Bazz, I support the status quo for a tranquil society, a mix of free capital tempered by socialist restraints. In that way the society enjoys the advantages that entrepreneurial capitalism brings, something forms of pure Socialism can never do (Soviet Union). However unrestrained capitalism is a dangerous beast, too many in society sink to the bottom, whilst the very few rise to the top, it doesn't allow for a large prosperous middle class, which is necessary for a stable society (India). To balance unchecked capitalism government intervention on several levels is required. For example unfettered capitalism has no regard for social justice, the rich simply insulate themselves from the problems of the poor underclass (post industrial revolution Britain). Possibly the closest we have today to this utopian mix is some Scandinavian country (Iceland). When the tranquil society is threatened by some catastrophic event, war, natural disaster, collapse of the free market, pandemic, then government intervention becomes most necessary, and we are seeing that the world over (Australia).

Lenin said 'When time comes to hang the capitalists, the Capitalists themselves will sell the rope for that.'
Posted by rache

Interesting quote...

Scandinavian countries from my understanding are ethnically monocultural- perhaps that is the reason for their stability.

Yes Canem I think you are right, but it is past tense if you were thinking of Sweden.
They are having a lot of troubles with the moslem immigrants, from
memory, I think it was 200 explosions in a year, including the Malmo
police station.
They had to build a new one the press said was built like a fortress.

Pauliar,

Have you spent any time in Scandanavia? Clearly not. The bureaucracy is stifling, everything is taxed and expensive, and those that can make a lot of money have generally emigrated.

Only a demented baboon would not realise I was being facetious when I wrote; "Possibly the closest we have today to this utopian mix is some Scandinavian country (Iceland)." There is no utopia, all countries have their faults, not one is perfect, although Iceland comes close, lol. I really have a very low opinion of you shadowminister after your defamatory post, which I now see has been removed. End of matter.