PatriotsReign

After re-evaluating my title, that's a fair question. My own personal wish is that each American has the choice of whether to pursue any level of wealth they desire. I would never want everyone to have the same level of wealth with no options...net/net, we should always have that choice.

So when considering other options pertaining to economic systems, the thought came to me that no person who is willing to work hard should have to live like someone who really doesn't care. Of course I realize that happens in many cases regardless even under our current system. but the important point is, if you're willing to work & study hard, it is possible to achieve your desired goal.

It also ocurred to me that people who don't wish to work hard are in the vast majority of cases, punished for their lack of motivation. and I think that is right and just. So my title was more or less one of the focal points of my thoughts.

IcyPatriot

We needed to elect a fresh somewhat young President to inspire what JFK said we all should be inspired to do anyways. I have thought this for some time and I believe when the Obama magic wanes the lazy will return to being lazy, the industrious will prosper and those inbetween will be choked with taxes ... same as it ever was.

maverick4

First of all, I'm a traditional conservative when it comes to financial issues. BUT, I think that if there were a system where all humans were guaranteed at minimum food and health-care, there would still be an incentive/motivation for people to work and not be lazy in order to create comfort and live better quality lives. Also, there would also be incentive for most males to work, unless somehow there is a major shift in female psychology where women don't mind a bunch of stay at home hubbies.

Basically, if you kept capitalism but guaranteed some basic things like food and health-care, I don't see how that eliminates most people's motivation to work.

PatriotsReign

I think common sense would say chances are you're right. After all, human nature is what it is. But one thing is for sure, we can not under-estimate the power of the human spirit and human behavior can never be predicted.

After all, who would have thought vitamins would be selling better than they ever have in history...but that's what's happening. I know that seems like a strange example I chose, but I work for a vitamin company.

Depending upon how bad the times we are now in end up getting will determine the extend of the change in our behavior. If it doesn't get too much worse or last that long, we'll see little change. but if we endure historic economic suffering, the change will be far more dramatic and lasting. Not necessarily for the better or worse...it could go either way.

maverick4

It's a deep philosophical issue pertaining to labor, wealth, society.

I believe that even if there is universal health care, guaranteed food and even maybe housing, that so long as we retain property/IP rights and a merit-based pay system regulated by generally free markets, that the hardest working, smartest, and/or most talented workers will end up with the motivation to keep working.

I just cannot envision a world where a bum of a guy can be considered an attractive male such that over time (tens of generations), his bum genes procreate more than a productive male.

PatriotsReign

You surprised me Mav. Nice post! I agree with with you. I'm also more fiscally conservative and socially liberal. I'd like to see some basic guarantees for minimum living conditions as well. That in itself could serve as the great equalizer in our society. Although I don't think everyone should get the same, I do believe we all deserve equal opportunity...or at least a more equal opportunity.

maverick4

It is predictable and makes sense that in a horrible economy, alternative type medicines (which are much cheaper) would skyrocket in popularity.

PatriotsReign

Not many of my co's products are taken as alternative medicine but more preventative and/or hopes for future health.

Much of what is happening is a shift from specialty stores like GNC and Vitamin World to mainstream channels like grocery, drug and mass merchandisers. Since our products are sold in these less expensive channels, we are seeing significant growth. also, people are buying less from network marketing companies like Reliv which tend to be very expensive as well.

maverick4

Interesting. Which channels are less expensive, the specialty stores or the mainstream ones for you?

The vitamins could be taken as preventative I agree, but I see the rise in alternative medicine spending making sense as America's economy collapses. Alternative medicines (I consider vitamins in this category) are already very popular in other places like in South America, Asia, Middle East, etc... basically spending shifts toward cheaper alternatives in less affluent populations, and we are seeing that now.

PatriotsReign

We've already established that we don't agree on the ultimate collapse of our economy...you think it will happen & I think it is unlikely...so that's all I'll say about that.

I'm sure there is some level of shift from pharma products to vitamins, but the data isn't available to measure it. so it's speculation, but very reasonable speculation.

The grocery, drug and mass merch channels are much less expensive than GNC and Vitamin World (and the like). All of them utilize "buy one, get one free" promotional strategies almost every week on various brands. WalMart is the only retailer who has successfully implemented an everyday low price strategy...which is not surprising since that is their signature.