Socialism

[rotorgun]

Any system can be exploited. Capitalism certainly is. As for excommunication, just try to live a subsistence lifestyle in a market economy. It isn't impossible but it is quite difficult.

The words "work" and "laziness" are cultural constructions based on real actions (or inaction). Work used to mean an expenditure of calories. Now it is bound up with cultural meaning. It's actually a value now with real moral currency. Selling your labor power for wages is now seen as the only real "work" out there. If you don't do this, you are deemed "lazy". Somehow the person who stays home and takes care of an elderly parent or child is seen as "not working".

Socialism attempts to redefine these terms. Work is something that is done for the greater collective whole. As for laziness, I say it is the price you pay. I will gladly accept that some "lazy" people will mooch off of the system if it means everyone who is hungry gets fed. No system is perfect. To reject an entire system just because some will exploit it seems to be throwing out the baby with the bathwater.

True, any system can and will be exploited; corruption is in the very nature of man. Come let us reason together, however. I was speaking of that "work" which we do for wages, not all "work" that we do. As for the "lazy" you refer to, I am addressing those who are capable of making an honest wage, but refuse to-depending on the benevolence of those who do. This takes resources away from being able to provide for those truly in need, such as "the person who stays home and takes care of an elderly parent or child" you say seen as "not working". I say that we must reform both systems and dedicate more resources to educating people to a better way of thinking. The "baby" you refer to is not a baby at all, but in most cases a perfectly healthy adult who wants to take a nice vacation at home while the rest of us pay for it. Do not presume to equate this concept as a lack of charitable sentiment on my part please.

PS: I hate to leave this fine discussion, but I must now go and perform some caloric output style work and cut my free loading grass.