jamie, (twin_cinema) joe, (drnick311) julia (juliar) and i were discussing the advantages of a command economy versus capitalism.

in your mind, which is better, a command economy or a capitalistic economy? why or why not?

It really depends on your perspective. Living in this country and experiencing the freedom of a capitalist economy might slant your opinion, whereas citizens of other countries might tout the benefits of the command economy over capitalism.

Weighing the advantages and disadvantages of both, I'm really left to plead the 5th on this one. Of course with capitalism you see the open, hands-off approach which mirrors the ideals of this country. Yet on the other side you may find security in knowing that the economy is accounted for.

I think capitalism works well for our country. I can't imagine what the economy would look like were it left in the hands of the Bush administration.

although command economies generally work better in more controlled governments, i think it could also work in a democractic society. however, if there is to be a command economy in a democracy, strong leaders free of corruption are a must.

^ strong leaders "free of corruption" unfortunately do not exist.

at least not in many parts of the world.

I bet that Minda would have a lot to say about this.

I think that a capitalist economy, with certain controls (e.g. minimum wage), is the best way to go. Of course, we need to look at developing markets and customize policies to each individual situation, rather than aggressively imposing the West's vision of an ideal economy.

^ who is Minda?

^ God.

I'd like try to my hand at debating this God. I'm sure many have tried and failed.

they have, indeed.
we are not worthy! *bows to minda*

.. I'm worthy. Bring it on. =)

Capitalism started a war with Iraq(if you dont agree look over there and see what americnized buisnesses they have there). So im gonna go with comman economy even tho i dont like that either.

^Whoa. Capitalism did not start with the War in Iraq. It has been around for hundreds of years. Get your facts straight, buddy.

ChaosPunx said it started a war with Iraq, not that it started with the war in Iraq, just for clarification.

Ooh. Okay, I read that wrong. Sorry, ChaosPunx!

False. "Americanized businesses" do not demonstrate problems with capitalism at all. They have McDonalds in China, doesn't mean China is capitalist or that there's going to be a war.

THATS BECAUSE ITS CHINA! If we attacked them we wouldnt have anything anymore read the labels IT SAYS MADE IN CHINA. Its because Iraq has Oil we want the oil. What is that? Oh i dont know what do YOU think? Anyways Mostly its because of our greed. And facists!

Fascists? Where did fascists get into this debate? The US isn't even a fascist government, it's a democratic republic. (If you can call it that.) Get your facts straight, Punx. Iraq & fascism have absolutely nothing to do with this debate. We're debating the [respective] benefits & downfalls to a capitalistic economy & a command economy. Stay on topic.

I know but I was poitning out to that dude that we wouldnt attack China. And that we only attacked Iraq for capitalism and i was just saying thier all facist in the goverment democratic or not.

That's all fine & dandy, but that has nothing to do with whether a capitalistic or command economy is better.
But I'll stop bitching; I honestly believe a command economy with a few capitalistic elements would be ideal, as long as the country was a democracy. Although that would be extremely hard, it wouldn't be impossible.

What would the blend be? And what makes it optimal?

What I meant by that statement was that a mixed economy is ideal. It is optimal because when corporations are given total freedom, economic corruption happens. The environment can be destroyed, people can lose everything that they have, & the poor will continue to stay poor. If a decent, honest government is involved in economic affairs, those problems can be alleviated through lawmaking & government-funded services. Complete capitalism is a disaster.