The Flaws of Current Capitalism and the Need for Reform
Capitalism, in its current form, is often criticized for its kleptocratic and rentier nature. This article explores the key issues within the present capitalist system, particularly focusing on the relationship between capital, labor, and access to basic subsistence needs.
Challenges and Disparities in the Current Capitalist System
Traditionally, capitalism is built on a foundation where private owners of means of production (often referred to as capital) exploit a subordinated class of workers who are forced to labor. This relationship is maintained by disarticulating the workers from their natural liberties, such as the primordial liberty to secure subsistence from the earth without restraint. Any negotiation for remuneration by laborers is inherently disadvantageous because their subsistence is at the mercy of their employers, a dynamic that often benefits major employers more than the sub-contractors or employees who work under them.
Reshaping Labor Relations for Fairness
The rigging of labor relations towards an employer’s advantage is often driven by the selfish motives of financiers who demand the exorbitant rents on their capital investment. This pursuit of maximum profits has led to frequent economic upheavals, as evidenced by repeated cycles of boom and bust. Albert Einstein’s prescient observation about such behavior being akin to insanity aptly describes the relentless pursuit of shareholder value over societal welfare.
The Systematic Flaws and the Misaligned Incentives
Independent of the economic cycles, the core issue lies in the entrenched dictators of finance. These individuals have a vested interest in maintaining the current system, as they benefit from the status quo, even as its detrimental effects on the real economy are felt. Their influence over politicians and the media (abstractly referred to as the supine MSM) further insulates them from accountability. The concept of exclusive private property in land, without due consideration for all individuals' basic needs, exacerbates the inequalities and undermines the inalienable rights of the general populace.
Addressing the Root Causes with Comprehensive Policy Changes
A civilized society must recognize that securing basic subsistence is a fundamental need of all its members. By legislating for exclusive private property in land, the state can ensure that every individual has a constitutional right to subsistence, effectively eliminating the primordial liberty to secure one's sustenance from the earth. This equitable exchange would provide a foundational framework for reducing inequalities and ensuring the well-being of all citizens.
Implementing Land Ownership and Subsistence Rights
For both primitive and civilized societies, the right to land is fundamental. For developed communities that claim to uphold the unalienable right to life, the practical acknowledgment of land ownership is crucial. This includes the jus soli (right of the soil) concept, which ensures that the land is a shared resource. In such a system, the state would need to mandate that land owners pay ground rent based on the area of the property, not its value, recognizing the nation's ownership of the entire territory.
Moreover, to ensure the practical realization of these rights, the state must provide subsistence to all its nationals. This would involve creating a legal framework that supports the principle of inalienable rights and the provision of food and shelter. For those who prefer to provide their own subsistence, cash equivalents would be provided to ensure everyone's basic needs are met.
Ensuring Libertarian Freedoms
Ultimately, these changes would empower all individuals to choose their cooperative or non-cooperative actions without fear of exploitation. Workers would have the freedom to decline or accept offers of employment based on their personal judgments, convictions, and interests.
By addressing the fundamental flaws of capitalism and implementing these policy changes, we can work towards a more equitable and just society that respects the inherent rights and needs of all individuals.