Ask Not What The World Can Do For You, But What You Can Do For The World

A look into the past and the present.

Monday, April 28, 2008

Capitalism and communism differ in multiple reasons, the government within these economic philosophies are compared by the control the people have within that country and the way they are able to utilize the freedom they may or may not have within the economy and government.
It is under capitalism that the state is in separation from the production and trade of that which goes on within the economy. Capitalism is the system of of laissez faire. It is the system of political freedom. Communism on the other hand is that in which the government holds control over the people and the economic system which is established within that country. "In modern usage, the term Communism (written with a capital C) is applied to the movement that aims to overthrow the capitalist order by revolutionary means and to establish a classless society in which all goods will be socially owned"

Capitalism promises a future for its people, they may be able to live as they please in the economy and they may be able to buy and sell as they please unlike within communism. "The moral justification of capitalism does not lie in the altruist claim that it represents the best way to achieve the 'common good'. It is true that capitalism does-if that catch phrase has any meaning- but this is merely a secondary consequence. The moral justification for capitalism lies in the fact that it is the only system consonant with man's rational nature, that it protects man's survival qua man, and that its ruling principle: justice." it is within the economic system of capitalism that society has control over their personal gain within the economy which in turn relates to freedom within their finances, and family to do as they please with that which they gain. "Once people succeed in in accumulating a certain amount of capital relative to their incomes, they feel tha they have done their duty by the future and can now turn more heavily Toward enjoying life in the present.(Reismen,106)"

Communism is the complete opposite as that which Capitalism is. Communism stands within the boundaries of no freedom, and no economic system that is for the people, but rather that is simply based on that which beneficial for the government."The Communists, therefore, are on the one hand practically, the most advanced and resolute section of the working-class parties of every country, that section which pushes forward all others; on the other hand, theoretically, they have over the great mass of the proletariat the advantage of clearly understanding the lines of march, the conditions, and the ultimate general results of the proletarian movement." Those living within the economic movement of communism are simply utilized for their ability to produce children, examples are, China, Cuba, Russia, and North Korea etc. This system of economics can not, in any possible way be healthy for the population of the country and it is training them to run as preprogramed agents rather than free agents that may be able to make economic establishments are their own.

Capitalism and communism carry strengths and weaknesses that in result effect the people of the country. As shown, those living within a capitalistic economic society are benefiting for the fact they are reaching their economic goals on their time and doing as they please with this economic freedom. Communism, as shown places the economy before the society that is the foundation of the economy. It is within communism that people are forced to work a certain occupation and the money they receive is only produced to benefit that which the country runs and supplies. Freedom and justice is not heard of within the economic basis of communism and therefore there is no question as to which system serves man better.

With result that capitalism is based upon the economic freedom of the society within a country it is only evident that capitalism serves man better. Who wants to be controlled and told where, when, and how they may spend their money or used as a tool to produce a greater population? The freedom produced within capitalism can only benefit a country along with the people living within it and produce an economic system that benefits the government, the society, and the country as a whole.




Reisman, George. Capitalism:A Treatise on Economics. *No further information was given on this book.

Monday, April 21, 2008

Monopolies and Competition

What is a monopoly? Monopoly power has been called the power to set prices. Monopolists have the ability to charge almost any price they want resulting in the increase of the profitability of monopolistic firms. There are multiple problems monopolists may face within their firm. If prices are too high the number of people who are able to afford the product decreases. High prices and low sales cause the fixed price per item to be large. With this is mind, monopolists may choose to have lower prices and greater volume to reduce the fixed cost per item. The second danger that limits how high a monopolist is able to raise his price is that it will encourage competition or the substitution of other products by the consumer. When this occurs some firms must change their product for a more practical one.

One example of a monopolistic firm is Wal-Mart where they have selections for every need at low prices. Wal-Mart is a corporation in which is in competition with chains such as Target, and Kmart. Wal-Mart advertises they are the low price leader and is in competition to sell that which they sell at better prices for common people than that in which their competitors may sell. As a whole, firms in competition with one another are selling from the name of their for the reason that they all have the same product, but people will want to by from a specific business depending on slight price difference,their customer service, and the way by which the store is ran.

A second example of a monopolistic firm is Target. Target also advertises low prices for any household item, beauty product, or music etc. It is in competition with that which Wal-Mart is able to provide, but for many customers it offers a better environment, and better customer service. "Expect more of everything: More great design, more choices, more convenience, more service and more clothes, housewares and designer-created items that you’ll never find anywhere else. And pay less. It’s as simple as that." This is the general philosophy of the Target chain and it is through their sales and production of the store that keeps the competition going for Wal-Mart as well.

Kmart is the third example of a monopolistic company. They as well offer low prices and the same products that can be found at Wal-Mart, and Target, but it is within each of these stores that something different must be offered in order for there to be business within each corporation. As mentioned earlier, customer service plays a very significant role as well as the general up-keep of the store. Who wants to buy a product where the isles are filthy and products are falling off the shelves? No one does. "OLDE fits into Kmart's philosophy because it is a growth company that is very consumer-oriented." Much of Wal-Mart's production has taken over that which Kmart offered, but many still, depending on preference and the region of the store, continue to purchase their necessary goods from the low prices that Kmart offers.

Wal-Mart, Target, and Kmart offer the same products at either the same or very similar prices, as well as different forms of customer service, and store policies, but each have had positive and negative affects within the economic health of this country. Each corporation has enabled American families to purchase necessities and consumer products such as toiletries, food, small appliances, sporting goods, and clothing at reasonably lower prices. American families, with the influence of these prices and consumer goods, are able to get more for their money. Unfortunately these large, and competitive corporations have put smaller, independently owned stores out of business such as bicycle shops, tire shops, and hardware stores etc. These stores once offered personal and quality customer service that these larger corporations are unable to provide. The government is appropriate in their actions toward monopolies for if it were not, there would be an overflow of large corporations and smaller businesses would not be able to stand within the economy at all.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Bella Mezzo Luxury Hand Car Wash

To the 2008 Senior Class, I would like to ask your attendance to review and consider my business proposal to receive a loan for Bella Mezzo Luxury Hand Car Wash on June 6, 2008. The following is the introductory to Bella Mezzo and includes the details in which the business will be ran and that which is offered to the customer. Thank you for your consideration.

Bella Mezzo, translating to beautiful vehicle,is a Tuscan, Italian themed car wash which includes a coffee, snack, and fruit bar, comfortable inside seating, and a cobblestone courtyard with seating and a fountain outside. Everyone takes pride in their car, from the moment they know that it is their dream car to the moment they realize it needs a good scrubbing along with the tender touch of soap and bubbles. A car is a person's pride and joy, some even call it their "baby" and if they call it that, well it should be treated as one. My car wash will treat every customer with care and respect while also treating their car as if it were my own.

Bella Mezzo Car Wash will include a coffee bar which will serve cappuccinos, crepes, danish, and deli sandwiches which may be purchased over the counter, or served to those who would like to wait outside in our courtyard. The setting of the courtyard is specifically Tuscan, Italian themed with a grass patch, cobblestone floor, and ten small tables where customers may enjoy their snacks or beverages as they wait for their car.

The philosophy to my business is that the customer comes first just as their car, and Bella Mezzo will ensure complete satisfaction for the customer as they drive away. I plan to offer ten scents of air freshener for the vehicle which will be chosen when selecting the specific wash the customer would like to purchase. They are as follows: pina colada, coconut, surf and sand, vanilla, cinnamon, lemon, peach, cherry, strawberry -banana, and new car.

Bella Mezzo will be a full service hand car wash, the customer will drive up, park their car in the specific unloading zone,where a specially trained employee will vacuum the inside of the car, and continue to drive it into the washing area. The customer will be able to choose specific washes for their car before it is taken into the washing zone. The wash area will have the specific equipment needed to meet that which the customers requested for their car.

Bella Mezzo is the perfect getaway for a car and its driver. The customer will be able to eat, drink, and relax all while their car is getting the treatment it always deserves. My goal for this business is to continuously meet the needs of the customer and their car, all while running my business with devotion, integrity, and honesty towards my employees, and customers.

Tuesday, April 08, 2008

My spring break consisted of two weeks in Europe with my senior class where I was able to see beautiful historical sites within Florence,Rome,Delphi, Serento and Athens. Spring break was a trip of a lifetime, and I was able to truly see different aspects of the world, cultures, and religion. The trip was extremely eventful, yet tiring for reasons that there was so much to see and were on the go constantly.


Our main source of transportation was a bus that took us all over Italy and Greece. While in the bus we were still able to view the beautiful sites while our tour guide Judy informed us of the interesting facts about the surrounding ancient buildings. The facts I learned about the Roman Empire and Greek mythology were very interesting, and I was extremely impressed with the architecture by which the people were able to utilize and learn within their time. Seeing the Coliseum and the Trevi Fountain in Rome was amazing. The beauty of the art and the imagination that the artists of that time had is unique and original especially with the fact that all the buildings are still in place.

Viewing the ruins of Pompeii were specifically interesting for the tracks that the chariots would make in the stone ground and the frescoes that were still visible through all the years and ash that had once covered the city. The architecture between both Italy and Greece were interesting, but in my opinion Greece was not as impressive as Italy. I loved the atmosphere of Italy with its beautiful cobblestone streets and though it rained everday during our trip I still consider it a wonderful experience, and I would go back in a heartbeat. The fact that Italian men are quite pleasing to the eye does not interfere with the fact that I would go back. The Europe trip was extremely eventful and I learned a tremendous amount of information that I most likely would not have been able to learn anywhere else.

It is a very interesting thing to think of how different the country of America is. We are very diverse, our food is based upon all other countries, and we hold complete different values that relate to the body, and human behavior. It was strange when it is considered a compliment of men watching your every move because they find you different, and it is also very, let me say, surprising to turn and see out in the open pictures of the human anatomy. The culture is simply comfortable with sexuality and the freedom of life. There seems to be no room for judgment. I loved the fact that the people were very sociable within Italy, whether they be greeting you with a kiss on the cheek or they hold your hand and leave you saying "have a blessed day, or Happy Easter". The countries of Italy and Greece are definitly strong within their religions and they take the matter of family, friends, and their country very seriously.

My spring break was amazing and I love the fact that I was able to share this experience with my senior class, and even more excited that Miss Evans was able to share the experience with us. She was very thoughtful and patient with us and always making jokes through the long bus trips, and times standing in the rain. My spring break was a once in a lifetime experience I will never forget.