Debate: Socialism vs. Capitalism
Side: Capitalism

Capitalism is the best economic system because it provides more options. Socialism just takes away options. Today, socialism is the "in" thing. Unfortunately, ignorance of the basic concepts of economics has invaded the progressive dialogue.Let's start with a simple question: Is capitalism an economic system or a philosophy? Is capitalism anything more than just a principle? According to Webster's dictionary, an "economy" is defined as: the process or system by which goods and services are produced, sold, and bought in a country or region. Let us look at one of the most progressive slogans today: "In the real economy, socialism is not an option." Assuming that current practice is nothing more than an evolving "real economy," the premise is sound. The poster, however, does not distinguish between the "real economy" and economic theory. In fact, it is the very fact that the poster addresses "the real economy", that brings into serious question the validity of the poster's claims. The libertarian revolutionary Charles Edward Russell stated: "Whenever you lay down this arbitrary line demarcating the proper realm of government and the proper sphere of private individuals, you establish a maximum and a minimum wage." [1]The idea that government has no business in the economic world makes little sense in light of Russell's words. When the phrase "real economy" is separated from the actual economic system of "capitalism," the phrase becomes meaningless. This does not mean that libertarianism is "the real thing." It does mean that the concept of capitalism, the economic system and not philosophical idealism, deserves to be in the discussion. If the poster had noted the line separating the government and "the real economy," it might have spared the rest of us from considering the validity of the rest of the poster's accusations.Yet, the poster makes a salient point, in general, the socialist vision is a threat to anyone who questions the effectiveness of government. In fact, the "real economy" is the perfect microcosm of the progressive state in general. The government bureaucrat, the progressive manager, the liberal public official is always concerned with "the real economy." In the progressive paradigm, it is "the real economy" that dictates what is morally correct. The capitalist "real economy" dictates only how to produce the most amount of value under the least cost, and how to make a profit. While the capitalist model is critical, it is not the answer.When the problem is formulated like the question Is socialism better, than capitalism?, the answer usually spells disaster. When Marx and Lenin asked what capitalism was they resorted to the very definition of capitalism, the theory that because the wealthy were dominating the economic system, it was no longer capitalism, but "the antithesis of (capitalism)." By so doing, they automatically set the economic system against its own definition.The socialist scheme of "them and us" is nothing more than application of the Socialist's "theories of class contradiction". Through the application of the socialists' class theory, capitalists are defined against the people. The "capitalist class", in its attempt to accumulate capital and create profit, is presented as an unsympathetic aggressor against the common people. Even in the case of socialism, the elite, the "vanguard of the proletariat", will be attracted to socialism as a way of life. The socialist goal of control of the economy, will become confused with the common man's thirst for independence. In the end, the socialist system will turn into nothing more than the "vanguard of the proletariat."In a capitalist system, the masses of people are free to pursue their dreams. In such a system, each is encouraged to strive for greater economic freedom. Due to the accumulation of capital, trade increases and production increases. As production increases, so do the living circumstances of the common people. Supply and demand dictates pricing. Competition creates the most economical means of production. Increased production allows the common people to buy more goods at a lower price. Increased production makes the producer more efficient and productive. As the people become more self-sufficient, the capitalist system rewards them with higher standards of living. As the average citizen gains greater economic knowledge, he develops a feeling of independence. His quest for economic freedom, leads him to embrace all the goods and services of capitalism. As a result, the "real economy" becomes reality. Under the capitalist system, the common people have a better chance to achieve their dreams. Capitalism is the best economic system.