[sassysocks]

Originally Posted by Toy Soldier

A common misconception. The western world has more personal freedom because it revolves around capitalism, and because the people who are running things benefit hugely from that capitalism and exploiting a free (or more or less free) market with huge numbers of relatively well off, relatively frivolous consumers.

Freedom and lack of oppression is essential to that consumer economy. Having a pleasant, comfortable life (and having a desire to keep it pleasant and comfortable, or make it more pleasant and comfortable) is also an integral to that capitalist / consumer economy.

That is why we are "free", and that is why we are "comfortable". If it benefited those with power and money for us not to be free or comfortable, we would not be free or comfortable.

No way of life is perfect and never will be and there will always those that benefit more than others. But the capitalist system has proved most successful for the majority which is why the majority are relatively content with the way things are and why so many come from less successful economies in their droves. Give me capitalism to dictatorship any day.

Improved education and communication, all part of the capitalist environment, have led to a better understanding and support of human rights and a better life for most. Such a system benefits the majority which is why it is so successful and why so many subscribe to it and why many of those that don't resent those that do.