out to be an understatement of the drama in some of the underlying data.

Yes, “capitalism” is still viewed positively by a majority of Americans. But it is just by a bare majority. Only 52% of all Americans react positively. Thirty-seven percent say they have a negative reaction and the rest aren’t sure. ..........(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/05/18-3

[hunter]

1. When capitalists take control of the political process...

... it's not capitalism any more.

It's fascism, oligarchy, feudalism, or something else as nasty.

[ThomWV]

2. We are all capitalists, its when concentrated wealth takes control of the political system

When concentrated wealth takes control of the political system, that's wen you get fascism and it is what we are clearly approaching now. The solution to concentration of wealth is taxation, which when progressively applied results in improved conditions for all. And I'm not talking about "socialism", I'm talking about capitalists just like you and me.

[Oregone]

3. When a man gets old and cranky, hes still a man

And mankind should be judged by all men...not just the palatable ones.


That is how I feel about capitalism. People who claim late stage capitalism is not capitalism are simply apologists.

[hunter]

6. Okay, I can see that.

"Capitalism" has a rotten core.

It's sorta like a fossil fueled car -- the engine itself is dirty, and the car is destructive.

I'd rather walk and live someplace I can walk freely, not needing a car.

[laughingliberal]

4. Very interesting article. Thanks for posting. nt

[RKP5637]

5. Capitalism is obsolete for the 21st century. It's flawed by design when runaway

wealth is cornered for the few and the rest of the citizenry is exploited, and the political process is bought and corrupted by shenanigans and capitalistic greed.

[Greyhound]

7. K&R just to piss of the corporatists.

[jgraz]

8. Capitalism is going to end one way or another

Let's hope it's not because there's no one left alive to practice it.