Make Mine Freedom

Yep, Catholic Anarchist, I believe that without economic freedom all other freedoms are eventually endangered. I am continually amused by those on the Left who see no problem when the government controls the economy. The power of government combined with control of the economy is completely inimical to freedom as I think history amply demonstrates. Since you are an anarchist I am uncertain just what you believe in regard to economic control and government since I believe there is a broad spectrum of beliefs on that subject among the different schools of anarchists. Since you mix anarchy and Catholicism no doubt your beliefs on the subject are largely sui generis.

Who said “capitalism” is the way to freedom? I don’t recall ever seeing such an opinion.

Michael,

I approved the comment, but wish you’d lay off the snark. Donald may un-approve it as he wishes (and delete this comment if he does so).

I’m interested in the idea that capitalism is the exact opposite of economic freedom. Is the idea that the absolute protection of individual rights tends to result in a high concentration of wealth in few hands, thus resulting in some sort of net loss of freedom?

Tito,

unquestionably.

Is the idea that the absolute protection of individual rights tends to result in a high concentration of wealth in few hands, thus resulting in some sort of net loss of freedom?

Not “tends to,” but rather capitalism requires such concentrations of wealth. Absolute protection of “individual rights” is pure liberalism. I am interested in wholeness of community, which is a more Catholic approach to economic life, not economic totalitarianism under the ideological guise of “individual rights.”

I would appreciate specific historical examples of the type of economic system you would replace capitalism with. I would also appreciate evidence as to the economic performance of the examples you cite.

Why the hell would anyone be interested in using historical examples as models for economic life if one is serious about Christianity?

As to capitalism being in your phrase “economic totalitarianism” I would ask that give specific examples as to how capitalism in this country is economic totalitarianism.

Appalachian coal fields are a perfect example.

I can therfore (sic) assume that you have none?

There are all kinds of examples, but I know that what you are looking for is some kind of alternative “system” that has succeeded. I cannot provide an example of the kind of “system” that would satisfy your requirements. Anything example that I would cite would not get you hot and bothered, so it’s useless to cite anything.

Miners are today rounded up at gun point and forced into the mines?

Not that I am aware of. But violence is routine, not only in the coal fields, but all over the world whenever anyone questions the capitalist order. Have you not been paying attention?

Measures are taken to prevent businesses from being formed on whatever basis of organization the creators wish to implement?

What does this even mean?

Give me concrete examples from history of how your type of economic system would perform in the real world.

I don’t have one “type” of economic system. I have the Gospel of the Kingdom which critiques any existing system. If only you would be willing to critique the status quo in light of the Gospel. But yours is a disembodied, “spiritualist” Gospel with no teeth. It’s an irrelevant “gospel,” and that is no Good News at all.

It is not enough to critique a system Catholic Anarchist.

Indeed!

Convince me and the people reading this thread that your way has been tried and been successful.

My “way” is an economy based on sharing, solidarity, true charity, egalitarianism, etc. as in the spirit and vision of the Catholic Worker. It has not been sufficiently tried. I doubt that it would be any less “successful” (whatever that even means to you) than any other system you might have in mind. In fact, I know that human beings will fall short of the Kingdom no matter what. But nevertheless, we must try to make a system in which it is easier for people to be good, as Day and Maurin taught us.

What does a “successful” economic system look like in YOUR mind, anyway, Donnie?

“Donnie”? I didn’t know we are kin Catholic Anarchist! At my office my secretaries know when a relative of mine is calling from my hometown since they are the only people that call me Donnie! Call me what you will “cousin” Catholic Anarchist!

A successful economic system is one which produces the greatest prosperity for the greatest number of people. Hands down that is capitalism under a system of law that can enforce contracts. I do not rely on theory for this statement. I rely simply on the historical record. If someone can demonstrate to me a system that performs better, I will alter my opinion. I make no claim that capitalism is a perfect system, merely the least imperfect of all the economic systems that have been attempted on this globe.