alex5455 (Offline)  

I just can't see how you can be against a competitive drive.

You are joking?

Well, I think they are.

Btw, are you interested in my new book?

The basic welfare state isn't socialism.

Well, seeing as I vehemently disagree with socialism as it interferes with liberty, competition, self-sufficiency, individualism, and the private sphere, I'm going to have to pass on declaring how much I like it. Truth is, I disagree with it. Though I'm not going to throw a strop and declare something so unworkable as something I detest, I just let it pass over me as anyone with an inch of common sense see it can't be implemented.

Just so you know, sugar-n-spice is right, it's not either-or, there is a medium which isn't quite Keynesian economics or anarcho-capitalism, but something called compassionate capitalism.

"so im going to change it for the benefit of everyone."

Just proving your paternalism and arrogance.

Now to your recent message to me: Where did I ever say that I didn't support welfare as a safety-net?

You have a really interesting view of human nature if you think leaving people be or taking a laissez-faire approach will mean the "poor sods at the bottom" will be exploited or are inherently weak. This isn't my view, just the view smug champagne socialists seem to take.

BTW, we've nearly made 450 messages of silly bickering, we're never going to change each other's minds. I'm not going to give up responding to your messages. But I respect your opinion.

OK

I honestly don't. Based on the fact that all the countries where the median household income is highest, are running mixed market capitalist economies I think reality suggests that what I advocate is actually what is best for normal people and what you advocate is probably the result of quite a lot of generally undirected anger.

You clearly don't understand the approach I take, that's why you dislike what I say so much.

I understand what you're saying, but your prejudices that private ownership = selfish offend my eyes greatly. Do you have any belongings you keep for you and only you? (This is what I mean by private ownership). If you disagree with it as a concept, then surely you think everything should be in the public sphere, even properties?

"change it from within" it's very convenient that this just happens to be the least difficult way of leading your life, but then again, we all have selfish tendencies.

I wouldn't support low pay to the point that people can't afford the necessities. But overpaying is unsustainable and people should live within their means.

Why don't you think the private sector should exist? Where will the government find all of the money to put into industry? Or, like me, do you think the government should have a less influential role (just on other sides of the spectrum).

With respect, I think you need to get out more. Take a walk down your local high street and see capitalism in action, i.e. hard-working individuals owning small businesses. Unless you want everyone to be the same under your "dream".