Colbert Dicusses Capitalism With Benjamin Barber

Colbert's interview with Benjamin Barber:

Comments

[David Kendall]

Mr. Barber seems confused.

The characteristics of entrepreneurship are high levels of innovation combined with high levels of vision and enterprise which result in the creation of new ventures as well as new sectors and industries.

Nothing wrong with that -- "the American Way", as it were. But, as the saying goes, "my rights end where the rights of others begin"...

Under capitalism, a small minority of exploiters appropriates the surplus created by labor, leaving just enough (wages) for the actual producers to survive. The exploiters disposition the surplus to meet their own private interests, regardless of societal needs.

So capitalism is not the same as entrepreneurship. In fact, the destructive tendencies of capitalism could easily crush the foundations of democracy that maintain the innovative spirit of entrepreneurs.

In addition, it would be nice if Colbert would HUSH occassionally when he is "interviewing" a guest -- though I realize his popular "charisma" is defined by the inverse. Settle down, Stephen. Some of us would like to hear what the guest has to say.