BS: capitalism

Subject: BS: capitalism
From: GUEST,achmelvich
Date: 31 Jul 14 - 05:32 PM

https://www.facebook.com/TheBlueStreetJournal/photos/a.215465278621874.1073741825.115272475307822/319040658264335/?type=1&theater

guess that sums it up. any questions?

Subject: RE: BS: capitalism
From: Ed T
Date: 31 Jul 14 - 05:34 PM

?

Subject: RE: BS: capitalism
From: Don Firth
Date: 31 Jul 14 - 05:48 PM

Who is John Galt?

Subject: RE: BS: capitalism
From: GUEST,achmelvich
Date: 31 Jul 14 - 05:49 PM

Curse my inability to understand how technology works. Anyone care to transfer that link into something that all us serfs can easily read? Thanks

Subject: RE: BS: capitalism
From: Don Firth
Date: 31 Jul 14 - 06:01 PM

Voila!

CLICKY.

Don Firth

Subject: RE: BS: capitalism
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 31 Jul 14 - 07:05 PM

Clicky to nonsense.

It's the only game in town. We are all part of the capitalist system. Corporations, large or small, pay our salaries, pay stockholders, employ us, and make the goods we use.

Subject: RE: BS: capitalism
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 31 Jul 14 - 07:08 PM

Is this sungwronger with another alias?

Subject: RE: BS: capitalism
From: Bill D
Date: 31 Jul 14 - 07:13 PM

... and that poster uses the broadest brush possible to label any company that incorporates as a mirror of the worst

Why, change the words and it might be about men... or religions... ...or bird watchers.

But, opinions based on careful reason & analysis don't fit on a small poster, hmmm?

Subject: RE: BS: capitalism
From: michaelr
Date: 31 Jul 14 - 07:41 PM

Chris Hedges is not wrong.

Subject: RE: BS: capitalism
From: Ed T
Date: 31 Jul 14 - 07:55 PM

A greatvdeal of the Hedges rant would be true for countries under most forms of government, including "communist" China.

Didn't we recently have a thread related to capitalism?

Subject: RE: BS: capitalism
From: Ed T
Date: 31 Jul 14 - 07:58 PM

"The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of blessings; the inherent virtue of socialism is the equal sharing of miseries." Winston Churchill 

Subject: RE: BS: capitalism
From: GUEST
Date: 31 Jul 14 - 10:31 PM

It was my profound good fortune to develop an "ear itch" 15 years ago.

It was also, Devine providence, the doctor suggested a new medication, for a virulent form of influenza that was sweeping the globe. Just in case.

It was remarkable, I believed in investing.   A tax free instrument had recently been created...for low income capitalists. Thanks to my initial investment a cure for hepatitis C exists, in pill form, today.

I have been rewarded handsomely...and the world is a better place.

Capitalism is a win-win situation.

even the mudcat has benefitted

Subject: RE: BS: capitalism
From: GUEST,Shimrod
Date: 01 Aug 14 - 03:20 AM

As I see it, the main problem with capitalism is that it is based on some crazy assumptions, such as:

- The planet and its resources exist only for humans to exploit.

- Resources are infinite and can be exploited indefinitely.

- All other living things are irrelevant and can be exterminated with no consequences.

- You can get a quart of liquid into an empty pint pot.

These grossly stupid assumptions will render our species extinct very soon (on a geological time-scale we are extinct already).

Subject: RE: BS: capitalism
From: akenaton
Date: 01 Aug 14 - 04:10 AM

I agree 100% Shim, the problem is, how do we get to that green and pleasant land, from the desert we currently inhabit?

Perhaps it would be better to let the "evolution" of the human species take its course.
The planet and its other inhabitants would benefit greatly.

Subject: RE: BS: capitalism
From: GUEST,Shimrod
Date: 01 Aug 14 - 05:27 AM

Well, Ake, for all of our species' great achievements: science, art etc., the geological record will show us to have been just mindless 'locusts' devouring our habitat. We're not mindless, though, are we? And we've got choices. The first thing we need to do is to choose to ditch the grossly stupid assumptions that I listed in my last post. Trouble is, we may have left it too late ...?

Subject: RE: BS: capitalism
From: Stu
Date: 01 Aug 14 - 09:09 AM

"It's the only game in town."

No it's not, at least not in it's present form. The sort of global capitalism that has developed in recent years is anti-democratic, anti-freedom, short-termist and elitist. It avoids taxes, positions itself at the ears of our politicians and enjoys the sort of access we can only dream of to our elected 'representatives'. It operates outside of the laws of the countries it generates it's profits in and as Shimrod's list show, essentially operates outside of normal society.

People are slowly waking up, as the middle classes realise they've been taken for bunch of fools and that values mean more than numbers on a bean counter's spreadsheet.

Subject: RE: BS: capitalism
From: akenaton
Date: 01 Aug 14 - 09:10 AM

Yes, but that would mean the rejection of Capitalism, that is very unpopular and as the electorate becomes more dumbed down and in thrall to the Capitalist media, side tracked by divisive issues like homosexual "marriage", global workforce etc....the idea is no longer an electoral option.

I have been anti-capitalist all my life, but there is no longer a serious socialist voice in society.
Everyone thinks Capitalism can be "fixed", when in reality it needs to be torn down to the foundations.
How that can be achieved I do not know....but I fear we no longer have the will or the sprit to break the chains.

I have high hopes for the Americans though, if they can stop being intimidated by the capitalist "liberals"

Subject: RE: BS: capitalism
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 01 Aug 14 - 12:22 PM

Those two little parasites down the street need to be apprehended and confined to a young offenders prison.

They are selling a product at several hundred percent profit using materials filched from their parents hard-earned larder.
The product is unhygienic and violates all statutes on food safety.
They are occupying a public walkway without a license and accosting the public.
They pay no taxes.

Unless they are apprehended and dealt with severely, their obsession with accosting and robbing the public of their savings will be with them throughout their worthless lives.

Immediate action is needed!

Moreover, their lemonade is too watery.

Subject: RE: BS: capitalism
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 01 Aug 14 - 12:37 PM

" if they can stop being intimidated by the capitalist "liberals""
Liberals again Ake - without them life would be one big happy family and 'Tea Party' to their hearts' content.
Jim Carroll

Subject: RE: BS: capitalism
From: akenaton
Date: 01 Aug 14 - 01:02 PM

"liberals" are the real obstruction Jim....seriously.

They are the enablers....without them the masses would realise what a con it all is....Can you believe what the system has done to us over the last few years?....and they expect us to be grateful...and all pitch in together?
You are not a stupid man, surely you know how the "liberals" are used by the system, given unimportant issues to champion, while the real inequality drives the system forward.

At least the Tea Party Are protesting about politics and political issues, that is why all the Parties see them as a danger.

I just wish to Christ some of our Socialists would show some of their vigour and belief in their views.

Subject: RE: BS: capitalism
From: Donuel
Date: 02 Aug 14 - 01:02 AM

Akenaton you always seem to see labeled groups and parties as the fountains and sources of money and political power when it is and has always been corporations and wealth.

a word to the wise



Super Capitalism
a good read.

Subject: RE: BS: capitalism
From: Musket
Date: 02 Aug 14 - 01:55 AM

It makes you feel rather proud to be a "liberal" who realises the social importance of "side issues"

Subject: RE: BS: capitalism
From: akenaton
Date: 02 Aug 14 - 06:45 AM

I think that should read.

"
It makes you feel rather proud to be a "liberal" who realises the social importance of "smoke screens"

Subject: RE: BS: capitalism
From: akenaton
Date: 02 Aug 14 - 06:58 AM

Don...Thanks for the info.

I do understand what you are saying, but the Parties and political sectors provide a function for the wealthy and corporate interests.

Divide and rule. Look at how this forum, full of decent intelligent people is divided, all prepared to die for their pet issues or their political affiliations.

Nothing important can change while the system is in place, but just as important is the mirage of social change which is allowed to happen. The cyclical nature of capitalism means the writing off of generations of young people, but as long as all sexual minorities have the right to use the word marriage, all is well with the world.

Subject: RE: BS: capitalism
From: GUEST,achmelvich
Date: 02 Aug 14 - 07:42 AM

i don't really think it is valid any longer to use the term 'capitalism' to include everything from kids selling lemonade, a string of -say- local bakers' shops, amazon and some huge global corporation. when banks and businesses become so powerful that they can operate beyond any democratic law in pursuing their destructive and greedy goals, then we need another term for these criminals. suggestions?

similarly 'liberal' seems to mean just about anything and nothing these days, i'm genuinely confused.

i don't feel socialism is dead but then i have the necessary faith in people and the good fortune to live in the north (as in scotland)where it is absolutely the norm for people to feel let down but still hopeful of more progressive government. and there is some promise in parts of europe and south america

suppose there isn't much chance of the disappointed and the wishy-washy ever getting together with the lemonade sellers and the bakers to really make a meaningful challenge to the parasitic scum in power.

Subject: RE: BS: capitalism
From: Musket
Date: 02 Aug 14 - 11:12 AM

I suppose if you want a fair and just society you have to ensure only some get it. No gays, no travellers, no successful people, no Muslims, no animal welfare activists .,,,



After all, a fair society for all is a smokescreen eh?

Bitter twisted bigoted nobody

Subject: RE: BS: capitalism
From: akenaton
Date: 02 Aug 14 - 11:32 AM

"Bitter twisted bigoted nobody "???....Naw, we aw know it wis really Ian. Bitter, twisted, bigoted,......self publicist, mair like.

Subject: RE: BS: capitalism
From: Musket
Date: 03 Aug 14 - 03:43 AM

Why should I see you as equal ?

You spread disease. Legislation to protect you is just a right wing smoke screen. It isn't even legislation. Incitement to hatred is only practiced by criminal scum.

As it happens, I am superior to you. Come to think of it, so is 98% of the population. Proactive bigots are fewer in number than many think.

Subject: RE: BS: capitalism
From: GUEST,achmelvich
Date: 03 Aug 14 - 03:49 AM

sorry - just stumbled into a private squabble there. will leave you to it

Subject: RE: BS: capitalism
From: akenaton
Date: 03 Aug 14 - 04:11 AM

Agree about small countries adopting socialist values Achmelvich, but it has been difficult so far, as the powerful capitalist cartels apply economic sanctions, wage war and spread dissent.

Inequality is the name of the game in global Capitalist terms.

There does seem to be a long term game plan involving China and perhaps Russia, to give economic assistance in building infrastructure, which may lead to something socially important.
Of course it will be a trade off, but a move in the right direction I think.

I apologise for the disruption to your thread....just a bit of static!

Subject: RE: BS: capitalism
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 03 Aug 14 - 05:01 AM

I do wish people would be clear about their usage of the word "liberal".

On the one hand it may refer to a now largely defunct UK political party, formerly the main opponents of the conservatives. This use has become expanded by ignorami in the USA to refer to all political points of view to the left of Genghis Khan or Attila the Hun.

On the other hand it may refer to economic liberalism, a fairly extreme free market ideology.

It may also refer to political liberalism. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_Liberalism

The confusion is why much of the discussion about economics and politics is incomprehensible to any thinking person.

Subject: RE: BS: capitalism
From: The Sandman
Date: 03 Aug 14 - 05:05 AM

A greatvdeal of the Hedges rant would be true for countries under most forms of government, including "communist" China." but Communist China is a capitalist country, it just calls itself Communist.

Subject: RE: BS: capitalism
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 03 Aug 14 - 05:09 AM

It would assist Akenhateon's argument here if he could briefly contain his hatred and bigotry.

There is a problem with capitalism. It works for the 1% for the time being, but not for anyone else. And when agribusiness destroys the pollinators and the frackers poison the water and soil, when global warming inundates much of the planet and gives birth to widespread weather as extreme as the worst tornadoes, even the 1% will find that they cannot eat money.

Subject: RE: BS: capitalism
From: akenaton
Date: 03 Aug 14 - 06:00 AM

Richard, the point about how the system uses divisive tactics to retain power IS very important.

As one example, whether or not homosexuals are allowed to describe their relationships as "marriage" or not, will have no effect on the huge economic and social inequality inherent in the system, but just look at the time and energy which has been wasted on the non-issue.

If all that time and energy had been spent on discussion of the system and its effect on the lives of millions of our young people, perhaps we would have moved forward a little.

Corporate capitalism just loves these non-issues, it makes some of us think that we actually have a voice....the "yes we can" moment, but sadly when it comes to challenging the political power structure we have no voice at all.
Minority "rights" are only small divisive skirmishes, to win the war we need unity.

Subject: RE: BS: capitalism
From: Ed T
Date: 03 Aug 14 - 07:46 AM

"Communist China is a capitalist country, it just calls itself Communist.""

Well, considering that, a challenge: provide the name of one county that is not actually capitalist, in one way or another?

Subject: RE: BS: capitalism
From: Musket
Date: 03 Aug 14 - 07:52 AM

Considering it is marriage, not "marriage" your argument falls at the first hurdle, homophobic scum.

Subject: RE: BS: capitalism
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 03 Aug 14 - 09:19 AM

And there you have it. Shut up with the homophobia and there is indeed a discussion to be had about the press and who controls it and how it brainwashes people. Pharaoh bigot - you blew your own case.

Meanwhile, capitalism tries to cut costs by hiding radioactive waste in its ordinary rubbish - http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-oil-drilling-radioactive-20140727-story.html#page=1

Subject: RE: BS: capitalism
From: akenaton
Date: 03 Aug 14 - 09:37 AM

You support these non-issues Richard, I don't see you promoting socialism or anti-capitalism in the way that you promote homosexual marriage, unregulated immigration, or minority "rights"

Subject: RE: BS: capitalism
From: akenaton
Date: 03 Aug 14 - 09:48 AM

Sorry for the typo, that should of course read "marriage".

Subject: RE: BS: capitalism
From: Musket
Date: 03 Aug 14 - 10:19 AM

"Rights" has fuck all to do with the country you are privileged to live in either. It is rights.

Did a bloke down the street publish his views on the legitimacy of your marriage? Did you have to read newspapers containing letters from people complaining about how you and your wife had sex? Did anyone call it "marriage" because they don't recognise your rights?

As you are Scottish, how about the statistics that make it perfectly clear that Scots spread disease, as the poor health statistics prove?

As it happens, the people of Scotland support the principle of equality so there is no chance whatsoever that bigotry such as yours will influence anything at all.

What a wonderful thought!

Subject: RE: BS: capitalism
From: akenaton
Date: 03 Aug 14 - 10:50 AM

Scots are no more prone to infectious disease, sexual or otherwise, than any other nationality.

My marriage has ALWAYS been legitimate.

The "people" of Scotland have never been consulted in their entirety on the legitimacy of homosexual "marriage", but a consultation document showed a large percentage against.
The legislation is being pushed through regardless, by politicians mindfull of the power of the media.

But thank you for your concern Ian.

Subject: RE: BS: capitalism
From: GUEST,gillymor
Date: 03 Aug 14 - 12:12 PM

Love those liberal Scots
This survey was from 2010, note which way Scottish attitudes are trending. You're living in fool's paradise, Ake, if you think your countrymen are going to join you in suppressing equal rights for homosexuals.

Subject: RE: BS: capitalism
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 03 Aug 14 - 12:17 PM

Well there you go Akenhateon - I used to post so many threads about UK politics, ALL from the left-wing perspective, that the powers that be asked me to restrain myself (kinky beasts). I suppose you just didn't read or it all went over your hate-filled little head. Go back to the world of Irn-bru and the deep fried Marsbar.

I would point out that I have asked you time and time again to explain what you DO support - and the preponderance of your replies basically say that civilisation must crumble to be reborn (not in so many words). So far as I have seen you have no thoughts about OMOV, progressive taxation, limits on power, or oppression, or how to create a non-capitalist economy. I have a vague feeling I have mentioned all of those, in the past.

Subject: RE: BS: capitalism
From: The Sandman
Date: 03 Aug 14 - 12:26 PM

one county of which country ,are you bonkers

Subject: RE: BS: capitalism
From: Ed T
Date: 03 Aug 14 - 01:11 PM

"Legitimare marriage": surely a term with various definitions.

And, no, I do not want to getinto a discusdion with obsessive anti homosexual mudfolk (s).

Subject: RE: BS: capitalism
From: Musket
Date: 03 Aug 14 - 03:01 PM

And every marriage is legitimate. It wouldn't be called marriage otherwise.

Regarding Scotland and gay people.. The opening ceremony of the commonwealth games included John Barryman kissing another man, to send a message to those commonwealth countries who oppress their people and for whom being your natural you is a criminal offence.

The good people of Scotland should be very proud of their pointed message.