Socialism vs. Capitalism: A Debate

Troy University’s Manuel H. Johnson Center for Political Economy explores the rebirth of socialism in the United States with “Socialism vs. Capitalism: A Debate”

Featuring George Mason University professor Bryan Caplan, author of “The Myth of the Rational Voter,” and Penn State University professor John Marsh, author of “Class Dismissed: Why We Cannot Teach or Learn Our Way Out of Inequality,” the debate provides a unique look into both socialist and capitalist agendas in America.

[zeromustafa]

One quickly realizes there is only one economist on the stage.

[hlary]

This isn't really a capitalism vs socialism debate but instead a libertarian vs social democrat debate

[juhopitkaranta]

I just have to make the point, that Bryan is correct on the point that Scandinavians don't work that much due to high taxes. Especially here in Finland the tax progression is very steep, which causes over 50% marginal tax rates even for the middle class.

[donrastar]

Frederick Douglass stated that he didn't feel most free the day he escaped the democratic South. He felt that his most free day was when he got to New Bedford and was able to keep the pay that he worked for, without giving any to his "master"

[normpeterson]

How many of you out there who see this comment have siblings who grew up basically in the same conditions you did but whose economic outcome in life was far, far different from your own? And were there any choices they made that you can look at as accounting for that difference?

[arshiff]

Imagine having the privilege and wealth to think that prosperity isn't important.

[psychicspy]

"LUCK" Is for people who can't comprehend causality.

Who you are is the results of the decisions made by your ancestors. Where to live, who to marry what to do for a living. You are completely deserving of the fruits of your labors and to those left to you by your ancestors.

[againstthestate]

14:00 part of the problem with looking at statistical groupings like the "bottom 50%" of wage earners is that these groups of people are not stagnant. People can leave that group and become high income earners. Of course the x % lowest income people in a sampling have a low income, that is how you have defined that statistical grouping. It doesn't mean the same people are poor year after year, people can move in and out of statistical groupings all the time, and they do. Someone might have a low income because they are going to school that year, or they are injured and can't work, because of temporary conditions.

[NoahTopper]

I really need this moderator to learn to enunciate. I'm sorry, but it's just hard to listen to.

[matiskrawiec]

One is an academic of economics, the other of... English language? Why is this debate even a thing?

[almightybeeij]

Why is an English Professor arguing economic theory against ... wait for it .... an actual economist?

[michaelthomheadley]

May I just say that this is a refreshingly sober and respectful debate. It's not the case with so many of these that the participants respect each other and don't go into crazy theatrics. Nice job

[retrojohnny]

Both sides made strong points. One of the most strong debates I seen so far.

[awediomusic]

The socialist in his opening statement was literally citing issues with a mixed economy and making the case for Libertarianism.

[radioguy]

I think Mr. March has to consider two important things about the "Nordic economic model" that rarely comes up in these debates. 1.) There are more billionaires/capita in countries like Sweden than there are in the USA and I doubt he would classify Nordic countries as Plutocracies that are controlled by the rich. 2.) The reason there are so many billionaires/capita is because their tax systems are designed to attract "Business Elites" who will innovate, invest, and lead businesses to make those countries more prosperous.

Yes, these countries are famous for their low-income inequality but they purposely have low taxes on capital and corporations to encourage businesses to grow and thrive for the benefit of all. So then who pays their famously high taxes? Answer: Everyone! They have high income tax rates that soak everyone from upper-middle class to the rich and everyone pays a whopping 25% sales tax! Now how many of you Bernie Sanders fans are still interested in the USA becoming more like Sweden?

[arnaubasulto]

What a scam, I came here for a good old capitalism vs socialism debate and ended up having to watch a capitalism vs weak socialdemocracy debate.

[donrastar]

Giving money to someone for them to give it back is efficient? Did I hear that right?

[onesolo]

When you are meant to promote socialism but in the first 2 minutes of your speech you say that you are not a socialist and that socialism is bad…

[onesolo]

The english professors cites statistics that he either does not understand or that he willingly takes out of context to prove his points. They also contradict each others.

[jeffkeil]

I don't want government taking my money to make you equal to me. I want you to work as hard and smart to be equal to me.