As Margaret Thatcher once said; "The problem with Socialism is that pretty soon you run out of other people's money."

This "proctologists' view" of Capitalism is what Jay Richards calls the Nirvana Myth (or fallacy). Basically, it's a cherry-picked comparison of Capitalism with all its warts and drawbacks, to some unattainable ideal or perfectly fair economy that does not (and cannot) exist in the real world.

We Conservatives need to do a much better job of combating this tactic -- and it is a tactic, one that's been around for decades. In fact, whether they realized it or not, the folks at GE had this in mind when they hired Ronald Reagan in the 50s to go around the country lecturing on Capitalism. They could see that the Nirvana fallacy was slowly eroding people's understanding of how free markets work and why they are morally superior to other systems. So they wanted to fund a lecture series to go around the country actively educating people about the overwhelming benefits of Capitalism.

As Richards points out in his excellent book "Money, Greed and God: why Capitalism is the solution, not the problem," when you contrast Capitalism with live systems and examine the warts (not a cherry-picked analysis) Capitalism blows the others out of the water with ease.

I'm sorry to plug another book on Mr Goldberg's column, but I'm sure he won't mind. If there's anyone out there who still hasn't "Liberal Fascism" you're seriously missing out. Put both books on your reading list. Must-read stuff for every Conservative.

A few breif thoughts and observatons.

1) "America, with its markets, stands alone as the leading, arguably sole, source of medical innovation."

Indeed that is so, and in other areas as well, but let us focus on the medical for now.

Remember Paul Winchel? He was a ventriloquist and a voice actor during the 1950's - 1980's. However he also helped in the developement of the artifical heart. Additionally, he designed and developed a blood plasma defroster. Not to shabby for a guy that made his living through his voice. Score one for capitalism.

2)"Indeed, speaking of the decade in capitalism, National Public Radio failed to mention that Joan Kroc, widow of Ray Kroc, the founder of McDonald's, left more than $200 million to NPR in 2003. Mrs. Kroc's generosity of spirit was her own, but the wampum is all capitalism's, baby."

Amazing no? A man takes a small hamburger store and developes it into a MULTIMILLION dollar international enterpise. Donating to charites, employing MILLIONS of people not only here in the states but later on throughtout the world. I dare the left to name one national or nternational governmental or socialist agency that could make a smiliar claim in the rising of the standard of living for the poor of the world. Score 2 for capitalism.

Just as a side note, Muslim nations have one of the poorest records for helping their brethern.

3)"Every good thing capitalism helps produce -- from singing careers to cures for diseases to staggering charity -- is credited to some other sphere of our lives. Every problem with capitalism, meanwhile, is laid at her feet. Except the problems with capitalism -- greed, theft, etc. -- aren't capitalism's fault, they're humanity's. Socialist countries have greedy thieves, too"

And isn't that bittersweet irony? It is the old "dammed if you do, dammed if you don't" theory.

Yet we hear nothing but crickets from NPR, when we hear about greedy government politicians. (Unless of course they are Conservatives). Men AND Women like Barney Frank, Charles Rangle, the late Senator Kennedy, Nancy Pelosi, and a host of other top DEMOCRAT, (no scratch that make it Socialist politians), are certainly counted in the ranks of the wealthy. And how did they get there? Well through sight of hand certainly but also, by making good investments. OMG! That evil capitalism even works for evil politicians. But does the MSM or NPR for ever lay ANY blame at their feet? I cannot recall them ever do so in my lifetime.

In conclusion, capitalims will continue to exist. It may end here, but nations such as China, and India, as the author has mentioned will carry the torch. It is a shame that our nation, which was founded on the concept of INDIVUAL liberties in EVERY area of our lives, will be destroyed, not from without but from within by many of the people that have benefited most from a free market economy.

Hmmm one last added thought,,,anyone care to wager how long NPR would last in the entertainment/communication business IF they ever lost their Non-profit status? My personal belief would be less than a month.

A few breif thoughts and observatons.

1) "America, with its markets, stands alone as the leading, arguably sole, source of medical innovation."

Indeed that is so, and in other areas as well, but let us focus on the medical for now.

Remember Paul Winchel? He was a ventriloquist and a voice actor during the 1950's - 1980's. However he also helped in the developement of the artifical heart. Additionally, he designed and developed a blood plasma defroster. Not to shabby for a guy that made his living through his voice. Score one for capitalism.

2)"Indeed, speaking of the decade in capitalism, National Public Radio failed to mention that Joan Kroc, widow of Ray Kroc, the founder of McDonald's, left more than $200 million to NPR in 2003. Mrs. Kroc's generosity of spirit was her own, but the wampum is all capitalism's, baby."

Amazing no? A man takes a small hamburger store and developes it into a MULTIMILLION dollar international enterpise. Donating to charites, employing MILLIONS of people not only here in the states but later on throughtout the world. I dare the left to name one national or nternational governmental or socialist agency that could make a smiliar claim in the rising of the standard of living for the poor of the world. Score 2 for capitalism.

Just as a side note, Muslim nations have one of the poorest records for helping their brethern.

3)"Every good thing capitalism helps produce -- from singing careers to cures for diseases to staggering charity -- is credited to some other sphere of our lives. Every problem with capitalism, meanwhile, is laid at her feet. Except the problems with capitalism -- greed, theft, etc. -- aren't capitalism's fault, they're humanity's. Socialist countries have greedy thieves, too"

And isn't that bittersweet irony? It is the old "dammed if you do, dammed if you don't" theory.

Yet we hear nothing but crickets from NPR, when we hear about greedy government politicians. (Unless of course they are Conservatives). Men AND Women like Barney Frank, Charles Rangle, the late Senator Kennedy, Nancy Pelosi, and a host of other top DEMOCRAT, (no scratch that make it Socialist politians), are certainly counted in the ranks of the wealthy. And how did they get there? Well through sight of hand certainly but also, by making good investments. OMG! That evil capitalism even works for evil politicians. But does the MSM or NPR for ever lay ANY blame at their feet? I cannot recall them ever do so in my lifetime.

In conclusion, capitalims will continue to exist. It may end here, but nations such as China, and India, as the author has mentioned will carry the torch. It is a shame that our nation, which was founded on the concept of INDIVUAL liberties in EVERY area of our lives, will be destroyed, not from without but from within by many of the people that have benefited most from a free market economy.

Hmmm one last added thought,,,anyone care to wager how long NPR would last in the entertainment/communication business IF they ever lost their Non-profit status? My personal belief would be less than a month.

I think capitalism will survive in a modified form in China and thus indirectly here since we owe our souls to China now. We may not like this particular brand of capitalism but we won't have much choice in the matter. Unless the power of the world muslim caliphate will overtake the Chinese as well... In that case, the game will change.

I don't think the world caliphate will happen simply because China would not tolerate Islamo-facism very well. IMHO, they'd march on the middle east and use a scortched earth policy, no two stones left standing on one another.

ILEANA, modified capitalism or a different brand is not true capitalism; it's mercantilism, corporatism, and eventually turns to socialism and fascism. Although we are heading away from capitalism down this road, China is indeed heading in the opposite direction towards capitalism. As their middle class grows, however, the people will begin to demand more freedom and property rights. The result would either be a revolution and overthrow of the government or, more likely, the communist party will strike down and annihilate the people.

While capitalism puts the power of wealth in the hands of the people, the natural tendency is for those in power to centralize power and wealth for themselves. If people are not motivated by their own prosperity such as in a free market, they are motivated at the crack of a whip and barrel of a gun. China is a teetering and delicate balance that cannot last because the success of the last 250 or so years is due to the first motivation and rise of capitalism. A resort to the second type of motivation would mean a return to the less advanced world of lords and vassals that has pervaded much of history.

Really good blog about NPR though, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Very nice humor and irony. Sometimes humor is the only way to defuse the progressive insanity.

Interesting point, Riktor. What is your evidence that China will not tolerate Islamofascism?

China is already practicing mercantilism since it maintains a surplus of exports over imports.

Socialism already exists in this country in the advocacy of collective or government ownership or administration of some means of production.

Fascism is a totalitarian philosophy of government led by a dictator having complete power, suppressing all opposition, promoting racism, nationalism, and regulating all industry and commerce. Given the past year's events, we are on our way in this direction as well, save a few elements.

In my humble opinion, capitalism will survive in the U.S. in a modified form that will comprise elements of various economic and political philosophies, whatever the American public is willing to bear vis-a-vis governmental constraints or ownership of the means of production.

My only comment is that of a hearty AMEN!!!!

Well said Jonah.