Well, I was with you until you said socialism is based on the desire to help. I would say that may be true of a few of the masses who get duped into it. But I would say that by far most of the masses are driven by greed, envy (of those who are richer), and fear (socialism promises security).
I have often thought that capitalism requires that the people in the system have Christian beliefs and character: in the words of our founders, that they are driven by "self-interest rightly understood." I think Ayn Rand makes the mistake of self-interest wrongly understood (it's all about me and my personal self-fulfillment).
I think capitalism with a "Christian" face, so to speak, would mean that one leaves something to be gleaned, referring to the practice prescribed in the Old Testament where the corners of fields were not harvested so that the poor would have access to food--but they had to do the work of harvesting it for themselves, so their characters were not ruined. Capitalism with a "Christian" face means that through our free wills we provide for those who are needy through no fault of their own through our families, churches and communities in ways that build strong character.
Just my 2 cents.
As part of my first paragraph in post 62, I also meant to say that for a few (those behind the push for it) socialism is driven by the desire to control.
Not exactly -- I said that many who promote socialist ideas are motivated by a genuine desire to help. Not all, but many. And I think that's true.
I agree with you about what socialism promises and produces, and also with the fact that causes more harm than good. But it has a powerful attraction, and it behooves us to understand where it comes from. Part of the attractions are greed and envy -- but greed and envy don't convince skeptics; rather, socialism promises to address the cases of unfairness and misfortune that we can recognize for ourselves. The problem with socialism is that it perverts our good intentions.
I have often thought that capitalism requires that the people in the system have Christian beliefs and character: in the words of our founders, that they are driven by "self-interest rightly understood."
Very much agreed. I can point to the treasures in my own city of Colorado Springs which were given to the community by seriously wealthy men and women who thought it their duty to give back. They're still revered, and we're all better off.
You make some excellent points and thanks for the Old Testament reference.
The social contract I suppose is 'self-interest rightly understood' and enforced.
Which begs a question IMO -- how can Red China be turning capitalist? It's not a question for you it just a question I often ask myself. My reply is, It cannot be.