Capitalism: An Economic Idea That Has Never Lived Up To Its Vision

"Today, we take a look at some origins, alternatives, and misunderstandings of capitalism from the Dutch East India Company, to Adam Smith and up through the planned obsolescence and marketing that have tricked us all into working far harder than necessary while failing to make us happy."

Click on the link below for a clear look at what capitalism looked like at its origins and is today:

Capitalism doesn't live up to the hype

A Look At The Document The Republicans Love To Hate

"It’s been 174 years since Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels wrote “The Communist Manifesto.” How is it still relevant today and what makes it such a vital guide to understanding present-day struggles? That’s the subject of China Mieville’s latest work, “A Spectre, Haunting: On the Communist Manifesto.” Miéville, a self-proclaimed Marxist and socialist, is a New York Times-bestselling author of fiction and non-fiction. His most recent book offers an analysis of what arguably remains the modern world’s most influential political document. He joins WITHpod to discuss criticisms of “The Manifesto,” the precipitating factors and peculiar nature of the text, how it still profoundly influences contemporary discourse, and more."

Click on the link below for a podcast presenting the good, bad and the ugly of communism:

What ‘The Communist Manifesto’ Means Today

Capitalism, Growth, And Human Survival

"Today we take a look at many intertwining economic processes that are permeating society which include but are not limited to the dead-end mentality of infinite growth, the uselessness of growth past a certain point for wellbeing, and the deepening alienation being felt in response to consumerism in place of community."

Poorly regulated capitalism has been the predominant economic force in the developed world since at least the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. A reasonable person presently can look at its results and trend and be alarmed. Click on the link below for a podcast critically looking at economics today and the potentially existential disaster for humanity in the future if the trend does not change:

A Healthier Humanity Through a Wellness Economy

Lessons From The Early History Of Humans

"'Civilized to Death' counters the idea that progress is inherently good, arguing that the 'progress' defining our age is analogous to an advancing disease."

Libertarians like to claim that unfettered capitalism and personal freedom are inherently good, and humanity needs to get back to its cultural roots of strong individualism (link). They criticize the collectivism of democratic socialism/regulated capitalism, let alone true communism/socialism. Click on the link below for a historical look at humanity at its beginning to get some insight regarding the good and bad of human society organizations:

Is Civilization Our Greatest Accomplishment or Worst Mistake?

How Do We Get To Democratic Socialism?

In the recent film "Lincoln", Lincoln says the following (paraphrased): 

• All leaders have goals to achieve and we can use the analogy of a compass pointing "Due North" for guidance. However, one must pass through swamps and other dangers to get to the goals. 

Applying this to politics, we can agree on goals but the way to achieve them requires having the wisdom to move toward those goals being aware of the obstacles in the way. Click on the link below to understand the difference of opinion regarding how to achieve democratic socialism in the USA:

Debating Democratic Socialism and How to Get There

"Socialism" Is Not A Pejorative

The conservatives are skilled in their indoctrination and falsehood regarding the term "Socialism." It is no different than when religious apologists use the term "Scientism" as a pejorative. The video below does a good job in clarifying the term and presenting the truth about its value:

Debunked: "Socialism Has Never Worked"

FDR's "New Deal" And The End Of The Great Depression

The Great Depression was one of the worst economic periods in US history. FDR's "New Deal" enacted during it instituted many beneficial social programs to aid individuals and families during such. Many of these programs continue to help society today. In fact, even most detractors of The New Deal admit that overall they were positive. However, many detractors also say that it didn't end the Depression and that it took the massive government spending in support of World War II to end it. (link) (link)(link)(link)(link)(link) 

If massive spending by the government on World War II ended The Great Depression, why wouldn't similar massive government spending on more programs for a "war" "attacking" infrastructure needs, poverty, and inequality work today?