Capitalism is doomed. Is that a shocking statement? For me, it’s simply an obvious and logical statement.
Let’ s go with this simple definition of capitalism. “Capitalism is an economic and political system in which a country’s trade and industry are controlled by private owners for profit, rather than by the state.” The defining feature is that capitalism is for profit, and it is the main downfall of the system.
It is smart? is it for the betterment of society? Is it sustainable? Will it damage the environment in such a way as to limit or destroy life on Earth? None of these issues are considered in capitalism. In fact, in the capitalist system, if a company is not maximizing profits the shareholders can sue the board of directors to make them maximize profits whether or not it is good for the company in the long run or good for humans in general.
The capitalist system maintains wealth in the upper echelons of society. Shareholders invest in companies and thus promote the profit making and profit taking aspect of the company rather than its benevolent side. The capitalist system can turn a perfectly beneficial company into a pariah.
The capitalist system allowed the tobacco industry to lie and withhold important research from the public in order to make profit for the shareholders. The capitalist system has allowed petroleum companies to sell vast amounts of their product even though CO2 emissions from petroleum are the main driver of climate change.
It’s a stupid system. Either we kill capitalism or it will kill us. What will take its place? My guess is it will be a hybrid system that promotes initiative and creativity, while having checks and balances that maximize the chances of betterment for society.
johndanieltwelker 
Sadly, you are looking through dark glasses.
Free market capitalism is not what you are trying to kill. Crony Capitalism is what you have described.
The crony part is the influence thru well paid lobbyist to restrict free markets, to direct and dictate the preferences of the weakness of those we elect.
The well paid, scripted puppets, who do the bidding to control the marketplace.
LikeLike
https://fee.org/articles/lets-take-the-crony-out-of-crony-capitalism/
Please read this excellent article written by John Stossel in 2010 which still timelessly resonates today – the difference between Capitalism and Crony Capitalism.
You know how much I admire and respect your path in life, experience and passion.
Political science and finance were my pursuits, and people are my passion.
LikeLike
I read the article, Sandy. The author proposes to take the crony out of capitalism, that is, to remove the relationship between “government, big business, and big labor.” How does that solve the main issue? I agree that crony capitalism is a scourge, but then we’re back to free market capitalism which is a flawed, stupid system, and by stupid I mean lack of intelligence and common sense. The main goal of business must be for the betterment of society. If we agree on that, then make it the main objective. Capitalism means that profit is the main objective. Who’s profit? Shareholders? The executive leaders of the company? Actually, I have not read it but there is a book on this called Economics for Human Betterment.
LikeLike
I am willing to move towards your feelings about capitalism (being stupid). Somehow, being we are so busy with all we do each day, it would be delightful to create a day, often enough, to share our views, face to face.
I can dream.
Best Regards.
LikeLike