Friday, April 10, 2009

Americans and Capitalism

Only 53% of American adults believe capitalism is better than socialism.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey found that 20% disagree and say socialism is better. Twenty-seven percent (27%) are not sure which is better.

Adults under 30 are essentially evenly divided: 37% prefer capitalism, 33% socialism, and 30% are undecided. Thirty-somethings are a bit more supportive of the free-enterprise approach with 49% for capitalism and 26% for socialism. Adults over 40 strongly favor capitalism, and just 13% of those older Americans believe socialism is better.

Investors by a 5-to-1 margin choose capitalism. As for those who do not invest, 40% say capitalism is better while 25% prefer socialism.

There is a partisan gap as well. Republicans - by an 11-to-1 margin - favor capitalism. Democrats are much more closely divided: Just 39% say capitalism is better while 30% prefer socialism. As for those not affiliated with either major political party, 48% say capitalism is best, and 21% opt for socialism.

Read it all here.

What does this phone survey really tell us?

... that Americans are largely indifferent to how capital is generated and dispersed as long as they percieve that their standard of living is what it should be?

... that Americans are largely ignorant of the differences between captialism, socialism, communism, etc.?

... that Americans are so disillusioned by the unethical and criminal behaviors of financial speculators and CEOs that they are willing to overhaul the system, rather than insist that the laws be enforced?

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