Economic Theories and the Role of Politics

[doc_bean]

What forces are behind either policy motivation for both ends of the specturm? Which do you feel is "best" and why? Which is best in the global environment?

I would think that capitalism would be popular when the average person can achieve a certain level of wealth and luxury. Communism is based on the idea that the working class is exploited, and so communist revolutions will often be a reaction of the poor to the rich. Socialism is similar, except without the nasty revolution aspect, countries like Venezuela have a large percentage of the population living in poverty.

Socialism in Europe (in its current form) got big after WWII, most countries (and the people) where poor, or at least had known serious hardship during the war. In modern day Europe I'd say socialism is mostly aimed to prevent situations where a large income gap exists between the poor and the rich, and it's part of our tradition.
This socialism allows the 'poor' to live up to their potential much easier (they don't have to work 3 jobs to go to college and pay of a loan for 20 years afterwards).

The best way ? Unbridled capitalism leads to a rather unstable situation with a few very rich people controlling most of the resources and industrial capacity, and having most of the political power. I'd say a bit of socialism is a good thing, certainly when it comes to children, rich children and poor children should have the same kind of chances, so that both can reach their full potential and contribute to society the most.

That, and I believe it's our duty as humans to take care of others, this can also be done by charity I know, but I'm far from convinced that's a better system (result-wise).

EDIT: too much socialism isn't a good thing either, since it breeds dependancy on the state, so a middle way is best