Originally Posted by
velosnow
Trouble is, when you refer to 'entitlements' you are likely talking about basic needs vs say corporate entitlements. Is it fair to say corporations are on the dole too? I'd say certainly so and it wouldn't be hard to find many examples of 'ponzi schemes' aka wasted dollars in corporate welfare. Heck, how about all those PPP loans never repaid by the wealthy?
Like most things, a balance can be achieved but I think we've been unbalanced for awhile and it isn't getting any better. And sure, the whole tax break & subsidy scheme helps businesses create goods & services for the economy which we can see tangible benefits. But also, the investment in our citizenry from the social/stability aspect has great benefit as well. Arguably more. Our homeless & societal issues won't be solved with more bucks for Boeing, Foxconn, Chevron etc. but they will more likely be solved with investments in preventing said issues.
Yes, I did say to regulate it.
If that's not happening it's frankly because of voter apathy... instead of eating up the rage bait and polarizing to straight-ticket, people need to become more civically engaged.
Yes various powerful, nefarious interests work to hijack our democratic processes to their own ends, but the biggest offender is the establishment itself, not a corporation here or a corporation there (the corporations have naturally learned how to play the game according to the establishment's rules).
But elections here still work, if people would only avail themselves. Or maybe better to say take their civic duty seriously.
Socialist "democracy" isn't going to be any better if the democracy part is apathetic. New boss, same as the old boss. Worse actually, if history is any indicator.
The idea that socialism will be great, despite the history, because we're going to do it right *this* time is utter hogwash. Human nature hasn't changed since the last time it. If it were to come to pass here, it would simply be the manifestation of another electoral temper tantrum (like 2016 and 2024). As opposed to some great awakening and forward progress to utopia.