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From: Jennifer Harper
T1: jharper@mountaincreek.com
Date: 10/21/99
Time: 2:24:41 PM
Remote Name: 209.123.203.162
This class and our discussions have definitely made me question my own morals and those of the (as Tark would say) "rotten capitalists." I may have the idealism of a young naive student, but I believe everyone makes their own decisions. By this I mean that the Ceo of Nike and his stockholders make decisions that seriously impact others. They decide to move their factories overseas and exploit Third World workers. As the American people we think this is ok- well we must if we never try to do anything about it. I think the only thing that would stop this type of imperialism would be international labor laws and higher import export taxes.
Do I think this will happen- not anytime soon. I feel sick everytime I watch something on the upcoming Presidential election. Once again money means everything. Someone with excellent integrity and humane intentions would never get the chance to become our president unless they were backed with large amounts of income. In order to get this money most candidates rely on donations. Once a company makes a donation you start to feel a certain obligation not to piss them off. Granted companies are not out and out bribing the candidates, but they might as well be. If big business doesn't want you in office then you simply aren't getting any money and you won't be able to afford to be in the race. Elizabeth Dole just dropped out of the running for this exact reason. Of course, even with a decent president- we still would need a better Congress and Senate- and there is simply too large a margin for corruption.
At the same time, I love the notion that I can do and be anything- and yes I have huge aspirations for myself. If I lived in a communist or socialist country I am not sure I would have the same chances. I think the main issue is the moralty of people and since the beginning of time people have been corrupt. But, I hope that enough people in my generation have seen the suffering of those countries we invade and the suffering of Americans so that when given the chance we chose human lives over profits. After all, what really makes you happy? Sure, I am happy each time I buy a new pair of shoes and I am sure everyone is this class has an inner materialist living in them. But looking back at your life- I don't think (or at least I hope) that the best moment in your life was getting a new car- hopefully it was family vacations, sunrises at the beach, good times with your friends- all things that money cannot buy.
Sometimes I think that I look at things as either black or white- good or bad- and don't look at all the gray in between. Capitalism is a system that can be used or abused- corruption happens in any system when people become greedy and out of control. Without capitalism I would not be where I am today- my family would not be where we are and the list goes on. I hope that someday people who truly care will have power. I think capitalism can exist without imperialism. It's not as if we don't have the space for the factories- think of how many empty warehouses you see everyday.
But as always- I'll probably be presented with an argument that will completely change my mind.
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