Talk:American System (economics)

I've removed the following:

The American System also emphasized the importance of the power of the human mind to innovate, as the most important topic of discussion for economists. As Abraham Lincoln himself put it, in a speech delivered on the stump in his 1860 campaign, "Man is not the only animal who labors; but he is the only one who improves his workmanship. This improvement he effects by Discoveries and Inventions."

The American System has been increasing ignored by historians and economics professors, but it is arguably the only approach that has been historically successful in bringing about the rapid economic progress of nations, as demonstrated by its success under the Lincoln Administration and its subsequent revival under Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The two approaches which dominate the academic world today, Laissez-Faire and Marxism, have yet to produce substantial results, and nations which practice them seem to rely on the exploitation of other nations to survive.

The most outspoken proponent of American System Economics in the early 20th Century was Dr. Sun Yat-sen. Today, it is the American politician and economist Lyndon LaRouche.

These paragraphs strike me as increasingly POV as one goes on. The first paragraph I'm dubious about whether that's actually part of the "American System" or a later interpolation. The second paragraph is thoroughly POV. The last sentence of the third is just promotion for Lyndon LaRouche by a LaRouche enthusiast. AndyL 11:55, 3 Jul 2004 (UTC)

• Paragraph one: if you are uncertain as to whether Lincoln was an important spokesman for the American System, why on earth would you be editing this article?

• Paragraph two: I used the qualifier "arguably," and I think it is justified to discuss the track record of the American System approach, which is now virtually unknown in its country of origin, to the track record of the other two options, which are normally the only ones discussed. Feel free to cite a success story for Marxism or Laissez-Faire. However, I agree that this paragraph might be better couched in a "proponents of the American system assert a, and opponents respond with b" format. I won't attempt to edit it, however, until we get arbitration, because you, Andy, and your cohorts, are in the "revert, don't debate" mode.

• Paragraph three: simple statement of fact. Can you name another outspoken proponent of the American System, other than LaRouche? Remember, your dislike or LaRouche, or of the American System, is not at issue. And, just out of curiosity, what is your gripe against Sun Yat-Sen?--Herschelkrustofsky 20:32, 13 Jul 2004 (UTC)

Can you provide sources to back up your claims? Can you cite any economists etc who state that LaRouche is the "leading proponent" of this school?AndyL 02:24, 14 Jul 2004 (UTC)

Off the top of my head, I can't think of any economists who have even acknowledged that it exists. But then again, I can't think of any economists, with the sort of credentials that might impress you, that I would consider competent, based on the consequences of implementing their recommendations. Just look at what happens to Third World nations that take the advice of the IMF!

There are a few commentators, like James Fallows of the Atlantic Monthly, who are clearly aware of American System Economics, but beyond that, none that explicitly promote it. Like it or not, Andy, LaRouche has something close to a monopoly on advocacy of American System Economics. Now, you may denounce this school of thought -- I have the distinct impression that you and Adam are British Liberals/Laissez-Faire types -- but denying that an alternative school exists would be a bit over the top.--Herschelkrustofsky 06:11, 14 Jul 2004 (UTC)

"Off the top of my head, I can't think of any economists who have even acknowledged that it exists"

So LaRouche is the onlyi one who claimsthat this system exists as a distinct school?AndyL 07:15, 14 Jul 2004 (UTC)

I have nothing against Sun Yat-Sen in particular, it just seems to me that your statement is POV. I'd like you to back your statement up with citations. AndyL 14:55, 14 Jul 2004 (UTC)

Wow! Andy, You really do hate the American System -- and evidently, you admire the British one tremendously, as shown by your links to the Libertarian Party and the Von Mises Institute. Is Roy Lieberman one of your credentialed academic experts?

You know, this debate would be a lot more productive if you would just come out and admit that you oppose LaRouche, because he is a leading proponent of the American System, and you prefer the opposite approach. Then Adam might find the courage to admit that he opposes LaRouche, because LaRouche is a leading opponent of colonial wars and the "Clash of Civilizations" doctrine, both of which Adam supports. --Herschelkrustofsky 00:09, 15 Jul 2004 (UTC)

This debate would be a lot more productive if you would just come out and admit that you're a member of the LaRouche movement. AndyL 00:51, 15 Jul 2004 (UTC)