Socialism vs. Capitalism: Anton Batey vs. Todd Reinhardt

[bigredftp]

To be honest, I don't have time for a point by point critique of the debate. If I did maybe I'd post a video response. I'll point to one instance, though. Towards the end, the other fellow suggests that many workers spend their paychecks like capitalists on the weekends. This is silly and you should have jumped all over it. Capitalists don't spend money profligately, they use money to buy commodities (labor and capital) and then resell the product for a greater sum of money. This is Marx's famo

[AntonBatey]

@bigredftp

I understand that, and respect that.Just a a comical note, when the guy said that comment, I was literally getting a sip of water, and right when I was about to respond, the host came in and cut off the debate.

[bigredftp]

Unfortunately, the fellow representing socialism comes off as having never read Marx's Capital. He doesn't seem to have a solid understanding of how capitalism functions, how it's crisis prone, nor what are alternatives beyond this Leninist garbage. Sad, he seems now to have swung all the way over to the other extreme writing for Mises.org.

[AntonBatey]

@bigredftp

Please be more specific about what I apparently do not understand. Not to make excuses, but I was 17 or 18 during this recording. I have adopted more practical philosophies since then – socialistic on certain issues, capitalistic on others. Like most I assume.

[sunyavadin]

Also wow, if he actually *believes* what he's saying and not just saying it for the sake of the debate, he's an utterly inhuman piece of detritus that has no place at large in society.

[sunyavadin]

What a retard the pro cpitalist guy is. He fails on maths, on politics, on geography, on...

[eternallord]

I've always found myself far more inclined to identify as a socialist than a capitalist based on the ideals.. I've never been 100% convinced though.. Capitalism has proven to have really positive effects as far as creativity goes.

I think it's necessary to restrain the exploitative nature of capitalism.. I also think there needs to be a careful balance of the altruistic nature of socialism with economic interests so that we don't self-destruct and reduce creativity.

It can definitely be done.

[mexicubanguy]

Response to bottom comment:

You see, socialism is an ideal. It has never been truly achieved but in it essence it's amazing. However the corrupt nature of people is what makes it fail every time it's been attempted before

[AlexG7ism]

If socialism was so good for the people, then why the hell does nearly the whole planet wants to desperately migrate to capitalist countries (even enter illegaly) to countries like the USA, Australia, Canada, Germany etc. But nobody wants to migrate to countries like Russia, Cuba, Venezuela etc. There are millions of Cubans that call America home. These millions of Cubans left Cuba through the Castro Socialist period, not during the former government that everybody criticises.

[tstruss912]

@AlexG7ism It's funny that you named two countries, out of three named, that were terrorized endlessly by capitalist countries: Venezuela and Cuba. Who would want to live in a land terrorized by the west? It makes no sense. Capitalism has never existed and neither has socialism; all economies are mixed. The debate should be what we want more of, and most would choose socialism.

[alistairproductions]

Socialism is a very silly and dangerous idea

[siggyboss]

You're very fortunate to have ample opportunities of self-reflection. Debating at such a young age seems great.

[AntonBatey]

@siggyboss

I appreciate that. I think it’s important for people to be willing to change their minds when they discover new information and gain knowledge. Anyone who has the exact same opinion or philosophy after even a few years either

a) isn’t studying what he or she claims to believe, or

b) is fairly stubborn

The only thing constant in the universe is change.

[siggyboss]

@AntonBatey I concur. My views have certainly changed over the years in the pursuit of knowledge. 

[anyfekinnamewilldo]

Thanks for sharing Anton, are you still a socialist? Your excellent articles on Mises.org suggest otherwise ;-)

[AntonBatey]

@anyfekinnamewilldo

It’s hard to say. The older I get, the less dogmatic I get about issues. On some issues, I am a socialist I suppose – maybe regarding healthcare, infrastructure, government funding for medical and technological advances, and I do support the concept of labor unions to a significant degree.

[Barklord]

He proved capitalism is better when he said that people are getting fatter and lazier. :P

Honestly, I think industry requires domination and slavery no matter how we slice it up.

[Barklord]

@Barklord One thing I hoped you would ask him was whether he thought capitalism thrives on a certain amount of unemployment and underemployment who are eager to work for next to no wages. Also, his stance on corporate person-hood and the legal requirements of CEOs to put their profits as the number one priority.

[Barklord]

@Barklord His insistence that incentive and "healthy greed" is what drives the morality of capitalism is really contrived. He seriously thinks that the humane motivation to reduce racism will come from "wanting them to be our customers". geez. Not everyone in this world is motivated by financial reward.