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Capitalism; Dead, Alive, and Broken

copyright © 2009 Betsy L. Angert.  BeThink.org For but a moment, whilst the Group of 20 [G20] met in London's ancient financial capital, ,"The City," the roars of remorse, could be heard.  Words of woe had been whispered in hushed tones for quite some time.  Scholars spoke of various possibilities on occasion.  Whether Senior Economic Fellows from various think-tanks thought a system to be dead, alive, or near doomed, there was perhaps a bit of agreement.  "I see what you mean.  It is broken," Economist Mark Thoma mused more than a year ago.

Bailouts Blaze; Exuberance Explodes

Bailout failure 'will cause US crash’

copyright © 2008 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org

Never spend your money before you have it.
~ Thomas Jefferson

I, however, place economy among the first and most important republican virtues, and public debt as the greatest of the dangers to be feared.
~ Thomas Jefferson

Tis Sunday, September 28, 2008. The weather is warm and word on the streets is warmer. Fire from Hades, fervor, and fury heat the debate heard on the streets and in the halls of Congress. Businesses fail. Banks do too. Bailouts are planned and these too falter. Those in the White House are red hot with concern. People in Treasury Department and within Secretary Henry Paulson's office sense the burn. Many fear they too will be scorched. The flames are intense on the Hill. Yet, on American avenues many feel, while inflamed by the rhetoric, chilled at the prospect that this immediate need for a bailout is but a hoax or perchance, just hype.

Capitalism; Competitive Markets Cut To The Core; Inequity Is Inevitable

American propaganda - Capitalism (1948)

copyright © 2007 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org

Decades ago, Americans watched a televised spoof of current events, the Rowan and Martin Laugh-In Show. A cast of characters sang "What is the news across the nation?" Then they assessed the antics of politicians and celebrities alike. Serious situations were satirized; silliness was glorified. Americans were given an opportunity to reflect and see how sadly corrupt and irrational our competitive Capitalist system is. Exuberance envelops us. Avoidance advances. Americans consume, compete, and settle into complacency.

This week, as we again set aside time to honor laborers in America, this reality seemed ever-present. Labor's failure is perhaps industrialism at its best. Free enterprise follows the market or perchance it creates a product for America to buy.

Business Blunders Burden Society ©

It is the close of the year and books are opened. Companies, both private and public are looking at their ledgers. They assess their assets, gains, and losses. Periodicals are filled with reports of folly. May I share just a few? City Fails to Collect Millions for Water, Fannie Mae Ex-Officers Sued by U.S., Failed hedge funds make a big noise. The list goes on.

My reaction; I am not surprised. Years ago I was dating a man, a marvelous specimen of a person. He was bright, personable, loving, and truly amazing. I suspect he still is. Tom was the Vice President of a small; yet successful business. Millions of dollars passed through this company's hands perhaps daily, maybe it was monthly. I know not for sure. I am not much of a marketing person. My mind travels elsewhere. Nevertheless, I marveled at how the money flowed, what is was spent on, and what services were provided. Perhaps you would have as well.

Accountability; History Textbooks Receive a Failing Grade ©

A New York Times article, “Schoolbooks Are Given F’s in Originality,” caught my attention. It stated that two of this nation’s most prominent history textbooks were virtual duplicates. The authors were not the same; however, the words within these books were. I was not totally surprised to see this, for I have often mused, “Who writes our history?” We read the words within textbooks, repeat these, and recognize the specifics as fact. Yet, how do we know that what we read is true. According to the New York Times, much of what is presented is not as it appears.

Authors and academician whose names appear on the textbook cover do not pen what is within. Dead authors do. Ghostwriters compose even more; their contributions are expansive. These indistinct individuals construct a convention. Then we, a trusting public, accept what these unknowns inscribe. What most of us believe is valid is not a universal veracity.