Capitalism: The Least Worst Option For Latinos And People Of Color

In a world as flawed and complex as ours, capitalism emerges not as a perfect system but as the least worst option for managing the vast and diverse needs of society. Recent reports suggest that Vladimir Putin might be the richest man on earth. This unsettling revelation underscores not only the depths of human imperfection but also the critical vulnerabilities within political and economic structures worldwide.

The invasion of Ukraine by Russia, while horrifying and indefensible, serves a darker, more insidious purpose for Putin. It distracts a critical mass of Russians from mobilizing against the very man who has accumulated immense wealth under the guise of leadership. This wealth, amassed while Western capitalist countries turned a blind eye, is a glaring indictment of how capitalism can be complicit in the concentration of power and resources in the hands of a few.
Communism, often touted as the antithesis of capitalism, proves to be a perverted offspring of Epicureanism. When Communism fell in Russia in the 1990s, economic data revealed a society crippled by inefficiency, corruption, and a lack of incentives. The promise of shared prosperity under Communism gave way to stark realities: empty shelves, a stagnant economy, and a populace yearning for the dynamism and opportunity that capitalism, for all its flaws, can provide.

Putin’s wealth is hypocritical given Russia's communist history, and it highlights the paradoxical nature of human constructs like money. Money survives because a critical mass of people use it as a medium of exchange, accepting its value and perpetuating its existence. This collective acceptance is a testament to our shared belief in the systems we create, despite their inherent flaws.

As we approach the 2024 Presidential election, it is imperative for minorities and people of color to become politically proactive. By turning out to vote, we can no longer be perceived as part of a silent majority. We must reject the binary thinking often imposed upon us by those who seek to divide and control. This approach, which attempts to entice minority voters with simplistic narratives, must be replaced by multidisciplinary thoughts and perspectives.
Here, I must express my disappointment with politicians like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. While her intentions may be well-meaning, her avoidance of self-reflection and refusal to acknowledge her own limitations hampers genuine progress. It's crucial for all, regardless of race, to engage in self-reflection and ask ourselves how we can improve, even in areas we believe we're adept.
White and black intellectuals alike should have a lucid moment, enabling the well-intended to stop perpetuating counterproductive stories. Through transparent and civil dialogue, we must acknowledge our collective flaws and work towards a more inclusive and understanding society. If we fail to do so, perhaps fabricating a unifying distraction—like an alien invasion—might be our last resort to replace petty bickering with a common cause.

In the global arena, currencies like the Chinese yuan, the Russian ruble, and various cryptocurrencies compete against the Euro and the US Dollar, impacting the stability of each country’s economy and laws. This competition reflects the ongoing struggle for dominance in a capitalist world, where power and influence are constantly in flux.
Reflecting on my own experiences, particularly as detailed in my dedication letter to Donald Trump in my free e-book "How To Get Better At Things You Don’t Think You’re Bad At By 2020," I am reminded of the paradoxes faced by fathers in capitalistic societies. Fathers, including Trump, strive to balance protection and independence for their children, much like leaders must balance control and freedom for their nations.

Ultimately, capitalism emphasizes individual self-interest and personal success, which can overshadow moral concerns. As I’ve written before, we must foster broader societal dialogue about the ethical implications of economic systems, promoting education on alternative models, and encouraging a balance between incentives and morality within a capitalist framework.
President Trump, like many fathers, grapples with the paradox of being a provider and a nurturing figure, an authority yet an emotional supporter. These challenges mirror the broader societal struggles we face in reconciling capitalism’s benefits with its moral shortcomings. In striving for a better world, we must not forget our shared humanity and the imperative to continually question and improve our systems for the collective good.