US Election 2004

On Sept 10, philosopher Andrew Bernstein discussed the election, capitalism, and his upcoming book The Capitalist Manifesto (estimated release Spring 2005).  Previously, a draft introduction to the book was published in Capitalism Magazine; it reads in part:

Many intellectuals, journalists and politicians are unable to recognize the virtues of capitalism because of the influence of the German philosopher, Karl Marx (1818-1883.) Marx is obviously mistaken in his belief that socialist countries will out-produce capitalist ones and achieve greater prosperity -- and few people believe this anymore. But Marx's case for socialism and against capitalism is primarily on moral, not on economic grounds. He believes that prosperous individuals are rich because they have victimized the poor, and that the government must redress the injustice by forcibly re-distributing income. Most of our current welfare policies and regulation of business proceed from Marx's enduring influence. In economic terms, the case for capitalism in opposition to all forms of socialism is overwhelming and unanswerable. Empirical fact and the writings of the great free-market economists combine to show this. Unfortunately, not many people are aware of the economic arguments supporting capitalism, and fewer of the moral and philosophical ones. [A. Bernstein, Introduction to The Capitalist Manifesto, Capitalism Magazine, 4/1/2003]

While President Bush does not have the first clue as to the moral and philosophical foundations of capitalism, Senator Kerry has demonstrated an enthusiasm for acting upon Marx’s premise.  For more on the moral and philosophical foundations of capitalism, read the full introduction.

During the Sept. 10th interview, the question of who to choose in the election came up and Bernstein picked Bush because of the War against Terrorism.  To paraphrase his estimation of the two candidates:  on a hundred point scale for fighting the war Bush is a one, but Kerry is a zero.  Dr. Bernstein has been consistent in this evaluation since I saw him in the spring.

To hear the full interview of Andrew Bernstein on the Peter Mac Show go HERE (real audio).    

Image Source: AndrewBernstein.net

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