The problem with emotion based arguments is ...

[LWW]

... they are almost always wrong.

The following post prompted me to do some research, as it makes a quite compelling argument based on the emotions involved:

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Qtec</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><span style='font-size: 20pt'>Capitalism = Profits before people.</span>

Nobody in their right mind would want to work in a mine if they didn't have to.

Q </div></div>

After all, miners suffer a fatality rate of 34.8 per 100,000 per year.

Then, those stubborn facts reared their ugly head. When the same argument is applied do a different occupation, see how ridiculous it appears:

<span style='font-size: 20pt'>Capitalism = Profits before people.

Nobody in their right mind would want to work fishing if they didn't have to.</span>

even though fisherman suffer a fatality rate of 128.9 per 100,000 per year.

<span style='font-size: 20pt'>Capitalism = Profits before people.

Nobody in their right mind would want to work logging if they didn't have to.</span>

even though loggers suffer a fatality rate of 115.7 per 100,000 per year.

<span style='font-size: 20pt'>Capitalism = Profits before people.

Nobody in their right mind would want to work as a commercial pilot if they didn't have to.</span>

even though commercial pilots suffer a fatality rate of 72.4 per 100,000 per year.

<span style='font-size: 20pt'>Capitalism = Profits before people.

Nobody in their right mind would want to work as an iron and steel worker if they didn't have to.</span>

even though iron and steel workers suffer a fatality rate of 46.4 per 100,000 per year.

<span style='font-size: 20pt'>Capitalism = Profits before people.

Nobody in their right mind would want to work as a farmer or rancher if they didn't have to.</span>

even though farmers and rancher suffer a fatality rate of 39.5 per 100,000 per year.

<span style='font-size: 20pt'>Capitalism = Profits before people.

Nobody in their right mind would want to work as a waste collector if they didn't have to.</span>

even though waste collectors suffer a fatality rate of 36.8 per 100,000 per year.

The bottom line is that mining is much safer than many jobs which pay far less.

&gt;&gt;&gt;FACTS, THEY ARE SUCH STUBBORN THINGS&lt;&lt;&lt; (http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2010/news/1004/gallery.Most_dangerous_jobs/7.html)

LWW

[pooltchr]

"Nobody in their right mind would want to work in a mine if they didn't have to.

Q "

Larry, Q has made the absolute best arguement against socialism and for capitalism that has ever been made on this forum.

If everyone is given whatever they need, what motivation do they have to get up every day and go to work?
What motivation do they have to achieve excellance?

The simple fact is that capitalism creates an environment where people do work hard and strive for excellance, because they have the opportunity to make their life better.

When you take away the ability to do that, you take away the motivation to work at all.

That is why in communist countries, people are forced to do those jobs. In a capatalist society, they choose to do those jobs.

Steve