Capitalism - with $100 million networth cap off - Check it out

[elucidate]

Originally Posted by russianrocket

I'm sure it's not all true. As you said, balanced view. Take a little from both camps.

I'm sure you're right

I'm done for the night though, so have fun kiddies.

[Solipsist]

Originally Posted by elucidate

But isn't envy for what someone else has the same as meaning the person is greedy to have what they have, and if they can't have it then the other people shouldn't be allowed to either?

Not by definition, no. Envy results from not having what another person has. Greed assumes already having something but wanting more. Thus, they're horses of different colors.

[MariconesUnited]

Originally Posted by elucidate

Not paying poor people a decent wage for making the products that make him loads of money, is obviously not a fair thing to do, and that's how business seems to work these days. Pay the workers as little as possible so there is more profit to be had for the business owners. Yes, that is the definition of greedy I'd say.

That's the way business always has and always will work. The notion of fairness is thrown out the window. The goal is to maximize profits. Whatever means it takes to get there is fair game. You can argue that if people were more conscious of other people's suffering, there wouldn't be this rampant inequality. Well, they are becoming so. We've seen ''fair trade'' concepts pop up here and there. Some will spend a little extra for durable products or products that were made by corporations that treat their employees a little better. But at the end of the day the 99% only has so much disposable income. And the middle class is being wiped out as we speak. Hence, there will be more corporations who pay their employees a pittance and treat them like feces.

This is why I don't get the free market apologists. Free markets inevitably lead to monopolies and oligarchies who are well known to treat their employees as unfairly as the law permits. I can't begin to imagine the tyranny they would be waging on the poor working classes if they weren't restricted by laws.

RR...I saw your post about growing up in Russia. It really helped me understand where you're coming from. It's no surprise Ayn Rand developed a similar aversion to government. To me it was a healthy reminder of how we're affected by environment. Makes me question my own upbringing and environment and how it's all contributed to making me who I am today.

In regards to the OP...Ridiculous idea.

[elucidate]

Originally Posted by Solipsist

Not by definition, no. Envy results from not having what another person has. Greed assumes already having something but wanting more. Thus, they're horses of different colors.

It did strike me more as being envious than greedy, but after that thought it then also seemed like greed may also be present because the person is not being happy with what they have anymore, they want more than they have to be up there with the person they envy...which just seems like greed to me, but whatever...I'm sure we could go round in circles for ages on this point. We both agree that envy is the main one here, so...

[elucidate]

Originally Posted by MariconesUnited

That's the way business always has and always will work. The notion of fairness is thrown out the window. The goal is to maximize profits.

Yes you're right, it's always been that way.