[geoschmo]

Originally posted by teal:
Capitalism *does* require certain types of governments in order to be effective. That's the whole point.

You are quite correct on this point. Although the Chinese are currently running an interesting soceitetal expirement in which they are attempting to bring in aspects of a capitalist economic system, while maintaining the totalitarian hold of the government. It is showing some benefits as their eceonomy is currently booming, growing faster than anywhere else in the world I believe.

I think the idea is ultimately doomed to failure as it is difficult for a person to accept "a little bit" of freedom. They can tolerate none, and they will flourish with a lot. But give them just a little and they will be the most miserable. Case in point, Soviet Union/Eastern Europe.

You pointed them out as examples of the failure of western capitalism, but it's still way to early to be making those sorts of judgements. Most of the problems they are having have to do with half steps towards free and open markets, rather then moving too fast. The corrupt governments trying to stay corrupt. Hard to do while simultaneously giving the population the freedom to better themselves.

Geoschmo

[ May 15, 2003, 20:06: Message edited by: geoschmo ]