Fascism, Aussie-style
October 27, 2008
Here's a question I've been pondering tonight: How devoid of morals, and ignorant of both economics and logic do you have to be to qualify as 'the leader' of Australia? The answer: Very
Apparently Kevin Rudd thinks that 'Extreme Capitalism' TM is what caused the economic crisis, and that the solution is to punish "fat cat" executives by limiting how much they can be paid, and other assorted heavy-handed government interference:
Rudd targets fat-cat salaries (BusinessDay)
Global crisis 'failure of extreme capitalism': Australian PM (AFP)
They're a couple of weeks old now, but a friend just brought them to my attention, completely spoiling my dinner, and precipitating this rant. Thanks David!
In case you haven't heard, there is no such thing as 'Extreme Capitalism' around. There isn't even a mild, watered-down version anywhere on this earth. You won't find it outside of the fond daydreams of capitalists (me included) who hope that it might take hold inside their own lifetimes.
In fact, except for North Korea and Cuba which are outright communist, the world only has variations of fascism which range from corrupt "crony-capitalism" to rigid state control of everything.
That's from Prof. George Reisman's evisceration of the myth that capitalism caused the current problem paralysing the world's economy. I linked to it in my last blog post, and if you haven't read it yet, you should:
http://georgereisman.com/blog/2008/10/myth-that-laissez-faire-is-responsible.html
Capitalism? Hah! Where?
And WTF is with the "fat cat" stuff? I'm betting none of the pro hate-speech folks are going to take him up on this smear attack. Yes, there are undoubtedly executives and businessmen who abuse the system for personal profit and short-term gains, but the politicians and bureaucrats have created the environment for this sort of behaviour to thrive. And the way to fix it is by actually allowing 'proper' capitalism - the thing they're blaming for the problem. These parasites (that was for the "fat cat" slur!) should look in the mirror.
Looking at this bastard's photo immediately reminded me of a certain politician with similar politics. The resemblance is remarkable.
(Photo credit AFP)
(Apologies to George Lucas)
Apparently Kevin Rudd thinks that 'Extreme Capitalism' TM is what caused the economic crisis, and that the solution is to punish "fat cat" executives by limiting how much they can be paid, and other assorted heavy-handed government interference:
Rudd targets fat-cat salaries (BusinessDay)
Global crisis 'failure of extreme capitalism': Australian PM (AFP)
They're a couple of weeks old now, but a friend just brought them to my attention, completely spoiling my dinner, and precipitating this rant. Thanks David!
In case you haven't heard, there is no such thing as 'Extreme Capitalism' around. There isn't even a mild, watered-down version anywhere on this earth. You won't find it outside of the fond daydreams of capitalists (me included) who hope that it might take hold inside their own lifetimes.
In fact, except for North Korea and Cuba which are outright communist, the world only has variations of fascism which range from corrupt "crony-capitalism" to rigid state control of everything.
"Laissez-faire capitalism has a definite meaning, which is totally ignored, contradicted, and downright defiled by such statements as those quoted above. Laissez-faire capitalism is a politico-economic system based on private ownership of the means of production and in which the powers of the state are limited to the protection of the individual's rights against the initiation of physical force. This protection applies to the initiation of physical force by other private individuals, by foreign governments, and, most importantly, by the individual's own government. This last is accomplished by such means as a written constitution, a system of division of powers and checks and balances, an explicit bill of rights, and eternal vigilance on the part of a citizenry with the right to keep and bear arms. Under laissez-faire capitalism, the state consists essentially just of a police force, law courts, and a national defense establishment, which deter and combat those who initiate the use of physical force. And nothing more."
That's from Prof. George Reisman's evisceration of the myth that capitalism caused the current problem paralysing the world's economy. I linked to it in my last blog post, and if you haven't read it yet, you should:
http://georgereisman.com/blog/2008/10/myth-that-laissez-faire-is-responsible.html
Capitalism? Hah! Where?
And WTF is with the "fat cat" stuff? I'm betting none of the pro hate-speech folks are going to take him up on this smear attack. Yes, there are undoubtedly executives and businessmen who abuse the system for personal profit and short-term gains, but the politicians and bureaucrats have created the environment for this sort of behaviour to thrive. And the way to fix it is by actually allowing 'proper' capitalism - the thing they're blaming for the problem. These parasites (that was for the "fat cat" slur!) should look in the mirror.
Looking at this bastard's photo immediately reminded me of a certain politician with similar politics. The resemblance is remarkable.
(Photo credit AFP)
(Apologies to George Lucas)