Capitalism vs Socialism in the U.S.

They are not mutually exclusive.

China is making controlled capitalism work, albeit with an iron grip that is suffocating human rights, freedom of speech, and at the destruction of their ecosystem.

They need not be forced to work together either since they don't seem to be mutually inclusive just yet due to the constantly changing variables known as human nature, moral strife, conquest, war, neighborly conflict, and fear of mutually assured destruction.

Either people will be willing to let go of their outdated views on economic philosophy and realize that the problem is not in-fact the economic infrastructure but rather the people hiding in the shadows of unchecked power (i.e goldman sachs).

Having said that, it seems that the easiest quick fix would be to embrace a more socialized system in the "real word" while leaving the internet economy an unchecked lasses-fair system.

That's not going to happen over night however. Obama is doing the most that he can with the power that has been granted to him, but internet economy regulation seems to be left to individual states if my observations are correct (which is appropriate in a nation that still seems to harbor anti-federalist sentiments).

Having said all that: I'm hopeful that the two systems will learn to live together without unnecessary force from either easily antagonized anarchists or a strong armed political machine.

What to you guys think will happen?

The argument of whether or not capitalism and socialism can coexist aside, I must first note that China is now capitalist in all but name; government control over the economy - especially trade and foreign investments - is not at all a trait that is exclusive to socialism. Red China does not actually practice much socialism now. Only a few traces of its lingering mentality can be seen in the northeastern cities (such as Beijing and Dalian), and they've pretty much been forgotten in the southeastern cities (such as Shanghai and Shenzhen). ^_^;

I think a mix of both is the best of both worlds, they both pick up where the other fails.

I like the philosophy behind capitalism, but it's possible that the world isn't in state healthy enough to allow complete market liberty. I believe that the best world to live in would be a world where you have supreme liberty in all aspects of life; social or economic. As I said, though, the world probably isn't ready for this "libertarian utopia;" so, if it is necessary and if the U.S. will adopt some mixture of socialism and capitalism, I see the most basic things needed for someone to function in society and participate in the free market--as in post-high school education or health care--becoming completely socialized and public while the rest of the economy--the entertainment industry, the media, restaurants, the internet as you said, and anything else--will remain laissez-faire (And to a greater extent).

Originally Posted by Andross

I see the most basic things needed for someone to function in society and participate in the free market--as in post-high school education or health care--becoming completely socialized and public while the rest of the economy--the entertainment industry, the media, restaurants, the internet as you said, and anything else--will remain laissez-faire (And to a greater extent).

This. And to add to that, I'd much see the states having more control over healthcare and education than the federal, as to keep the power in check with the people. Of course, the people need to be well educated, so I guess the only way that could work is if a board of elected intelligent individuals was on board, but eh you can only hope for so much.