In the GD: Politics forum, DUer boolean posted an excellent summary of a combined capitalist/socialist society:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discu...



I think this is a perfect outline of a BALANCED economic policy. Although because of the negative connotations of the term "socialism" in our society, I think it would best to avoid using it.

Which is why I propose the term Economic Civil Rights and emphasize that it is for a Balanced economic policy.

Although the current laissez-faire policy was originally intended to encourage individualism, in todays corporate atmosphere individuals are at a disadvantage because we do not have the available resources that corporations have. Ever try to sue a corporation? How many lobbyists can you afford?

Therefore, we need an economic policy that BALANCES the rights and interests of individual consumers and workers with those of corporations and protects everyone's Economic Civil Rights. Corporations and Individuals, both; not just Corporations.

Here are some of my suggestions of policies to implement:

1. Balance the Federal Budget and pay down the debt (the debt is hamstringing the ability of the Government to act)
2. Living Wages
3. Universal or Single-payer health care.
4. Roll back the tax cuts for the wealthy. Only a graduated tax structure is fair. Those who CAN afford to pay more SHOULD pay more.
5. Capital Gains tax - an income tax should tax INCOME, not PAYROLL only.
6. Eliminate tax breaks that encourage outsourcing to foreign countries.
7. Fair and Balanced trade that benefits both countries, not Free Trade that only benefits one country and corporations.
8. Better controls of the use of public resources. This includes pollution controls, since our air and water are PUBLIC resources and belong to all of us.
9. Improve Education

Any other ideas?

It's time for all of us to stand up for our Economic Civil Rights!