Should we officially reinstate slavery & exploited labour enforced by war as the basis for the world economy?

Question

I can't escape the fact that the direction we are heading in is one of a massively polarised society in which there are some people (and with globalisation, nations) who have financial control over material wealth, & others who do the work & yet have no control. Massively disparate levels of relative wealth in societies that call themselves committed to equality & freedom causes discontent as the gulf between principle & reality deepens. Looking at the prevalence of cheap (& in some cases free) labour for the health of global capitalism, to which there has been no challenge since the collapse of the Soviet Union, should we just have masters and unwaged slaves & simply encourage the masters to treat the slaves well and look after them? Should we, in other words, embrace the feudal society fully, as this is what we have in effect already but the disparity between the liberal ideal & the reality causes discontent rather than people simply knowing their place? What is the alternative?

Answer 1

We already have it.

Answer 2

The United States had set itself on the path of the most logical course which was a blended system, in my believe there is no "perfect system" including capitalism. While capitalism can lift people up to higher standard of living, unregulated capitalism can be the bane of the world, let's not forget the history of the robber barons. So in essence the ideal system is a capitalist based society with a well regulated commerce division to insure labor rights and containing a social safety net for those who are unabale to take advantage of the system such as the elderly, the disabled, the mentally ill, etc. Also without a strong education system people are at a real disadvantage in the market and Nationally I would think we would value education above many other priorities since this mechanism can help guarentee individuals can assimilate into the well regulated business environment.

Also Leroy Boy is wrong there are many hurdles that some individuals face that prevent them from taking advantage of what the system has to offer but people like Leroy have failed to grasp this fundemental truth, again how can the impoverished take advantage of higher education at today's prices, how about the mentally ill? The Disabled? That arguement doesn't hold water

Answer 3

In feudal societies the poor lacked even the most basic human essentials and rights. This is only true today of nations which have quite simply proved incapable of embracing the ethics essential for a functioning modern society. China and India are demonstrating that we now have the skills to control a modern economy. The USSR collapsed from within because it ignored economic realities. The Chinese were wise enough to learn from this. Modern economists are now convinced that an economy exhibiting an organic flexibility is the answer and a degree of proof now exists. There will always be those with excessive wealth. The opportunity for wealth is after all what drives an economy. What is important is that sufficient wealth is available for the ordinary person to lead a decent life and the economy to be vibrant enough to make true exploitation quite simply unnecessary. A political approach to economic planning is inappropriate and is invariably incapable of reacting to realities which it does not like to the point of bloody mindedness and disaster for all.

Answer 4

Err. no.


Respectfully, there are some flaws in your premises. Yes, there are people that have more control over material wealth, but, at least in the USA, every person has control over their personal decisions. People can determine their outcome. With work you can make more money. Also, people in administrative positions do work, too. In fact, they make the fundamental decisions that determine the success of the company. They get paid for leadership.

But yes, there is labor exploitation in other countries. Where do you find that exploitation, but in totalitarian countries. The problem isn't capitalism, but government structure.

Finally, the government can't grant equal results. That is up to the individual. All government can do is insure people have the opportunity. People have to take advantage of those opportunities, according to their abilities. Not everyone is equal in ability, just humanity (and some people give up that equality based on their actions, but that is another matter), so some people remain laborers, while others become administrators. Sorry for the harsh truth.

That doesn't mean I'm a defeatist, like your proposition, but a realist. Individuals need to assess their abilities and passions and make the most of it. All the mor reason for government to stay out of people's lives.

Answer 5

I think Marx said that within every economic system lie the seeds of it's own destruction. I think people are beginning to become more aware of the fact that we enjoy cheap consumer goods at the expense of the poor people who make them, not the owners of the companies. I also beleieve the ordinary man and woman cares far more deeply about the welfare of others than politicians would like to think. It's in everyones interest to improve the system not replace it with an infinitely worse one.
I think politicians understand that the continuance of the current situation will (eventually) lead to social unrest. If something isn't done there will be bloodshed. The workers will not submit to such a cruel and unjust system as feudalism, even in a modern form.

Answer 6

you may think that that would be easier, however there are different ways of achieving the same aim. It is already happening and if left unchecked will be here soon. Open slavery would be too expensive because you would then have to look after your slaves and keep them fit , train them etc. This is all now being done voluntarily by people who succumb to greed. American dream!!! there is no such thing, it is simply a propaganda machine to make people think that they have some opportunity to better themselves, all it is, is a carrot to keep the donkey moving forward.
The real answer is less government , less police state and responsibility and rights for citizens. Will that happen? no chance. People might actually say we do not want that new gadget. 1984 is here already, just a few years later .I share your pessimism.

Answer 7

The export of manufacturing jobs to the far east,and eastern European states. Provokes two emotions, the hope that those countries, will be able to raise the standard of living, for their population.And the loss the jobs for locals. The problem being companies like Wall-mart who seem to take capitalism to it's most extreme and are now trying to bring back you work when we need you,no contract of employment no legal rights for workers. Just a phone call you can work to-day,but only for 2 hours at this time. This seems to me poor management look after the people you employ and they will look after you his my experience.

Answer 8

the full impact of water you are talking about, is about to hit us.
when the road charges come out and all the outher added things
they will inflict on us, any one on about six quid an hour will earn nothing that wont be paid out to the power companies and rods ext theyl be nowt left for him. he certainly will not be able to grow by starting hi own business.Because, even if he could the big companies will steal his ideas, without a second glance.
The answer is to abolish massive companies that want every thing they see spread the wealth to small and medium size, firms . and their workers get rid of the blood suckers, and give the earth a chance, and business.

Answer 9

People have fought long and hard for the limited freedom that is available in western society. I for one would not tolerate what you are suggesting. We all have the responsibility to maintain and expand our rights and freedoms. Whenever it is possible we should help others do the same. There some shameful things visited upon people who do not have rights and freedoms. Freedom is worth protecting.

Answer 10

It's never gone away. We should be doing what we can to stamp it out and ensure that some of the million dollar bonuses paid to the CEOs filter their way down to the kids in the Third World who actually make the trainers etc . Also, those found guilty of people trafficking should be severely punished.

Answer 11

Upon thus we build the basis of rebellion, refer to history, and no matter how strong the proposed masters, I take it you had not placed yourself among the waifs, the masses wil, eventually, overcome.

As a race, we are sitting on a big time bomb, with our bollocks dangling close to the exlosion, and with some, mostly American, with as much bollocks in their heads, thinking "we will be alright, for we are the masters", you never hear the bang that blows your bollocks off.