It is possible for a community (or nation) to provide a job for every person suitable to his skill and training and at a fair rate of pay that is sufficient to make a living. In the rural community of olden days, every person can make a living provided that he (or she) is willing to work. Most choose to farm, but other occupations are also available - merchant, craftsman, doctors, teachers.
This type of situation is possible in the modern economy, but it requires a new economic system and better regulation. It is possible to use modern technology to create an efficient and fair market to match the demand and supply for any occupation (e.g. teachers, nurses). A fair hourly rate of wage can be determined that can balance the supply and demand.
This is supposed to be the modus operandi of the free market, but currently the market does not work inefficiently due to gaps in information. If the information is made available in a transparent manner (and this is possible with the internet technology), it would be possible to determine a fair wage rate that will balance the supply and demand.
If there is a temporary glut (i.e. more supply than demand), the number of hours of work can be regulated, so that the available work is shared fairly among all the workers and unemployment is avoided. As each person is paid on an hourly rate, they will earn less for the reduced hours of work but they have more free time for family, friends, holidays or for other part time work.
In the rural community of olden days, each farmer may have some bumper and lean seasons and they adapt their lifestyle to this variation. There is no need for workers to have a fixed salary, when the demand for their service may vary. If workers have variable salary, they should not be making large fixed commitment, e.g. to buy an expensive home!
This type of arrangement may not apply to the economic sectors that are subject to global competition, e.g. manufacture of products that are sold in the global market. But, this arrangement can apply to the domestic economy (including tourism) which should provide occupation for at least two thirds of the people in the community.
How nice would it be, to live in a community where one is assured that there will be work that fits one's skill and training and will pay a fair rate that is sufficient to make a living (but not to accumulate large wealth). There will also be opportunities for some people to accumulate wealth, but the security of work and a decent living should be provided to every person.
Tan Kin Lian
Kin Lian
ReplyDeleteYou really have good ideas that can make society better. Let's hope our society leaders can accept and implement these ideas so as to make our society heaven on Earth.
Mr. Tan, It sounds like a communist system without the control and oppresion.
ReplyDeleteHi SK
ReplyDeleteThe ideas of communism or socialism are good for the masses. They treat people with respect and fairness. They do not exploit the weak.
Unfortunately, many leaders use oppressive methods to retain power. This is not a trait of communist regimes. It also apply to "democratic" systems in many countries.
All forms of oppression and exploitation are bad, whether communist or free market.
Dear SK
ReplyDeleteRespectfully, you may need to enlarge your knowledge of political systems.
My two favourite themes are oligarchy and the iron law of oligarchy. This is to compare and contrast against "meritocracy".
An oligarchy is a form of government in which power effectively rests with a small elite segment of society distinguished by royalty, wealth, family ties, military might, or religious hegemony. Such states are often controlled by politically powerful families whose children are heavily conditioned and mentored to be heirs of the power of the oligarchy.
Oligarchies have been tyrannical throughout history, being completely reliant on public servitude to exist.
SOURCE:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oligarchy
IRON LAW OF OLIGARCHY
The iron law of oligarchy ... states that all forms of organization, regardless of how democratic or autocratic[citation needed] they may be at the start, will eventually and inevitably develop into oligarchies. The reasons for this are the technical indispensability of leadership, the tendency of the leaders to organize themselves and to consolidate their interests; the gratitude of the led towards the leaders, and the general immobility and passivity of the masses.
SOURCE:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron_law_of_oligarchy
Below is the wikipedia's definition of meritocracy. It offers a more balanced view of meritocracy than our favourite Singapore newspaper.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meritocracy
Anonymous said @1:19pm
ReplyDelete"Below is the wikipedia's definition of meritocracy. It offers a more balanced view of meritocracy than our favourite Singapore newspaper.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meritocracy"
I read the wikipedia article above. Could you enlighten me on the less balance view of local newspaper?