Globalisation v Parochialism

TruckerT

Conrad wrote: »

The latest x-box is being discussed in the Guardian online, where you will find erstwhile anti - capitalist / anti globalisation protagonists cheerfully discussing their looking forward to enjoying their new x-box.

I see this hypocrisy repeated ad - infenitum.

This is the reality of capitalism and why it won't ever disappear.

Yep, I totally agree, but I would replace the word 'capitalism' with the word 'consumerism'.

But I still strongly believe that we should begin to look very closely at the decline of much of what we have all been taking for granted over the last few decades.

TruckerT

CLAPTON

It would seem to be a bit like the 'peak' oil argument that was about to stop capitalism and society in its tracks.

I would say that the general model will survive another 1000 years or so and expect no general return to cottage industries where people work long hours for peanuts.

TruckerT

CLAPTON wrote: »

It would seem to be a bit like the 'peak' oil argument that was about to stop capitalism and society in its tracks.

I would say that the general model will survive another 1000 years or so and expect no general return to cottage industries where people work long hours for peanuts.

I am 64 and skint. I receive more in pension credits, housing benefit, heating allowances and free bus travel than I would be able to earn from a 40-hour week as a truck driver.

Is this the upside of capitalism, or is it the downside? How long can it continue?

TruckerT

CLAPTON

TruckerT wrote: »

I am 64 and skint. I receive more in pension credits, housing benefit, heating allowances and free bus travel than I would be able to earn from a 40-hour week as a truck driver.

Is this the upside of capitalism, or is it the downside? How long can it continue?

TruckerT

It has absolutely nothing to do with capitalism.

It has a lot to do with a madman that thought he has abolished boom and bust.

I would also suggest that you are not skint.

chewmylegoff

TruckerT wrote: »

It's to do with the exploitation of labour, which in your example does not take place.

TruckerT

History seems to suggest that when labour is exploited by the state instead of private individuals things are worse. Do you disagree?

chewmylegoff

TruckerT wrote: »

I am 64 and skint. I receive more in pension credits, housing benefit, heating allowances and free bus travel than I would be able to earn from a 40-hour week as a truck driver.

Is this the upside of capitalism, or is it the downside? How long can it continue?

TruckerT

Do you have running water and central heating?

grizzly1911

CLAPTON wrote: »

It has absolutely nothing to do with capitalism.

It has a lot to do with a madman that thought he has abolished boom and bust.

I would also suggest that you are not skint.

I would suggest that madman was only part of the puzzle. It has been brewing since the 70s and no one party has tackled the decline simply keeping the plates spinning. Passing the parcel with less wrappers on it and sadly less tricks left each time.

CLAPTON

grizzly1911 wrote: »

I would suggest that madman was only part of the puzzle. It has been brewing since the 70s and no one party has tackled the decline simply keeping the plates spinning. Passing the parcel with less wrappers on it and sadly less tricks left each time.

In general yes, but the period since 1997 saw a massive increase in entitlement including credits for the 'middle classes', ridiculous housing benefits allowances etc etc.

TruckerT

chewmylegoff wrote: »

History seems to suggest that when labour is exploited by the state instead of private individuals things are worse. Do you disagree?

Nope, I agree entirely

chewmylegoff wrote: »

Do you have running water and central heating?

I do indeed, but I have lived in circumstances where I had neither, and it really isn't a problem.

TruckerT

ps - chucknorris is agonising over how to spend thousands of pounds precisely in order to get away from a centrally heated, running water, environment!

chewmylegoff

TruckerT wrote: »

Nope, I agree entirely



I do indeed, but I have lived in circumstances where I had neither, and it really isn't a problem.

TruckerT

ps - chucknorris is agonising over how to spend thousands of pounds precisely in order to get away from a centrally heated, running water, environment!

So what is your suggested antidote to capitalism?

P.s. I am happy to bulldoze chucknorris's house for a small fee if it will make him happier.