(edited slightly from the original posting)
By definition: Capitalism is only about 'capital', so it's natural for the Capitalist to see himself protected by the Big Stick, hence he works to see regs minimized on himself and maximized on his competition. The Capitalist always has an eye open for bringing every penny into 'his' coffers (not his competitor's and sure as shit not his customer's or employee's). Capitalism is an exercise that promotes intrusive, irresponsible, playin' the favorites, muckin' with the culture, rule by the powerful.
By definition: Free Enterprse is only about the trading individual as he transacts with other trading individuals. The Big Stick is excluded ('cept mebbee as final arbiter of dispute) so it's natural for the Free Enterpriser to be cautious and moderate (he has no safety net to catch him or teat to nourish in bad times). 'Too big to fail' is alien to the Free Enterpriser cuz the reality of failure looms (the wolf is always at the door). Free Enterprise promotes less intrusive, responsible, largely silent, neutral, proxy-hood.
In my case: while defintions and whatnot come from dictionaries and whatnot, my experience of the difference between Free Enterprise and Capitalism is first hand.
As I say: I self-employ, and I do so in a gray area sphere (information). I find it, convey it, wash my hands of it. What I do is largely unregulated ('cept by 'legit' private investigators who are always lookin' to call down the fire on someone they think is takin' their business). Mine is truly a 'free' enterprise. I have no formal regulators to oversee me, no safety net, no teat. If I don't work, or if I work but fail, there's no line for me to stand in to get a check. If I'm screwed over by a client, the current iteration of the courts is of little use to me.
Having worked 9 to 5, with all the benefits and all the strictures, serving multiple overseers, ain't no way in Heaven or Hell I'd ever give up the autonomy I have now for the 'security' I had then.
As I reckon things: Free Enterprise, with all it's dangers and neck-breakin', life-wreckin' possibilities, is superior to State Capitalism with it's abattoir-like confinements and 'regulations'. Only thing State Capitalism is better than is State Socialism (and not by much).
Free enterprise, for the record, is synonomous with 'free (open, unregulated) market' (something Capitalists discourage [which makes them different from commies how?]).
Bonus Material (included cuz I like it)
It was said [by someone, I don't recall
who]...
"Yeah, this is why I've evolved into more of a pragmatist. To become such an individualist that you oppose government assisting in the liberation of others makes no sense to me. Government exists, if you want good governance you have to engage with it. Libertarianism has become a way to convince people not to engage with their government assuring government which does not represent their interests."
My translation...
Yeah, this is why I've evolved into a slave. To be a free man and oppose being turned into a resource for others makes me scared. Governors exist. And, since we all want to be on the governors' good side we should do as told. Libertarianism is 'bad' because it reminds people the governors are employees and governors don't like that. Libertarianism is 'wrong' because it highlghts the natural tension between those who govern and those governed, a tension governors very much want to eliminate so as to better 'govern' (rule).
...summed up as...
I've accepted my lot, which is to be bent over. Libertarians, with all their shennanigans, endanger my lube supply.
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some thoughts on categories & employment...
a state capitalism (what 'murica has right now) encourages accumulation of wealth in increasingly fewer hands...it's a means by which wealthy folks can buy a measure of favor and insulation from the gov in the form of legislation...it's a less than stellar choice of an economy for free men
though imperfect, it's an open system: anyone can climb the ladder...
anyone, at
anytime...if bein' rich is your goal, there's no damn reason you can't be...it will not be easy...you'll forsake many comforts and pleasures...it is what it is
a state communism (what so many want 'murica to embrace, and which includes all the subsets [social democracy, socialism, etc.]) promises a chicken in every pot (one scrawny bird, one rusty pot), and a roof over every head (a tar paper roof over submissive [or bloody] heads)...you'll have equality (with the lowest among you), safety (eyes & ears, watchin', listenin'; jackboots to stomp wrong-doers (be careful that ain't
you), and a central committee to
benevolently oversee you (and keep you in line)
it's a closed system...advancement comes only as your value in keepin' the machine runnin' is proven...your wants, your needs, your goals, your dreams: sorry, brother, there is no
your, there's only
our, so drop the
y, reject the
I, and embrace the
party (the one, the only)
your salvation, should you choose to pursue it, is not to be found in the state capitalism (by far, not the worst thing to saddle yourself with) or the state communism (a pretty damn awful thing by any measure)...no, only
free enterprise can save you, and that means self-employin'...no man is meant to work in perpetuity for another...the apprentice becomes a master, the student becomes the teacher, the child becomes a parent
I'm sub-normal yet I successfully self-employ: me and mine have shelter (actual slate shingles), food (all kinds of good eatin'), safety (we're a gun-ownin' family), and various comforts & pleasures...most important: we're
free
if I can do it: there's no reason any of you ought to be on the dole or workin' the 9 to 5
best thing of all:
free enterprise works everywhere, all the time...even in the midst of a well-established state communism (what do you think gray & black markets are?)
so: stop bellyachin' and get to work
