Another one bites the dust!

[Exterminator]

While I am a capitalist, it is becoming increasingly obvious to me that we have become a society that holds money in such high regard that we view virtually anything done to acquire it as good by extension.  It is a truism that money does not spontaneously generate and wealth can only be amassed by redistribution; that is, for someone to make more money, lots of other people will have to part with theirs.  In the presence of a truly innovative product or service that makes life easier or more pleasurable, people part with their money willingly in exchange for the associated perceived improvement in lifestyle.  Since the number and frequency of such innovations is limited almost by definition, most wealth now is amassed by either forcing others to part with their money or through deceit.  Our current socio-political structure enables this behavior by creating politicians who are beholden to their campaign contributors and pass legislation to benefit them or remove legislation that would make their deceitful practices illegal.

Here in Indianapolis, there is a story unfolding of yet another individual who has been, perhaps even within the letter of the law, taking people's "investment" money and essentially bankrolling his lavish lifestyle with it.  This person is very well connected politically...it'll be interesting to see where this goes.

[Henry Hawk]

maybe this guy can hook up with Marcus Schrenker for Thanksgiving this year....

[pariann]

I was hearing about that raid this morning on the radio.   But then I had to go to work....and haven't heard anything more.

[Palehorse]

Cripes, another scammer. . . It's why wealth can be harder work than slinging garbage or digging ditches!

[Exterminator]

maybe this guy can hook up with Marcus Schrenker for Thanksgiving this year....

Schrenker wants to be this guy much in the same way this guy wants to be Bernard Madoff.

Daniels and Brizzi can't put enough distance between themselves and Durham fast enough.  LMAO!

[Y]

While I am a capitalist, it is becoming increasingly obvious to me that we have become a society that holds money in such high regard that we view virtually anything done to acquire it as good by extension.  It is a truism that money does not spontaneously generate and wealth can only be amassed by redistribution; that is, for someone to make more money, lots of other people will have to part with theirs.  In the presence of a truly innovative product or service that makes life easier or more pleasurable, people part with their money willingly in exchange for the associated perceived improvement in lifestyle.  Since the number and frequency of such innovations is limited almost by definition, most wealth now is amassed by either forcing others to part with their money or through deceit.  Our current socio-political structure enables this behavior by creating politicians who are beholden to their campaign contributors and pass legislation to benefit them or remove legislation that would make their deceitful practices illegal...

For years I've been trying to get it across to people that Capitalism is just another economic system with pitfalls and flaws like the rest and just as subject to abuse - and it's certainly not from the 'hand of Gawd'.

I notice that even though there's plenty for people of the 'conservative/free enterprise/religious' to think about in your post, they've not given it much play at all.  Shame, it would make for interesting discussion.

Anyway, I now welcome you to the 'Dark Side', Luke.   

The next thing you know is you'll be questioning Mom, the Flag, and Apple Pie.   

From there on it'll be the military and all the other authority figures.   

Yer' bound fer' hay-ell, bwah!   

[Exterminator]

Anyway, I now welcome you to the 'Dark Side', Luke.   

Yeah; like this is my first foray into that realm!