"Teribus plainly believes that he can survive and prosper because he has the biggest gun." - Richard Bridge

Basis for that rather idiotic statement please Richard Bridge, or did you just feel the need to hear your gums flapping??

The "socialists" on this thread appear to object and complain bitterly with regard to Government intervention to stave off a crisis, which appears to have been precipitated by lie and rumour. I find that rather difficult to understand as in any political system that subscribes to a "capitalist" economy such interventions by Government are extremely rare, whereas in their "ideal" socialist politico-economic system such intervention would by necessity be a permanent feature.

Sandy Mc Lean states that he has always been confused by a simplified equation in the USA:
         
Capitalism = Democracy
Socialism = Dictatorship

Maybe that is because people in general mistakenly think on "capitalism" as a political system - it isn't, it is purely a system of economics. I disagree with Big Mick, "Socialism" is both a political ideology and an economic doctrine.

Now let's see:

Capitalism - relies on free-enterprise, competition and reward - efficiency and market driven - that flourishes best in free-thinking societies - for those to be truly free-thinking societies certain freedom's must exist - innovation must be encouraged which requires constant challenging of the status quo - that requires tolerance, pragmatism and flexibility - lack of central control and guidance rather than regulation - All of which has the ability to exist under a democratic form of government, the social conscience of the society being set as agreed by the people who make up that society.

Socialism - social conscience of the society set by government - means to support the social programmes required have to be imposed by government - means of production in public ownership - innovation discouraged as it challenges the status quo and imposes unnecessary costs - competition is non-existent as it is not rewarded - requires strict central control of all aspects of production ruled by regulation - lacks flexibility and is thus unable to repond rapidly to change - The political system required can easily be corrupted into totalitarian dictatorship.