A New Kind of Capitalism?
In the last six months or so, I’ve run more and more into this idea that our current economic system within America isn’t exactly fair, a truthful statement I agree. Quickly I find many within my generation bemoaning the inequalities between the various “classes” within America and how evil corporations (Wal-Mart, Gap, Verizon and plenty of others) are ruining capitalism in America today. Sweat shops, inadequate or non-existent health benefits and low wages are the continued sins of today’s global capitalistic pursuit of the almighty dollar (Euro, Yen, pound, whatever). A fairly well summarization of this idea can be found in six parts at Josh Brown’s website (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6).
Here’s my problem with Josh’s approach and conclusion: it’s heavy on the criticism, it’s broad in its strokes and short on its suggestions—a fairly typical problem I find with many idealistic members of my generation. Are there inequalities within our current system? Yes. Would it be nice if there wasn’t? Yes! Can that be achieved on this side of heaven? No. Jesus himself stated that we would always have the poor among us. Granted He stated this to his disciples, and Christ at the time was trying to let them know that there time together was drawing to a close rapidly. Still the principle applies that we all have limited time here and no matter what we might do, the poor will always exist. There will always be a lower class of citizens. Why? Because there are finite resources, we are a selfish being and who among us can judge righteously as to who gets what? No one. Does this then nullify our need to serve the poor, to care for the needy, to help the less fortunate? No! May it never be!
The inequality that we see today between most classes pales to the class divides within civilizations 100, 200 or even 400 years ago. One only needs to read the likes of Dickens, Tolkien and Twain to see the disparity between the “have’s” and “have not’s” that once existed (and still persist in other corners of the world). The vast majority of people in America do not suffer from starvation, most can receive some medical care and most have some roof over their heads. It’s not a feast in a hill-top villa or even the best doctors money can buy, but it’s something. That shouldn’t cause us to resign ourselves from personal involvement. It seems to me personally that we no longer feel thankful to receive help from the government, rather there’s an entitlement felt as if we’re somehow owed this or deserve that. We bemoan Wal-Mart’s employee health benefits, stating that health care is a right for all workers. Really? A right? Since when was a benefit considered a right? Look, morally for me, it makes a ton of sense for Wal-Mart to do what it takes to keep happy employees and a positive community image. The current Wal-Mart ownership doesn’t feel like that. Okay. My response? I shop exclusively at Target and a local grocery shop for all my needs.
There are definitely peoples who are taken advantage of, and it rests upon us Christ said to care, feed, clothe and care for these people. No government of man will espouse to legislate love and enforce equality. The Soviet Union was suppose to be the shining example of this for us and failed miserably, creating worse environmental, social and economical failures than any other country in the 20th century. Capitalism today isn’t perfect, but as employers and employees we all must do our part to doing business the way it should be done: with the good of the customer in mind.
One last thought on this subject, let us not be naive to think that most of the poor in our country are helpless in their state. Yes, there are some who genuinely are stuck and need others to come along and help them; but there are many who remain where they are economically because of one poor decision piled upon another. It’s true that some of these decisions come upon from companies preying on the poor (a horrible practice), keeping them down under the burden of loans, paycheck advancements and other financing ventures. Still many in America, despite one’s class, could use a lesson in proper money management. A $100 a month from age 25 to 65 in a Roth IRA will provide almost $1.6M for retirement. A $100! That’s maybe two less times out for dinner or maybe a reduced cable package. Many could provide for themselves, but unfortunately poor money management practices along with glorification of impulsive purchases within our culture keeps many from moving forward financially. People who advance in American society do so because they stop pursuing things and started working towards financial security. It’s where my wife and I were at 16 months ago and I can only imagine where we’ll be at in another 16 months.
In summary, are there inequalities today? Yes. Does that mean our current system is broke? No. It just means the people within the system are. We have plenty of examples where people are engaging in honorable business practices with the customer centered in focus versus profits. It’s interesting to note that most of the companies who are concerned for the customer are generally privately owned firms without the pressure of stockholders and Wall Street breathing down their neck.
This entry was posted on Saturday, January 12, 2008 at 2:43pm. It has been filed under Thoughts, Joshua, Finances, Religion.
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Finally! 2 loving people have cared enough to share their thoughts with me. Why don't you join the party?
Great post - helps me articulate a lot of what I’ve been thinking about lately. I too find that much of the idealism I run in to is “heavy on the criticism, …broad in its strokes and short on …suggestions,” which, unfortunately, makes it hard to have a constructive conversation on topics like this.
Grant wrote on Sunday, January 13, 2008 at 9:40pm.
Love this post Josh!
Joe O'Neal wrote on Monday, January 14, 2008 at 11:42am.