I myself am a fan and student of the "dismal science." and have read Smith and Keynes et al.
Good to hear, then you know that much of economics is inevitably tied in with sociology and psychology (the nature of man). This means that there can be more than one possible effective outcome, and absolutes rarely apply.
I see in your profile that you were both MIL/CIV. How is it that you can reconcile the situations in the former Warsaw bloc nations with your ideas of current western European socialism. The bill has not yet come due on Europe's social programs.
First off, there is no parallel or comparison between the EU nations and their economies (as well as non-EU Western Europe) and with the Soviet style communism which rained a dark curtain over freedom, both religious and economic with in the former soviet block. None what so ever, full stop.
Secondly, with regard to the "Bill".. I'd argue (and the economic data bares out that the average US citizen has a far larger debt, both personal and national than the citizen of the EU.
(now, pardon the source being European, but this is really worth a quick read.. trust me, feel free to research the date anywhere you like, it's quite factual, we're in far too much debt, and the Chinese own most of it)
http://www.taurillon.org/Europe-vs-USA-Whose-Economy-Wins
I would suggest that you read P.J O'Rourke's book "Eat The Rich" if you want a view of what socialism and the accompanying corruption that comes with it brings to nations. Also check out John Lott's Freedomnomics.
I rarely read ideologues, but I am quite familiar with his writings from back in his Rolling Stone days.. I simply am not a subscriber to civil libertarianism, neither on a social level or an economic level... man is simply too selfish, and this rubs my "Christian" senses the wrong way.
I am reticent to personalize the argument here FMS (in part because you are a moderator and probably have access to my personal information), but your views since leaving the military, I can only imagine, have been shaped by the propaganda and brainwashing of airline labor unions. These are the same labor unions that are holding you down, yet somehow you have the illusion that they are protecting you. You can take all your education and experience and be tacked to the bottom of another airline's seniority list because of your union. If you gamble your career on the wrong airline you will end up a career FO.
First off, my position as moderator means absolutely nothing unless you cross the line into insult and uncivil behavior against forum rules. I have neither access to, nor desire to view your personal data. However, be warned that if you report a post, I do get copy of your email address, but is the extent of my access to your data.
As for unions.. I am ambivalent on this topic. I strongly agree that as part of the needed counter balance to the ability of a manger to apply pressure on an employee (wage, productivity, etc), the employee needs as a balance, thru unity with his fellows the need to be able to apply equal counter pressure in order to gain what is best for him. With that said, the system that was originally set up by United Airlines pilots and evolved into ALPA is broken and we need a national seniority system, or to replace the union with a European style guild.
I also took an oath to uphold and defend the constitution as you once did. That you now see fit to disparage our country leaves me shaking my head in disbelief.
This merits emphasis as it's the closest thing to a personal attack in your otherwise cordial exchange..
Self criticism is a freedom I fought for, and consider the greatest of American virtues. The Soviets, and Chinese would never prosecute a citizen for standing up for his country and form of government, but they both have executed many for what I do.
Do you honestly believe that European style socialism will be better for the U.S? European's are so sophisticated and so much more mature that they started the last two world wars and had a cold war that lasted over 40 years. More than 70 million people have been murdered there through warfare in the last century. The French still hate the Germans. The British still hate the French. Dutch speaking Belgians still hate French speaking Belgians. West Germans still harbor animosity towards East Germans and the drain it put on their economy. This is sophistication?
All ancient history in todays fast moving world. I happen to STRONGLY believe (and you might get a kick out of this, seeing as how I disparage America).. that the US had its best days in the 1920s thru 1950's.. that "Golden Era" set us both culturally, and socially above the world, no ifs' ands or buts... Today, we're a far cry from that America, and the EU has (I argue) evolved to where we should have been, had we remained on this path. There was a time when GM made some of the best cars.. Today BMW or Porsche is not even comparable to a CadillacChadic or Chevy. The Spread of McDonnalds, Starbucks and Walmart has replaced the "mom and pop" dinner, coffee shop, and local grocery.. The EU hasn't quite thrown the small business man under the buss (yet).. They still codify thru statute that certain business will not be aloud (socialist? sure...)
You made Mention of German Cars and French luxury goods. Great, How about French Cars, German Art and English Cuisine? You see, IMHO Europe doesn't have it all in one place. There are parts to like from each culture, but I for one would not trade my middle class American lifestyle for that of the average European.
See above, but I don't meet a lot of Europeans who feel this way.. Not like the "old days" when the US a dream for most Europeans to migrate to. Today, most I meet (flying in and out of the rest of the world), are more than happy to remain "European".
Do I work harder than the average European? Probably yes. Am I happier than the average European Most likely yes. I work hard by choice, because I want nice things and to provide security for my family.
For me, what provides security for my family is seeing me.. Having quality time together. Time to go on long family trips, and time to see my little ones grow.. Not 70 hour work weeks, and the push for more and more from the working man in order to make his boss richer and richer..
Let me close with a question for you. When you were obtaining your undergrad and MBA did you do just enough work to get a C in the class?
If not, then might I suggest there is still a little capitalist left in you . I'm guessing (by your well written posts) that you worked hard and got straight A's. Maybe you did this for economic reason's (to obtain a scholarship)? Maybe you did it because you have a sense of pride in doing the best job that you can. Well, in working hard to get a grade higher than a C you were screwing over all the other slackers in the class. Life, like college is graded on a Bell Curve. If you are happy in the middle getting a C don't disparage those working hard or talented enough to get straight A's.
I was a 3.1 GPA student, I didn't apply myself as much as I could have, but I didn't slack.. My greatest mistake was not taking my education and doing something with it.. My greatest mistake was to pursue a love of flying.. But in the end, I'm a lot better off than the starving man in Uganda, or the dying husband who's regrets not spending more time with his wife and kids as he faces death.
I also like the idea that a man, born with fewer gifts than I, can live in a wealthy country that will take care of him.. or a disabled vet will have a pension to look after him in his old age.. I like the social safety net, it's worth my tax dollar.
