A Crisis of Faith
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Authors
Rosener, Mark W.
Issue Date
1981
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
As a nation, we are faced with a crisis of faith which
represents a crossroad in our history. We have for the most
part, lost faith in our economic system - i.e. Capitalism -
as well as our political system - i.e. Democracy. Some predict
the demise of both, one system's failure bringing about
the other's demise as well. Most have become apathetic to
the point that they believe we must forever endure the chaotic
floundering of both systems. Both capitalism and democracy
in the United States seem close to the brink of destroying
our nation as we know it, or perhaps more accurately, knew it.
The United States has had to endure international embarrassment
and ridicule through such events as the Vietnam War, the Watergate
scandal, the hostage crisis, and the attempt to stop
Soviet intervention in Afghanistan. Our international reputation
as a super power, as a world leader, has begun to
crack and perhaps even crumble. Faith in our governmental
and economic processes' ability to resolve the tremendously
trying issues with which they are confronted has begun to fade
into history. Such is the crisis of faith.
The examination that follows is an attempt to identify
the issues which must be confronted to resolve this crisis.
The conclusion that is reached is that economic regulation
has contributed to this crisis of faith. Government attempts
to make capitalism function more effectively are inevitably
met with failure. Capitalism can only succeed if allowed to
function free from government interference and regulation.
Faith in the creative, innovative spirit of entrepreneurs
risking their wealth in hopes of profit is necessary to the
success of capitalism. This process based upon faith and unaffected
by government can provide for the accumulation of
wealth for this nation as a whole. Economic regulation by
government is in itself evidence of the lack of faith in our
capitalist system. If we deem the economic system in need
of government aid in the form of regulation, we necessarily
admit to the system's inability to resolve the issues at hand.
Such is the economic crisis of faith.
Democracy is based upon the concept of faith as well.
The ability of our governmental process depends upon faith
which we as political scientists term consensus. As our
political system continues to be frustrated by failure in
its attempt to regulate the economy, consensus begins to
falter. Government regulation of our economy tends to hinder
the proper functioning of our capitalist system. In short,
economic regulation is ultimately destined to failure in
that capitalism can only survive in the absence of regulation.
This being the case, political consensus continues to dissipate
as our nation attempts to rectify the perceived deficiencies
of capitalism. Such is the political crisis of faith.
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Description
iii, 51 p.
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