Leftists slam capitalism at Social Forum in Brazil

Yea......I think that the world should adopt the "Cuban" model for economic prosperty. And lets put Hugo in charge.

These people don't have a clue!

There hasn't been anything remotely similar to capitalism since the 1920's in the U.S and even then it was restricted, so to say that capitalism 'is on the downfall' is ridiculous. A mixed economy with free market tendencies is all I can hope for.

The Question - your are absolutely right. Good points.

A system which is driven by the morbid insatiable urge of a few individuals to accumulate money cannot address the needs of mankind.

A system which is driven by the morbid insatiable urge of a few individuals to accumulate money cannot address the needs of mankind.

Lets see, capitalism a system that harnesses human nature.

Socialism, a system driven by the morbid insatiable urge of a few individuals to accumulate power, by pandering to the base instincts of the masses, and citing inequality as the reasons for instilling in them ultimate authority.

Yeah, think I'd prefer to go with capitalism thank you. Even if I'm not the one holding all the cash.

They assailed corporate greed as the main reason the world plunged into an economic slump.

I suppose the better option is an economy in a permanent slump....so you don't really notice the difference, I suppose.

A reading of Wendell Berry's essay, Inverting the Economic Order, is vital for a broader understanding of the real issues involved.

http://www.progressive.org/mag/berry0909.html

Corporate and corporate leaders greed, now blamed for economic woes.

Global economic woes need solutions,leaders need to find solutions/answer to counter all criticisms.

We have to keep economies stable in all nations and find a balance for nations . Despite all economic woes facing nations,the global economic remedy must perform for all,with stability.

Global economic woes need solutions

The "woes" need to be better defined. Otherwise the foolish and greedy will come to believe once again that the kind of growth which inflates a bubble is a good thing.

Yabits,right on.

Agree,the woes need to be discussed more by all leading trading nations,business leaders and national leaders. First they need to have awareness of the woes.

Once we expose, what exactly are the woes,we can work to remedy the problems.

I agree world nations,must try to do more to correct market manipulations,that create high prices and bubble,for the sake of fast money.

Many changes need to done, by all via discussions and proper counter actions.

Once we expose, what exactly are the woes,we can work to remedy the problems, rajakumar.

I totally agree. I especially like the concept of small-scale entrepreneurism and micro-lending. Too often we are driven by the agenda of the people at the very top.

The priceless things in an economy are fertile soil, clean and abundant water, and fresh, unpolluted air that allows for maximum sunlight. And yet, we in the West for years took those things for granted and abused them, driven by large agribusiness and industrial concerns. The value of a forest, to give one example, was to be measured when it was no longer a forest, but cut down for lumber. Natural distribution of tree varieties was to be replaced by an artificial placement of only those trees whose wood could be harvested for temporary financial gain.

It is largely the misplacement of values that has driven us towards many of the problems we face, in my opinion. It is a spiritual issue as much as an economic one.

Lets see, capitalism a system that harnesses human nature.

Well, that's what it's supposed to work in political/social theory. But, in some developed countries, people are beginning to see its collapse. It's screwing their lives, and causing the disparities in social system.

Socialism, a system driven by the morbid insatiable urge of a few individuals to accumulate power, by pandering to the base instincts of the masses, and citing inequality as the reasons for instilling in them ultimate authority

Someone's idea is rather goofed up.

I don't know what you would call a system that recognizes economic power as a form of power that corrupts -- and seeks to put checks and balances on it as democratic systems seek checks and balances in the political sphere. (Especially considering what the power of money does to corrupt politics.)

I don't know what you call that system, but it sure isn't capitalism.

Leftists slam capitalism at Social Forum in Brazil

This is news? What else do Leftists do?

The thing is, if Leftist economic theories had any merit, Vietnam would be the economic center of the planet.

I totally agree. I especially like the concept of small-scale entrepreneurism and micro-lending. Too often we are driven by the agenda of the people at the very top.

Of course we should also recognize that people only exist to serve the state. And that all our labor, money, energy, etc only exist so long as the state is being served. If we think for ourselves, or act for ourselves, we are betraying the rest of society, and must be punished...

Ah wait sorry was channeling Stalin there for a moment. I wonder why it is, that people on the left just never realize, that the more powerful the government, the less healthy the economy is. There is without question, a balance to be struck, else there would be anarchy, but the balance shouldn't be in favor of government control. Let people decide whats in their best interests. Greed is a powerful motivator, harness it, and the economy roars to life. Capitalism to put it simply, works.

I wonder why it is, that people on the left just never realize, that the more powerful the government, the less healthy the economy is.

I don't know what you mean by a "healthy economy," and neither do you.

The dead zone that now covers hundreds of square miles off the Gulf of Mexico near the Mississippi Delta is due to "healthy" economic activity. The condition of fish stocks and the thousands of square miles of plastic waste that covers the Pacific Ocean from Hawaii to Japan, are all the result of your "healthy" economic activity. People acting in their best interest simply throwing away trash and overfishing.

Anyone who puts his ultimate faith in greed is disillusioned at best. Capitalism does not work because it puts no value in sustainability if waste provides a bigger immediate profit. Externalities are not figured into the equation -- and only a government can force or compel them to be considered.

Man, I bet the guy selling Che t-shirts made a fortune.

that people on the left just never realize, that the more powerful the government, the less healthy the economy is.

The economies of China, Taiwan, Singapore and India -- all with astounding growth rates -- tend to prove your statement wrong.

the more powerful the government, the less healthy the economy is.

On the condition that the nation-state has never had an opportunity for free-market and globalization.

The economies of China, Taiwan, Singapore and India -- all with astounding growth rates -- tend to prove your statement wrong.

And just what did those governments embrace to enable that growth?

(Hint: It's in the title of the article.)