- Capitalism and Alternatives -

Roll me another joint man.

Posted by: Lars on July 07, 1999 at 16:33:14:

In Reply to: laissez faire anything posted by Gee on July 07, 1999 at 11:17:56:

: : After all, the most efficient way for one to extract maximum profit is to either eliminate the competition or somehow regulate the competition. Any replies?

Why the obsession with utility? One might gain the most economic benefit, but thta does not necessarily correlate with a benefit to society, if the wealth so created falls into the hands of elites.

Now Gee, if you are proposing what i think you are, that we eliminate all forms of governmental control, then who pray tell me, is to stop people doing what they want. It is only government regulation that stops companies (well attempts to stop, ok SOMETIMES attempts to stop) from absolutely tearing this world to pieces. If there was no penalty imposed for dumping toxic waste in the oceans don't you think companies would do it (even now they do it, though to a lesser extent than they would under your hypothetical) at will?

Such an approach would doubtless be very 'efficient' for a company, it could reduce its costs greatly i do not doubt, but it ignores the vital effects that such unhinged efficiency models can have on the standard of living of the people.

Of course such minor details as peoples well being does not enter the mind of a CEO, concerned only with how much money he can screw out of all in sundry so as top 'maximise profit'.

We have governments to protect people from other people. Without such structures there would be anarchy, and i doubt a well to do libertarian such as yourself would last long in such a place.

The real enemies in this war are the private individuals and their companies that in effect hold governments to ransom, and a system of government that allows them to get away with it.


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