Is capitalism an unethical economic principle?

[Magnet Man]

It is agreed that during the colonial era of exploitative national and international development, capitalism was a vital economic philosophy. It successfully financed phenomenal technological advancements. But there was a heavy price to pay, in terms of slave labor, minimum wages and environmental damages. In the open arena of international competition, powerful corporations put the agricultural base of the undeveloped world virtually out of business. This is especially so in Africa, where millions now starve for lack of food, work and business opportunity. On top of that responsibility, we are left with a massive ecological clean-up bill as well.

So the questions are: Has Capitalism become an unethical economic contract that has no validity in a global world order? Is it a major obstacle to international stability? Can we continue to seek profits by exploiting finite natural resources and keep taking advantage of cheap labor? Has the global estate become a temple floor that should be revered and not simply mined as a means towards private wealth? Must the moneychangers be thrown out?

Hopefully this post is not lambasted for having the courage to challenge the most sacred of all American values. If the question is looked at from a long-term global perspective and short-term national ideals are kept at bay, this question places America, as the acknowledged leader of the World, in a very serious position of responsibility.

I have studied this and related topics for the past thirty years and have some constructive suggestions to make, but would like first to listen to any reactions this initial post might evoke.

There are many other questions related to the above... These concern the possible redundancy of the artificial boundaries of state and private ownership and the crippling cost of trying to maintain that status que. Maybe these can be addressed as we go on, should my post spark enough interest.

[nickelfire]

I agree with the swift need for a complete change in the current system which, I believe is fundamentally flawed, and in many areas entirely unethical, as you've hinted; and grown even more so, as it has been practiced through the years.
While the sooner the better is my attitude, some would argue toward a transition period. Or perhaps a 'compromise' or 'middle ground'. While the ladder isn't my business, because I neither wish for any long-ish term compromise or grudgingly suggest any such ideal.
But if the former, a transition period, is more favorable, how long before the new system takes effect, and how would the transition period, in your opinion, work? Would it be smooth or maybe even violent?
You may have posted on this very topic elsewhere, but I'm not sure where to look. Thanks

[Magnet Man]

nickelfire said:

I
a transition period, is more favorable, how long before the new system takes effect, and how would the transition period, in your opinion, work? Would it be smooth or maybe even violent?

Custodianship is an advanced ethical state of both mind and being that can only be instituted on a global scale via the education of a brand new generation of children.

Until such stage as enough parents of this dying Steel Age of self-determism become aware of the adult nayture of the Nuclear Age paradigm, which demands a more responsible attitude of global stewardship, ownership and all the egop-centric teenage problems that go along with that mind-set, will remain in force.

The evolution of human consciousneness is an on-going event. Environmental forces ensure that nothing can stop mass change. In the end, Truth will prevail.
Thus the old adage remains: Only when the pupil is ready, will the Master appear.

[murex]

It is flawed because it isn't sustainable.

We need a sustainable way of life. We need free energy and renewable resources.

[Magnet Man]

murex said:

We need a sustainable way of life. We need free energy and renewable resources.

We also need free education, free housing, free food and free medicine.

This will not relax our creative drive or dilute our work ethic. One hundred thousand generations of human effort with all its blood, sweat and tears has paid for all the above.

We have the machines and technology to take all the drudgery out of life and not worrying about the basic necessities of existence will free our engenuity to make those machines even more efficient.

Proper planet managment can get this world of ours running smoothly with minimum maintenance.

We need an Age of family togetherness and fun, where we all can enjoy the holiness of existence as God meant it to be.

[murex]

True.

And it's not so hard to have these things either.