I often have a difficult time determining if Moore is simply uneducated or if he is intentionally misleading his viewers. The idea that one must replace capitalism to achieve a democracy is among the most ignorant concepts I have ever heard. To the contrary, democracy shares a symbiotic relationship with capitalism. One cannot function properly without the other, and each one strengthens the other. To claim otherwise is to ignore the wisdom of Western civilization's greatest thinkers.
In truth, there is almost no person, system, or innovation that has come close to matching the positive impact on mankind as capitalism. Capitalism has created the highest standard of living in human history, the greatest technological developments, and furthered the development of civilization. The Wright Brothers, Thomas Edison, Bill Gates — all have had immense contributions to our daily lives, contributions that were motivated by profit.
There is nothing evil about profit. Profit is not something to antagonize; it is merely a result of human nature. The historical failure of Marxism and related authoritarian systems is a result of the failure to account for the natural instinct of man and the desire for self-determination. Capitalism, on the other hand, fully embraces human nature and uses it for the benefit of the individual, which in turn benefits the society as a whole.
Michael Moore is wrong; capitalism is not evil, but rather, a dynamic and unstoppable force for good. Moore's error is believing that capitalism and corporate fascism are synonymous. Capitalism is freedom; the freedom to control one's own destiny, to change one's social circumstances, and to better one's life. Capitalism is justice, and equality. It is totalitarianism that is evil. It is totalitarianism that condemns the masses.
The grand irony is that Moore's own leftist beliefs have more in common with corporate fascism than capitalism does — his demand for more government intervention is precisely the anti-competition platform that he appears to despise.
Moore is so blinded by his hatred of private business that he is ignoring the fact that government is guilty of the same crimes. Perhaps Moore should take a closer look at his own beliefs before projecting the word "evil" on the very system that allows him to live such fruitful life.
It is laughable that Michael Moore would have the audacity to launch an attack on capitalism in the form of a wide-release studio film, particularly when he is also serving as the film's producer.
Despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, the premise of Moore's latest "documentary," Capitalism: A Love Story, is that "You have to eliminate [Capitalism] and replace it with something that is good for all people and that something is democracy." According to the film, which I'm sure will be fair and balanced, capitalism only benefits the wealthy and "condemns millions to poverty." This would be laughable, too, if it weren't so dangerous. (Watch a trailer for the film after the break.)
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