Capitalism...

cap·i·tal·ism

   [kap-i-tl-iz-uhm]  Show IPA

noun

an economic system in which investment in and ownership of the means of production, distribution, and exchange of wealth is madeand maintained chiefly by private individuals or corporations,especially as contrasted to cooperatively or state-owned meansof wealth. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/capitalism

Sounds fair enough right? Business owned privately, exchange of wealth, economic growth, jobs.

These are buzz words I hear all the time to advocate our version of capitalism. And it sounds great. That it would grow and become self sustaining even better... collectively we all as a nation benefit from this idea.

But last night it hit me... this is not a self sustaining system at all... the form of capitalism that has grown in the United States sits squarely like a monkey on the back of big government. Corporations seek profits plain and simple. 

Investment in growing a workforce and care of the elderly are placed under the responsibility of public education and social aid programs. Lobbyists hold the ears of our electorate to council beneficial legislation... for our citizens? No... for the greater good of capitalism... you know, that system with a ravenous appetite to consume more and more without accountability or benefit to any other than the bottom line. 

In reality I think Democracy and Capitalism are both good. It is simply the manner in which the two have become perverted within our country that I believe needs scrutiny... these days, these times... we are not self sustaining.

Food for thought.