Who determines understanding?

November 12, 2006

In response to a friend's question about where I stand regarding capitalism...

Dear friend, I'm still struggling with the morals or ethics behind the system that capitalism sits on. I don't know if it's that I don't fully understand the fundamental mechanisms of capitalism - but rather, I don't understand the mechanisms of how it is being applied today - superficially or secondarily (the antithesis of fundamentally) - because unlike your friend mentioned, I feel that I do have a pretty good understanding of how capitalism should work "fundamentally"...I even openly agreed that capitalism could "potentially" be used for good. I understand that when applied and run in the ultimate and supreme society where everything runs smoothly and balanced, then YES, it could be for the benefit of our global society. But then again, I feel the same way about socialism. However, let's face reality - We don't live in that idealistic society YET..and when we do, it's not going to be either capitalism or socialism....in the perspective of the Gospel, we both know that it will be something else. Therefore, I feel that for now, there must be that bi-partisan equilibrium in a society that keeps it running as smooth as smooth can be in the present. I recognize that it is a balance that needs to be established between whatever the differing parties of the day claim to be.

On the other hand, maybe what your friend commented is partly true. Maybe from his perspective, I don't understand "fundamentally" what capitalism is or the mechanisms behind it. Maybe this is the case. HOWEVER, I can honestly tell you that I DO understand what greed is and what it is that propagates it. One of the reasons that it is so insidious is that it can be nearly invisible - our contemporary lifestyles not only encourage but mask it. And whatever my views are, I do know that I DO NOT want to be labeled as a member of the party that falls under that category (whatever party you care to label it). I also know that all of the Savior's teachings are exactly opposite of that side of the spectrum.

Unlike your friend, I don't really have a lot of big words or explanations for how or why I feel the way I do. Maybe that's why I feel I come across as being somewhat ambigous in my opinions (or maybe not?) My rhetoric and his rhetoric lie on completely different levels. (Which can be a very humbling experience when conversing with people like yourself or your friend who do have an exceptional way with words and expression) In fact, it scares the CRAP out of me and intimidates me to think of having a discussion like this (or any that we have had for that matter) face to face because I often feel that I lack words to describe what I feel. (which is a good reason why I DO need to have more verbal conversations on this level!)

NEVERTHELESS, I do know, and cannot deny that I DO HAVE those core feelings. To me, they are values that I cannot deny and that cannot be taken from me. Almost like my testimony I guess. (if it can be applied in that regard). I don't claim to know the ins and outs of Statism v. Capitalism, but I do know that I want to live as closely to what is outlined in the Gospel as I can. And for me, not that I'm saying that a socialistic society is the answer to the root of all world problems, BUT I do consider the socialistic and democratic approach to socioeconomics ten times more consistent with the teachings of Christ than the capitalistic and republican approach.

~me