From: Kapitalism-AT-pseud.pseud
Subject: M-INTRO: Dealing with extremes and the unknown
Date: Mon, 29 Oct 2001 10:50:31 -0700


I have read a lot of different responses and submissions to this discussion
group this semester.  Although many of us are new to Marx's writings, it
would seem that many individuals are using absolute extremes to support
their ideas.  Using the extreme examples (Bill Gates, Michael Jordan, Osama
Bin Laden, etc) to describe the ills of capitalism or Marxism is not
consistent with observing a society or general philosophy in realistic
terms.  It would also seem that some in this group even believe these people
would not exist in a Marxist society.
The second misnomer I would like to point out is that a lot of people
participating in this discussion are getting confused about the number of
possessions people in either a Marxist or capitalist society are allowed to
have or own.  There is also the desire factor that is not really being
addressed even amongst people that believe in Marxist philosophies.  Even if
one is a Marxist or is restricted by their state or government from
possessing material wealth, this does not mean that this person will not
still desire a new automobile, dress, or better food.  Furthermore, I
believe that Marxists, or a school of Marx would promote the production of
more possessions if it benefited society and assisted the state in growing.
Even though Bill Gates has a greater piece of individual wealth than is
needed by one person, I will not pretend to know if his motivation is
accumulation of more wealth or the quest to have more based on his success.
Marx would support Bill Gates if he was able to deliver an efficient
computer operating system (not that it is) at an affordable price to
society, especially if it assisted in promoting the development of the
state.  However, I am no longer interested in speculation and I do not care
to say what governments or individuals might do.  It is important that we
stay away from predicting desires and motivation when we are not positively
certain.  People are individuals and consumption habits cannot be simply
based on an economic philosophy whether the system attempts to alter those
thoughts or not.


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