Capitalism

Capitalism
Affirmative
By: Landon Frame

Capitalism is “an economic system based on a free market, open competition, profit motive and private ownership of the means of production. Capitalism encourages private investment and business, compared to a government-controlled economy. Investors in these private companies (i.e. shareholders) also own the firms and are known as capitalists (found on Investopedia.com).” Over the years Capitalism has proven itself to be the most effective economic system. Capitalism gives people the chance own their own land. Capitalism is an extremely competitive economic system that is fast paced and very beneficial to our society. Adam Smith (Wealth of Nations [a lot of his work influenced the founding fathers]) illustrates this when he says “By pursuing his own interest (the individual) promotes that of the society more effectually than when he really intends to promote it. I have never known much good done by those who affected to trade for the public good.” By pursuing his own interest a person is being competitive and is looking out for what will benefit himself. When (according to Smith) a person or business seeks to gain for himself he is more of a benefit to himself and society as a whole.
Competitive capitalism tents to promote freedom and all other values. According to Milton Friedman (American Economist, b.1912) “History suggests that capitalism is a necessary condition for… freedom.” Our past experiences (history) show us for liberty, freedom, and justice to exist in an obtainable way.” It is demonstrated to us by this quote that so strong emphasis on competition will lead to these values. To further illustrate the competitive nature of capitalism we have this quote by: Pete Holiday he says “Capitalism needs to function like a game of tug-of-war. Two opposing sides need to continually struggle for dominance, but at no time can either side be permitted to walk away with the rope.” In his book Capitalism Victor D. Lippit states “If capitalism persists for several more centuries, as seems to be highly likely, then from the vantage point of the future, capitalism may be seen as the system responsible for the transformation of the human condition from one of mass subsistence to mass prosperity.” As we can see clearly from this quote the competitive capitalism is the most effective economic system that is most beneficial to society as a whole. The cooperative “socialism” hinders the change and progress it says it promotes. As we can see this is just another place that cooperation does not lead to excellence.