Bigdave, please explain better what you are saying to me. For the article Gringo posted, I was replying to that. I think the article look at the big picture of how the biggest % wealth is going to less people, and poor people can not compete for opportunity. This is the trend of bad capitalism? So this is capitalism with corruption. The article is saying if the government will help provide poor people with skills, then they can compete for opportunity to improve. Then this will create competition and (desire) to work. Then less welfare programs. What is the name of free market with social programs? Maybe I use the word capitalism in the wrong way?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_military_expenditures As you can see, the European Union is spending 311,920,000,000 USD on defense, whereas Russia and China are spending a little more than 1/6 of that. Even when taking into consideration that they might be downplaying their spending a bit, Europe still outspend them both combined. American tax payers putting up for protection of Europe, my ass. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_number_of_total_troops http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_number_of_active_troops Both in terms of active troops as well as total troops, the European countries combined has got more than the US. China and Russia might have more troops, but considering how much the EU is outspending them, I'm pretty sure they should be able to hold their ground. Some more numbers: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_size_of_armed_forces The US is obviously the strongest military power in the world, but would Europe be in trouble if the US disappeared? Absolutely not! Considering the fact that most countries who are angry at Europe, are angry because of European relations to the US, Europe would probably be even safer without the US. No, the US is not a fatherly figure to Europe, the US is more like an overly strong, retarded big brother to Europe; a brother that keeps picking stupid fights and starting fires which Europe has to put out with diplomacy and excuse for the rest of the world. Now let's turn it around, let's ask ourselves what would happen to the US if Europe suddenly disappeared. How much shit do you think China, Russia, most of South America and most of the Mideast would accept before deciding to exclude you and completely ignore your very existence? How long would it take before either Russia or China, or both, because the new all-influential superpower(s)? The vastness of the western world acts as an enabler for the US, and Europe being a huge part of it, is crucial here. Without European support in the international scene, you're nothing. Hopefully Obama will turn things though, and make the US a member of the international community rather than its dictator (or supervisor if you prefer).
You're fine -- the word is "mixed economy." And you're right, a small investment now saves a lot of money in the long run. One concept you might be interested in are "measures of social mobility" and it measures how easily people move "up the ladder" so to speak. As a rough general rule, European countries have better social mobility than the US and this relates to income disparity in that better social mobility means a stronger middle class, more "land of opportunity" potential, and also savings on social spending/welfare in the long term.
Definitions are important to meaningful communication. Communism exemplifies man's inhumanity to man. Socialism is just the opposite. Capitalism exemplifies both. Maybe the problem is in the ______ism?
Well, according to what I learned in school a few years ago: Communism dictates that the means of production are owned and controlled by the state --> practically zero motivation to excel. Socialism dictates that the means of production are owned and controlled by the workers --> some limited motivation to excel. Capitalism allows anyone to own and control the means of production --> creates the most intense motivation to excel. In other words, Capitalism stands for maximum freedom of choice. That's what this country was founded on.
China are pretty socialist too - and they seem to be doing pretty good - economics wise. Brazil is also very socialist - also doing spectacular. Venezuela doing pretty good as well... Bolivia is on the path to major reforms - improving democratic rights as well. LOL.LOL.LOL. Southamerica you are such a dumb-ass.
You doubt that? How'd that idea work out for those poor fuckers that Russia invaded last month? Seems like I remember that they came running to the UN (which means they came running to the US ) for help.
Do other people realize that the price of oil kind of shut the motherfucker Chavez up? I haven't heard any "wise" words from an asshole for a while now. Russia, Venezuela and the likes hurting bad. I love it.