The idea of a common good in a society has probably been around as long as the idea of a society itself. People generally want to do what's best for everyone, but more often than not what's best for everyone overall may not be what's best for individuals, once you break it down onto a personal level. I thought that the short article was well crafted and brought up some very major points, and did a good job of arguing for both sides.
Personally, I'm biased towards the side of a common good, a more socialized way of living. I feel as though sometimes it's more important to put the needs of the people around you before your own needs. In a society in which everyone helps each other and thinks of community before self, everyone will benefit.
Granted, this is a very idealistic way of thinking, because it goes directly against this country's principle driving factor: capitalism. Capitalism is a disgusting system that does allow people to better themselves and push forward, but only if they're very lucky or very driven. Capitalism on the whole is a system that aims to keep the people on top of the income bracket at the top, and keep the low people low. There is very little room for improvement in a system like this, basically you stay at the level you were born at, and can either go up a little or down a little.
This type of economic system means that unfortunately, most Americans (at least the Americans in charge, the rich Americans) will never go for a type of "common good" system, because it would mean lowering themselves for the sake of others. I can keep dreaming and say that sure, one day America will care for the common good. But as long as there are rich people, there will always be poor people. And very few rich people stop and ask themselves, "How am I doing so well in the first place?"
Wow! I really liked that little socialism-capitalism picture you have here :) I agree that the "common good" can often be associated with socialism because it is the community coming together to help others. I think you shouldn't give up on America because times change and I (personally) believe that someday we will all come to want to help each other out :) Good post!
ReplyDelete~Hope
Nice. I really like your reaction to this article, and your view of Capitalism (you picture also funny). Back on topic, I agree with you that, with where America is today, we can not go with the "common good" ideology (Scandinavia anyone?). As of now our government even allows the system of Capitalism that you describe, where the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. This in my opinion is unacceptable, I even agree with the OWS movement and their motives to try and create a government for the people and RUN by the people. Overall nice post, though I'm just saying that because I'm just as biased.
ReplyDeleteThat is a great picture. ( Although, I think its wrong about the socialism thing... but overall its clever )
ReplyDeleteEither way, socialism doesn't necessarily mean that you have to lower yourself. Its involves the government control of business. No country is purely socialist, it just controls more aspects of business than we do. EX: Healthcare.
The common good doesn't have to be socialism though. Although the cooperation for the general benefit of many can be seen as socialist; I think that the common good could also mean cooperation between politicians not for political ideology or agenda, but for the benefit of the people, is the common good. Politicians will represent the diverse beliefs of people, while being able to talk about the issues and debating without compromising the most efficient way of helping the greatest number of people. Politicians should be in the business of the common good, they should vote on things to benefit the greatest number of people. The more people who are benefited, the better their chances of being re-elected. Part of the problem with a two-party state is that voting for the other sides bills/propositions/laws hurt your party. If the other guy's stuff works, that weakens your position. In a parliament or multiple party state, this is avoidable.
It baffles me that Americans are stark-raving socialists. Most Americans would benefit from the common good's lowering. Most people aren't wealthy. Why do they vote in rich people who are against this lowering?