> : Perhaps someone here can help me understand the rational for a > : system like this and why I would want to be a part of it?
Of course this is rather off-topic but what the hell.... I've read arguments to the effect that essentially all life forms act in ways to ensure their continued existence by any means available to them, including those detrimental to other life forms and even - to some extent - members of their own species. But of course none can exist on their own so symbiotic relationships are developed which, in the long run, are mutually beneficial to the individuals/species involved. The notion of free markets, at least on an idealistic level, is somewhat like this: selfish individuals/entities, free of market restraints, acting in cooperative ways take are mutually beneficial. I guess I agree with this to some extent, though capitalism as practiced in the present day U.S. seems to me to be a different animal. Here we have allowed government and corporations to become very powerful (ie. we haven't acted in our own self-interest). As this entities act in ways that further their own short-term interests - empire building / market domination - their and our long-term interests (a sustainable diverse free market economy and environment) are becoming compromised. When you consider how much wealth and power is in this country, its rather baffling why the general populace hasn't demanded a more equitable distribution, be it livable wages, affordable health care or meaningful political input. Oh well - don't worry, be happy. Beaker
