Tokyo for president

[Bageloo]

I beg to differ. Although I'm no fan of consumerism, materialism and the greed and arrogance it fosters, I just have to look at the socialst/communist states to conclude that the general populations of capitalist countries are better of.

Think of the former USSR vs the States. Think of Cuba vs Singapore. N.Korea vs S.Korea.

Ah, China you say? China's massive economic growth started right after it changed to "Capitalist like" trade and policies.

Communism, in my mind, is a nice idea that in reality leads to dictatorship, inequity and suppression.

True. But remember I advocate socialist policies wrt the strategic industries such as mines, railways, etc and that's not to be confused with communism or Communism.

 

[Geriatrix]

Geriatrix : Take a look at most of Europe. Socialism works well when it is combined with Capitalism. Sweden, Switzerland, France, Luxemburg and even Britain.

Yes. When combined with capitalism.
Socialist ideas in a capitalist society works.
Socialism on its own(like communism), in my opinion, breeds laziness, slows growth and might even transform a country in a nanny state.

 

[icyrus]

The problem comes not from one system or the other, but when those who are charged with implementing it use it to enrich themselves and enslave their people.

Given South Africa's lack of checks and balances at the moment, I would be concerned with handing anymore power over to the government.

As for what makes a good president, I would be looking for someone who:
- knows what he/she doesn't know
- hires the best qualified people rather than the most connected
- takes responsibility for his actions and of the people he appoints
- is not afraid to take action against those who don't perform

Plus a few others that escape me at the moment.

Our current president doesn't check any of those boxes, whether Tokyo would I don't know.