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“Capitalism” Is the Wrong Word
Foundation for Economic Education ^ | Dec. 9, 2015 | Steven Horwitz

Posted on 12/09/2015 10:47:53 AM PST by Twotone

Wouldn't it be nice if we could simply invent new terms to replace the words that seem to cause more heat than light? For example, I have written before of my qualms about using the word capitalism to describe the free-market economy. The word was coined by capitalism's enemies to describe the system that they rejected.

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TOPICS: History; Society
KEYWORDS: apitalism; capitalism; demagogicparty; freemarketeconomy; memebuilding; partisanmediashill; partisanmediashills; socialism; stevenhorwitz; term; word

1 posted on 12/09/2015 10:47:53 AM PST by Twotone
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To: Twotone

I’ve said the same thing for many years. I prefer “free-market” economy (or something like it) as well.


2 posted on 12/09/2015 10:49:31 AM PST by safeasthebanks ("The most rewarding part, was when he gave me my money!" - Dr. Nick)
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To: Twotone

I propose “freedom”. That’s what I’m really in favor of.

Business is how free people naturally feed their kids, but anything with “ism” on it implies religious devotion, and we don’t worship capital per se.


3 posted on 12/09/2015 10:51:01 AM PST by Still Thinking (Freedom is NOT a loophole!)
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To: safeasthebanks

free markets

It’s what they are and the word free resonates with all but the most idiotic leftists.


4 posted on 12/09/2015 10:51:23 AM PST by TheTimeOfMan (Cruz / West 2016)
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To: Twotone

When asked if I am in favor of capitalism, I always reply that I favor a free-market economy and economic liberty.

Huge accumulations of corporate capital, ususlly in combination with government, have severely curtailed the economic liberty of individuals and small businesses.

For too long conservatives and republicans have believed anything that furthers corporate interests is in the best interest of free markets. Hence income tax breaks and property tax abatements for huge companies that place small business entrepreneurs at a disadvantage.


5 posted on 12/09/2015 11:12:57 AM PST by con-surf-ative
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To: con-surf-ative

Exactly. All preferential tax treatment should be illegal. I hope the Article V convention folks are considering something along those lines.


6 posted on 12/09/2015 11:18:06 AM PST by Twotone (Truth is hate to those who hate truth.)
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To: Twotone

The left has worked hard to rename themselves as the misleading Progressives and the Progressive Party (aka socialists).

Capitalism or free market economics can surely take on another moniker to soften the image and stress that it is freedom at work.


7 posted on 12/09/2015 11:30:19 AM PST by Swede Girl
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To: Twotone

In the actually existing world, all capitalism is crony capitalism; similarly, all actual socialism is national socialism.

Leviathan always eats first.


8 posted on 12/09/2015 11:30:36 AM PST by headsonpikes (Mass murder and cannibalism are the twin sacraments of socialism - "Who-whom?"-Lenin)
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To: Twotone
Free market vs Capitalism are two different things so you combine the two terms

Capitalism is how you use... invest.. what you have to get the best return...

Crony Capitalism is investing your time and money in government or other power to bypass the free market.. give you a monopoly by favoring you or repressing your competition in the public market

Free market is the people making their own free choices in the market... the invisible (public) hand

Free market Capitalism is a free public market and using you capital to service that market to gain the favor of the invisible (public) hand...

vs...Crony Capitalism... gaining the favor of the state /government hand to repress, limit, control the free invisible public hands choices

9 posted on 12/09/2015 11:44:58 AM PST by tophat9000 (King G(OP)eorge III has no idea why the Americans Patriots are in rebellion... teach him why)
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To: Still Thinking

Voluntary exchange. Or voluntary goods and services exchange.


10 posted on 12/09/2015 12:00:28 PM PST by GraceG (Protect the Border from Illegal Aliens, Don't Protect Illegal Alien Boarders...)
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To: Twotone

“Of course, capital does play a crucial role in capitalism. The private ownership of capital (the means of production) is a defining characteristic of a free-market economy, especially in comparison to socialism.”

I’d change that just a little.

“Of course, capital does play a crucial role in capitalism. The private allocation of resources (the means of production) is a defining characteristic of a free-market economy, especially in comparison to socialism.”

Some socialist economies use government control of privately owned businesses, rather than government ownership.


11 posted on 12/09/2015 6:28:16 PM PST by sig226
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