[PLUG] Financial security on the net

Michael C. Robinson plug_1 at robinson-west.com
Wed Aug 18 16:21:20 UTC 2010


> Capitalism is at core a very mean and 
> competitive world view.  That isn't a criticism ... it is just better to 
> see what is.

Capitalism only works when people are altruistic.  Socialism and
communism fail when people are not self centered enough.  There is
indeed an ethical theory that elevates self interest over public
interest and there are some positives to it.  Most people know best
what their needs are and will pursue them with more interest and skill
than someone else will.  With people taking care of themselves, society
as a whole benefits.  Excessive greed destroys capitalistic societies,
though in a communist or socialist society a healthy amount of greed
helps.

This is getting away from what the discussion is about though.  The
discussion seems to be about identity theft and online shopping.  The
current system of social security numbers, debit cards that are pin
activated, and Paypal is still problematic.  National ID cards that are
not easily faked might help reduce fraud and illegal immigration too,
but that is another issue.  On the other hand, if National ID cards are
faked...

Excessive self interest will destroy a Democratic Republic before any
external force will.  Digital commerce is clearly not safe enough yet
with identity theft being a huge problem costing billions I believe.




More information about the PLUG mailing list