It's Official now! Welcome to Communist America, Comrade!

[Misthos]

Quote from piezoe:

The drug companies are doing the capitalist thing which is to maximize profits. You can't have it both ways. The reason Medicare can't negotiate on prices is because the drug companies were expert in influencing the US Senate. They do this in (mostly) legal ways. If you don't want them to do this, and that would be against capitalism, you will have to support an overhaul of the First Amendment to the US Constitution. It was primarily the Republicans in the US Senate that inserted into the Medicare part D bill that "drugs will be bought at list price". You should not criticize the drug companies, unless you are not a capitalist. Your grip should be with your Republican Senators.

You're right that the politicians are to blame... so to is an indifferent public that cares more about Paris Hilton and American Idol. The public's ignorance is what I fear most in our country.

But as for calling what the drug companies do as capitalism - I disagree - true capitalism goes hand in hand with a libertarian/limited republic form of government. Neither risk nor gain is "redistributed" or "socialized."

The drug companies, by influencing gov't, are perpetuating Mussolini style fascism/corporatism. As of course, are other Big Businesses - namely Big Finance. The losses in Corporatism are socialized. The profits are maximized with gov't influence, and privatized.

My view is that our country is veering more towards corporatism than Soviet style socialism.

 

[dewton]

All the perplexities, confusions, and distresses in America arise not from defects in the Constitution or
confederation, nor from want of honor or virtue, as much from downright ignorance of the nature of the coin, credit, and circulation.

- President John Adams

 

[zdreg]

Quote from piezoe:

We all ready have term limits! A President, Senator, or Representative must be re-elected to serve again. We do need an overhaul of the First Amendment however, as this is the amendment that is preventing meaningful campaign financing reform. Probably the US would benefit from tearing up its obsolescent constitution and starting over, that is so long as Federal employees were barred from participating in the process.

the Constitution is a timeless document. it is the result of the the US congress and the courts straying away from the Constitution that has eroded the strength of the US.

 

[151]

Quote from piezoe:

We all ready have term limits! A President, Senator, or Representative must be re-elected to serve again. We do need an overhaul of the First Amendment however, as this is the amendment that is preventing meaningful campaign financing reform. Probably the US would benefit from tearing up its obsolescent constitution and starting over, that is so long as Federal employees were barred from participating in the process.

Are you being sarcastic?

 

[fkbsuhites]

You are 8 years too late with your silly prognostication.

Commie fascists were appointed by the supreme court 8 years ago.

Quote from peilthetraveler:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_obama_drugs

First free money for the banks, then free money for the Auto makers, now for the drug companies. Welcome to Communist America. Cant wait to get my first national check and food coupon! I wonder what job America will assign me? Economic advisor? Teacher? Construction worker? Septic tank cleaner? This should be fun!

 

[dcraig]

Quote from Misthos:

The drug companies, by influencing gov't, are perpetuating Mussolini style fascism/corporatism. As of course, are other Big Businesses - namely Big Finance. The losses in Corporatism are socialized. The profits are maximized with gov't influence, and privatized.

My view is that our country is veering more towards corporatism than Soviet style socialism.

Well said. Corporatism is a far better term than Socialism. It really is a stretch to see anything "socialistic" about vast handouts to financial corporates.

However, I do think this notion of "true capitalism" is more than just a tad romantic. The history of capitalism is littered with examples of the interconnection of a strong and frequently militaristic state with capitalist enterprise. Just look at the growth of capitalism in Europe and it's intimate relation to European imperialism. The East India Company is a fine example - but only one example. There are many, many others.

 

[piezoe]

Quote from Misthos:

You're right that the politicians are to blame... so to is an indifferent public that cares more about Paris Hilton and American Idol. The public's ignorance is what I fear most in our country.

But as for calling what the drug companies do as capitalism - I disagree - true capitalism goes hand in hand with a libertarian/limited republic form of government. Neither risk nor gain is "redistributed" or "socialized."

The drug companies, by influencing gov't, are perpetuating Mussolini style fascism/corporatism. As of course, are other Big Businesses - namely Big Finance. The losses in Corporatism are socialized. The profits are maximized with gov't influence, and privatized.

My view is that our country is veering more towards corporatism than Soviet style socialism.

I misspelled "gripe". I need to get a grip.
My view of capitalism is that it is no different from the other "isms" in that it also fails to allow for human nature. Laissez faire capitalism will always be disastrous for the many and incredibly profitable for the few. I like that term "Corporatism", as that seems to describe the type of government we have in the US. It is different from either socialism or capitalism, but certainly no better, and possibly worse. I'd like to see the US give regulated capitalism a try once again. But regardless, two things will bankrupt the country before it could reform itself and once again grow a strong middle class: The Medical Cartel and out of control military spending, and both the Cartel and the Military are sponsored by the United States Senate, so what hope is there?

 

[Optional]

Quote from Thunderdog:

"Used to be?"

HAHAHAHAHAHA

 

[EMRGLOBAL]

Not worried. Let Obama run this country towards Socialism. The majority voted him in, the majority will get what they deserve.

There will be a very heavy backlash sometime down the road. And if not, the rich will get richer.....those in key industries will continue to increase their net worth.

Socialism is not communism. I am against both, but if we are headed towards a Euro-style Socialism....then so be it. It is out of my hands. It will not effect my industry or my income much.

There are still people making money in Europe, hand over fist. Just not the middle class. So my advice....if you in a position to work your ass off this year and try to break ground on your wealth ...then do it. We may have until Obama''s last year in office......but after that.....if you don't have chips stacked and your not one of the "Sharks" out there.....get ready for Wealfair.

 

[fkbsuhites]

Yep, couldn't agree more. Time to pay the piper for letting Bush into office.

Quote from EMRGLOBAL:

Not worried. Let Bush run this country towards Socialism. The majority voted him in, the majority will get what they deserve.

There will be a very heavy backlash sometime down the road. And if not, the rich will get richer.....those in key industries will continue to increase their net worth.

Socialism is not communism. I am against both, but if we are headed towards a Euro-style Socialism....then so be it. It is out of my hands. It will not effect my industry or my income much.

There are still people making money in Europe, hand over fist. Just not the middle class. So my advice....if you in a position to work your ass off this year and try to break ground on your wealth ...then do it. We may have until Bush''s last year in office......but after that.....if you don't have chips stacked and your not one of the "Sharks" out there.....get ready for Wealfair.