Goodbye Capitalism

I am not actually certain what the ‘green economy contrary (to?) capitalism’ actually is, Pia... “It is roughly based on production and industry on a sustainable basis which means the finances are sustainable and not profit-orientated.” While there is quite a bit of activity on the sustainable farming front for instance, it couldn’t feed the world, at least in the foreseeable future, yet it does minimise the use of fuel, fertilisers etc. and offer very good yields. In Asia it is becoming quite fashionable. However, it couldn’t replace Capitalism without a cataclysmic event that would destroy the present system and force a change… I’m not sure you would need to get rid of Capitalism, just its unacceptable, modern, implementation, which seems to be based on greed and blind materialism. Certainly you could start by expanding the things which are seen as valuable to include a less materialistic vision… Nobody raises an eyebrow when art is sold for millions yet in a way what someone who buys a painting as an investment is really buying is the opinion of a group of ‘experts’ as to the value of painting. The point being that art is not a material possession even if it is a physical expression like a statue or a stack of bricks. It isn’t what the ’art’ is made of, or from, so much as the concept and the beauty of its expression. So in a way people already pay big money for 'feelings' :O) In theory it would not be hard to extend this practice to forests, wildlife, lakes and so on and in fact wildlife reserves are examples of this where governments fund them as, is more common with parks etc. The next step would be to try to value things that include qualities which are hard to define and to measure. Qualities such as dedication, caring, compassion and even love which are usually classed as aspects of a vocation and essentially under valued leading to the sorry state of many modern hospitals. Well, you get the idea. A Capitalism that cares because it pays to care! Mind you, I believe there should be a limit on personal wealth because without that nothing will prevent the greedy from grabbing all the cake and no method of sharing the leftover crumbs would make much difference in the end.

Well Mangone- thanks for your interest. This professor claims that the economical crisis actually is capitalism in its dying throws; we just haven't come up with the alternative yet and the west isn't too keen on the Russian plan economy but as far as I gather then the alternative actually is in the process of evolving. Yes the profit would be used in care. I am sure we will do very well with the economy this way and can't see that it is capitalism. You are very fatalistic not believeing that greedy people will not have access to the profits which capitalism allowed with this new economical model. I believe that we are in the midst of a minor revolution- really it has been evolving for some time- maybe you would call it evolution- people have started to think globally and friendy- we have had focus on the environment for decades and work conditions likewise- it is as though the new generations take these matters as a natural consideration when thinking out new politics. This is my belief. I have lived a long life with capitalism and am so f... tired of it that I choose to view these new trends optimistically.

Here is something I see as very positive, Highhat. I hope you agree that it is a step in the right direction. 'The World Bank announced on Friday a global alliance to better manage and protect the world's oceans, which are under threat from over-fishing, pollution and climate change.' http://uk.reuters.com/article/2012/02/24/uk-worldbank-oceans-idUKTRE81N0...

I agree Mangone- thanks..