[MD] Capitalism: A Question of Morality

[Dan Glover]

Hello everyone

>From: "Case" <Case at iSpots.com>
>Reply-To: moq_discuss at moqtalk.org
>To: <moq_discuss at moqtalk.org>
>Subject: Re: [MD] Capitalism: A Question of Morality
>Date: Fri, 3 Nov 2006 18:00:50 -0500
>
>[Dan]
>So you're not a true capitalist?
>
>[Case]
>Not by choice.

Really! Why not?

>
>[Dan]
>Kind of like treating a disease is only delaying inevitable death?
>
>[Case]
>That has been my experience.

A good friend of mine has AIDS. He acquired it from a blood transfusion 
years ago when he cut off some fingers in an industrial accident. He's been 
through some pretty rough patches but now is doing very well on new 
medication. He still knows he's going to die but hey - we all got that to 
look forward to. Management is key.

>
>[Dan]
>I know of 2 small town mayors who ARE doing something to stop the
>uncontrolled growth in this area (which incidently is the second fastest
>growing county in the entire nation). Growth isn't necessarily a bad thing
>if managed correctly.
>
>[Case]
>Zoning while moderating the influence, also engenders howls of socialism 
>and
>erosion of my right to do whatever I damn well please on my land.

That has to be ignored. You're never going to satisfy everyone.

>It may
>promote healthier growth but when they build a road, they will come. When I
>was a lad we moved into a new home on the outskirts of town. About that 
>time
>the Caterpillars came and began chewing through the road in a massive
>construction project a short way from our house. They were constructing 
>part
>of the Interstate highway system. A few years later when that was done
>another project began about 50 miles away it was Disney World. Construction
>has never stopped and rarely slowed down.

That's just the uncontrolled growth that I'm talking about. It's happening 
all around the area where I live and work too. But there are certain 
enclaves where the residents are purposefully working towards growth in a 
managed fashion, regulated by laws enacted to protect the community, not 
exploit it.

>
>I believe the Sioux ran into the same problem when a team of surveyors came
>to South Dakota and said mind if we pass through we just want to put in a
>little bit of railroad track.

I guess they should have learned to be more successful negotiators.

>
>When you said the land was bordered by busy highways I just figure that is
>the kiss of death for the rural lifestyle. But if not hey I wish you and
>your friend well. But change is inexorable and after a while you get used 
>to
>it rather like a frog on a hot plate.

I think the MOQ would say that if a community doesn't change, it dies. I'm 
not saying no to change as you seem to infer, however. Change can be 
managed. If not, then it happens willy-nilly. That is what I'm against.

>
>[Dan]
>Anything by Cormac McCarthy - The Road is his latest.
>
>[Case]
>Thanks, Dan there is no greater gift than a tip on a good writer. Most of 
>my
>favorites are writing to slowly for my taste and there is always room for
>one more.

You're welcome! And oh yes, I agree. I've learned so much over the years by 
reading the books suggested here. Thank you too.

Dan