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Originally Posted by publius
Well put. Thus far I have yet to encounter another system that is capitalism's equal, much less its superior.
On the other hand lies the social-liberal - a cutesy euphemism for the socialist - who generally advocates that government be in everybody's business. Few appear to be interested in the middle path where corporations make their happy profit and the individual retains his full liberty.
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May I make a couple of point? First, how does one measure the value of an economic system? Is it strictly the living standards of the majority of its people? For example, during the colonial period, the English enjoyed better living standards than their Indian and African counterparts because they were able to exploit them. I will perhaps enrage some by suggesting that in many ways, Cuba provides a shining example of what a small island nation can do with committed leadership and a coherent ideology. I have been to Cuba and heard many of the Cuban leaders speak, including Fidel. In comparison to the circus called a debate last night, they spoke from the heart and with deep concern for their people. Cuba has its problems and this forum is not the place to discuss the matter at length. However, with regard to health care, Cuba excels as this article indicates.
http://www.cuba.cu/gobierno/reflexio.../f240908i.html
Around 35,000 Cuban health specialists provide free or paid-for services in
the world. Furthermore, some young doctors from countries such as Haiti and
others among the poorest of the Third World are working in their homelands
thanks to the assistance provided by Cuba. In Latin America, our main
contribution has been the ophthalmologic surgeries that will help to
preserve the eyesight of millions of people. Besides, we are assisting in
the training of tens of thousands of young medical students from other
nations, both in and outside Cuba.
I would also point out that, as even mentioned in mainstream media, it is rare for anyone to die in Cuba due to hurricanes, even though the island is often hit by serious storms, because the government cares enough to provide an efficient system of evacuation.
Before I left for Cuba, I spoke to someone who had made several visits to Cuba and I asked him why he had gone back so often. His response was quite enigmatic at the time. He said he needed to be reminded what it felt like to be a human being. After a few days there, I knew what he meant.