The 'transition' Is The Problem

[Gabriel]

First of all, I must say that I decided I was wrong in my earlier posts on mixed economics. My error was that I was generalizing the problems of transitions to the entire system. I now realize that the problems I was thinking of aren't of capitalism itself, but rather the side-effect of switching from a mixed/communist economy to capitalism.

What do you think to be the minimum percentage of the population supporting a capitalist economy before it can be enacted?

Can a small group of 'founding fathers' put forward a capitalist constitution and then back it up with the force of the millitary?

In Romania, 50+ years of communism have 'bred' 2-3 generations of people unable to think in any other way than a collectivist one. They learned a simple trade, like blacksmithing, and then expect/demand the state to supply them with a job, a 'decent pay', a pension and free healthcare.

Take for instance the miners, which came and vandalized the capital, Bucharest, to protest reforms and to beat up supporters of reforms or even anyone looking intellectual. The police failed to stop them, so at their last attempt to come to Bucharest the army had to block the road with tanks to stop them.

Some workers on strike, protesting the privatisation of their state-owned bankrupt enterprise came up with a slogan which will make you understand:

"We work, we don't think!"

Considering the realities of such a country, what is there to be done?

The current politicians sloowly steer the country towards a social-democratic system as those of western europe, but even these mild, mixed-economy-friendly measures are fought intensively.

Is capitalism a viable option if it implies the death, in time or sudden of more than 75% of the population? (we can wait for these generations to die of old age, wait for them to get killed by the police when they turn to vandalism and mob-rule or let them starve because they're unable to feed themselves in capitalism)

Considering that capitalism is no where in sight during my lifetime, is it rational to claim that it is my ideal political system? It IS in my nature, but reality contradicts it in my case, so, contextually, I shouldn't even be thinking of capitalism, right?

I want to hear your thoughts on transition to capitalism and selfishness in a context such as mine! (Before you ask, getting out of Romania is not a realistic option at this time)

[stephen_speicher]

Considering that capitalism is no where in sight during my lifetime, is it rational to claim that it is my ideal political system?

The fact that in all of recorded history there has never been a true laissez-faire capitalist system did not stop Ayn Rand from passionately thinking and writing about it. We develop correct and justifiable principles to guide our life in the choices we make, not to bury whenever the world looks bleak. Fight for your rational principles if they really matter to you, and also feel free to abandon them if they really do not matter that much.

It IS in my nature, but reality contradicts it in my case, so, contextually, I shouldn't even be thinking of capitalism, right?

If man resigned himself to the fate of the world within which he lived, we would still be living in caves and eating raw meat. Is there really nothing, absolutely nothing that you can ever do to fight for the world that you claim you want?

[Capitalism Forever]

Considering the realities of such a country, what is there to be done?

Emigration.

[DavidOdden]

(Before you ask, getting out of Romania is not a realistic option at this time)

Why? Do you mean that there is something of higher value for you in Romania than economic freedom?

What is there to be done? Fight against labor tyranny -- speak out against the cult of entitlement. Work to keep Romania out of the EU. Remind people how wonderful things were under communism and ask them why think Euro-socialism is any better.