Why is capitalism 'freer' than socialism?

[civver_764]

I'm not really a socialist or capitalist(don't have enough info to have an informed opinion one way or another), but why is it that capitalism is consistently seen as the choice defending freedom? Maybe the definitions I have for the two are wrong, but it seems the opposite to me.

So, right wingers in particular, why is that you think capitalism is freer? Or am I just straw manning and you don't really think that at all?

 

[GenMarshall]

Well it's "freer" because it enables the Capitalists to exploit and abuse there workers.

 

[crabapple]

I'm not really a socialist or capitalist(don't have enough info to have an informed opinion one way or another), but why is it that capitalism is consistently seen as the choice defending freedom? Maybe the definitions I have for the two are wrong, but it seems the opposite to me.

So, right wingers in particular, why is that you think capitalism is freer? Or am I just straw manning and you don't really think that at all?

Freedom is seen as a good trait, therefore any ideology that wants to appeal to the masses calls itself free. Regardless if its free or not

 

[Joecoolyo]

It's freer because in a capitalist society, I can choose where I would want to get a service (i.e. Wal-Mart or my local store), while in a socialist one, I only have one choice. So in a sense it's freer to be in a capitalist society than a socialist one.

 

[TheAlamo]

It's freer because in a capitalist society, I can choose where I would want to get a service (i.e. Wal-Mart or my local store), while in a socialist one, I only have one choice. So in a sense it's freer to be in a capitalist society than a socialist one.

You have just demonstrated that you do not know what socialism is.

 

[Shekwan]

There may not necessarily only be one choice in a socialist system. Purely capitalist and socialist societies are not very free.

 

[civver_764]

while in a socialist one, I only have one choice.

How's that?

 

[Munch]

It is considered more free in an economic sense. If economic freedom is important to you, you will naturally consider socialism to be an infringement on your ability to freely use your capital as you see fit.

 

[Ekolite]

Socialism is freer then Capitalism in my opinion. It's freer in the sense that you can get free healthcare, free education, and free support when you need it most. In a purely capitalistic society these would not be available freely.

 

[Quackers]

Free?

You have to pay very high taxes to pay for those and they are often not as well run and the private sector do.

 

[Integral]

Socialism is freer then Capitalism in my opinion. It's freer in the sense that you can get free healthcare, free education, and free support when you need it most. In a purely capitalistic society these would not be available freely.

It ain't free.

 

[Ekolite]

You pay taxes, and the rich pay more taxes then the poor

And of course the defining point, they all get the same quality.

 

[emzie]

It ain't free.

Of course not, but there is a sense of freedom in equality.

 

[Ecofarm]

My (legally restricted to somewhat ethical means, including national defense and I suppose reasonable public infrasrtucture) money/labor, I do what I want. Don't take my labor and do what you want, that's not freedom.

If I work my ass off for some money, spending it is the same thing as my speech via my support. Don't tell me what I should support; my choice, my freedom.

The more money you take out of my pocket, at gunpoint nonetheless, the more freedom you take from my mouth.

 

[Flying Pig]

Capitalism in its truest sense is literally just letting you do pretty much what you want. Socalists say that if you need to work to live you are not actually free, and so by imposing control on your life they force you to be free. Somehow, this works.

 

[civver_764]

My (legally restricted to somewhat ethical means) money/labor, I do what I want. Don't take my labor and do what you want, that's not freedom.

It should be noted that I'm not talking about authoritarian socialism of any sort. Your argument actually works against capitalism(taking your labor).

 

[Defiant47]

It only has the illusion of freedom. You have the freedom to choose where to work, what to buy, and so on. But really, you don't. You either work for me right now, since I'm the one who's offering you a job, or you go on the streets, unable to pay rent or electricity. Then you do what I tell you.

You don't want to be my slave anymore? That's fine. You will always have the freedom to quit your job or try to do something else. The fact that this "freedom" comes at the price of being able to stay afloat should reveal just how free you really are.

Of course, be born into upper class and you have none of these problems. You'll truly have the freedom to choose as you wish.

Freedom is seen as a good trait, therefore any ideology that wants to appeal to the masses calls itself free. Regardless if its free or not

Also this.

 

[Quackers]

Of course not, but there is a sense of freedom in equality.

I haven't heard this before. Care to explain why i will feel freerer if we are all equal? (I assume in a financial sense).

 

[warpus]

It's freer because in a capitalist society, I can choose where I would want to get a service (i.e. Wal-Mart or my local store)

Not necessarily. In a purely unregulated capitalist economy a lot of monopolies would form - reducing your choice to 1.

 

[Flying Pig]

If there's only one job around and you haven't the money to live without working, a socialist would say that you are as good as a slave. Capitalists would disagree since in principle you can find another way of making money.