Re: Food
You hit the nail on the head there - consumerism is the line between "need" and "want".
For example,breweries in the UK bought up all the pubs. They recognised that "punters just need a drink" and so they took the diversity out of it. I might "want" a pint of real-ale, but I will need to look for it.
Communism "a la soviet" is just stupid - it was perceived of less stupid in the past because the range of activities was narrow and changed so slowly. It makes *some* sense in an agrarian economy to give everyone a "bit of land" to grow on.
But here's the harsh truth.
I am sure I could be a competent farmer. But do you really want me to spend my time farming or using my education to design drugs and provide you with medicine?
The thing about the modern implementation of capitalism, is that the "wealth acceleration" mechanisms are unevenly distributed and fundamentally in short supply.
The best we can all hope for is to be healthy, fed, safe from violence and allowed to pursue happiness.
I think I read that somewhere...
P.
Biting the hand that feeds IT
