Economic Misgivings

Sort of crazy all the financial stuff in the news these last couple days. Don't really know what to make of it. AIG and Freddy Mac and Sally Mae all tanking and getting taken over by the government. Also crazy how much of it is caused by the sub-prime mortgage collapse. It freaks me out that three of the biggest private financial institutions were on the brink (or the beginning of the end) of bankruptcy. It makes me wonder if we're heading towards another depression. I'm not worried about my job or anything, but is the dollar going to just plummet as a ton of money is loaned by the government (who is just borrowing from China)? What about all that money I was saving for a down payment on a house? Perhaps I'll actually get to live my dream--scrooge mcduck's money pit, and a diving board. I think that despite the current crazyness in Iraq and all the hype over the political conventions, economic policy will be the most important issue for voters in november. Sorry to get so serious, just some thoughts. Freaky though, huh?

social darwinism, capitilism, and other bull

Was talking with Tisa today about how f'd up this country is. We have successfully developed a culture that ignores its infirm and does its damn best to sweep the elderly, the sick, and the mentally ill under the carpet. Homeless people? Not in my backyard.
Anyways, was getting pretty fired up about it and made some grandiose claims. Like it all stems from capitalism (which is pretty much an older version of the idea of social darwinism). Basically, we give individuals and companies the ability to make as much money as they want. Being fabulously, ludicrously wealthy is considered a "right" because of the "free" market. And, in order to stay on top, these same companies and individuals need to take advantage of the weak and infirm. Heck, in order to be successful, Walmart can't provide health care for their employees! Because success is measured in dollars: corporate profits and rich CEOs. What's interesting is what is not considered success in a corporation or an individual... kindness, compassion, and caring for humanity. Since we have a "right" to be rich, corporations are enabled to commit crimes against humanity... paying people less, not providing them benefits, and otherwise stiffing the working man.

Alright, call it a rant. But hey, if we really wanted our society to be socially just, why not make all companies non profits? Or even just start with the oil companies? He he he.

And while we're at it, why not do this... instead of falling for the semi-popular opinion that people are greedy, and if you give them too many opportunities, they'll just take advantage of others; why not err on the side of caring for the weak and the infirm. Provide possibilities and homes for the homeless, and help care for the poor and elderly. Sure, some people will take advantage of the system, but I'd rather see people cared for than see them left adrift by a society that views almost limitless individual or corporation wealth as success without realizing the necessity for a social contract of responsibility for the marginalized.

Was this Rousseu's idea? Locke? I don't remember. But if so, I agree with them.