On the one hand, selfishness at the expense of others is condemnable. On the other hand, capitolism is not based on pushing others down and creating a common denominator or poverty, it's about permitting people to succeed and to be all they can be.
I have friends, coworkers and relatives who live in Germany. Although it was largely before my time, they often use Germany from 1945-1990 as a perfect illustration of capitolism vs. socialism. West Germany was strongly capitolistic and very quickly became one of the wealthiest nations on Earth - the lowest 10% better off than the average in the East. The East was repressed and very poor.... rubble from the War still in the streets in many areas, some people there risking their very lives to escape and move to the West. I've been informed that after the unification with the total fall of communism, it took MASSIVE amounts of money and work to bring the East up to standards. My friends tell me: If you want to know if capitolism works and socialism doesn't, just look at West and East Germany: 1945-1990.
- Josiah
