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Debate Info

12
9
Yes No
Debate Score:21
Arguments:30
Total Votes:21
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Argument Ratio

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 Yes (12)
 
 No (9)

Debate Creator

Lynaldea(1231) pic



Can the "Barter System" replace capitalism, within the United States?

I beg the question, how hard or easy would it be to replace capitalism with the Barter System. 

Pros and Cons of both?  

Yes

Side Score: 12
VS.

No

Side Score: 9

It can but it probably won't. Very impractical since while everyone wants money, not everyone will want the particular good or service one has to offer them in exchange for their own.

Side: Yes
1 point

I agree.

The whole $$$ issue is what's eating this capitalist environment and government from the inside out; everybody wants more and generally those whom have it do not want less.

I wish there was a way for humans to go back to the barter system, say "fuck money and currency" and use whatever they've got to deal.

Whether it be labor service, or product exchange, its very possible, yet though because there is debt and selfishness, whether governmental, student, country, ect, that which is preventing mankind to doing such ways.

Without money, people would be much more happier, healthier with both mind and body, and probably more friendlier.

Side: Yes
1 point

In that case we actually disagree. Sorry about the misunderstanding.

Side: No
1 point

The Zeitgeist movement will have you think that our monetary economy can be replaced by a ressource based economy. I think such an idea carries a lot of fruitful thought. People around the world live in the streets yet there are millions of houses that are completely empty due to the housing bubble. For a Martian this scenarie would be utterly senseless, yet we can somehow justify because we have this fantasy that a piece of paper or a bit on computer database is worth something. The Zeitgeists don't really promote a barter system in the sense that everything is business as usual just without money. They promote a system of fair sharing, a system that's continuously being ridiculed. Critics assume money is the primary/only incentive people have for working.

I think there's quiet a bit of truth to such an assumption, but I think its weigh lies in the fact that our culture is built around the idea that money is good and worth something. Fundamentally changing a system is a daring task and certainly one that involves risk, but I think change is possible, albeit only if the people want to make it work. Thankfully people are beginning to grow tired of mindless consumption, they are beginning to care about the climate and the ecosystems. But more importantly, I think people will start to acknowledge one of the strongest arguments against capitalism. A capitalist system disregards future generations and focuses of short-term gains - but people don't. The system may not care too much about their grandchildren but people do. I think this is where change will start if it ever will.

Side: Yes
1 point

Those last statements are where it's at; you are correct in that at the very least, that's where we should start.

(A capitalist system disregards future generations and focuses of short-term gains - but people don't. The system may not care too much about their grandchildren but people do. I think this is where change will start if it ever will.)

I agree that Capitalism will not progress for too much longer. The people are understanding more and more what they want and desire and understand in a more societal way and values that; to where capitalism is not what American people truly want, they want what capitalism portrays they are, yet it cannot withstand the test of time. At least I believe capitalism, the way it's ran now, cannot proceed though is going to so long as humans "hold value to it"...

Yet, as you state, people care and will decide the future of our economy. And, if the people have a restraint, and/or opposition, the true colors of our government will have already been at full force counter attack on the people themselves.

Perhaps us civilians, the people, ought to act and say now before it is too late.

This country is supposed to be for the people, by the people. At least the government, is.

Side: Yes
1 point

Unless you are a barter system purist we do have a barter system with monetary valuation and representation in the US. Money is just debt in this case, societies' debt to you.

Side: Yes
1 point

There is bartering within capitalism, however, I speak of a pure barter system, where no currency is involved.

What's the point of currency, in the end? People, mankind, America, has made currency into something great and inspiring, though we all know deep down, that we do not need currency to thrive.

The Barter System would work fine, only if everyone involved is okay with it, obviously. However, think of how many "negative/horrible" things would vanish had we got rid of currency and back to the basics.

Then again, other issues may arise, like stealing and the natural negative tendencies humans have. This is inevitable. Further, with currency involved, it makes for so much bullshit in the world that I am a true believer that "money is one culprit for evil".

Side: Yes
YouDontKnow(79) Clarified
1 point

Well I think the main point of a uniform currency is convenience and relative stability. Also our whole system of valuation is so great because it is simply a number. Yes numbers can be manipulated but it is the case you can say ok I have this much exactly, this costs this much exactly, is the price of this worth subtracting that much from what I have? In no other system is this really viable.

Side: Yes

Don't you find it a little stupid that someone just like you determines what you can trade for goods?

Side: Yes
Lynaldea(1231) Disputed
1 point

What do you mean?

What is "someone like me"? ........

Are you another troll, troll? lol

Side: No

whati mean is a human being(s) like me and you who gets to regulate how we can trade goods

Side: No

So I can go to a restaurant and just do a dance to pay for my food? I don't think so.

Side: No
Lynaldea(1231) Clarified
1 point

Wouldn't that be natural, easy, fun, and without consequence if that were to be the case?

I see no problem.

Side: Yes

Sure, it'd be great for me. The problem is that the restaurant wouldn't accept it.

Side: No
1 point

Can one imagine going into a restaurant and carrying a basket of items to barter for your meal? It is really kind of ridiculous. The current system, (as flawed as it is) is much easier. Also, it would only be a matter of time before people moved to gold anyway, so we'd be back to square one.

Side: No
Lynaldea(1231) Clarified
1 point

Im obviously not asking if it would work now....Im asking if its possible it can work in the future...what the hell

Side: Yes
kozlov(1754) Disputed
1 point

The augment stands. The same thing would happen in the future.

Unless you go really far into the future. Then we have anarchy and a completely different system of trade.

Side: Yes

give me all your points and i will give you a back massage!!!!!! Noooooooooooooooooooooooo!

Side: No