Support for “democratic socialism” is on the rise here at NC State. With so many students #feelingthebern, this seems like an appropriate time to bring some diversity to the conversation — some intellectual diversity. Due to word count limitations, I’ll keep this short and sweet. Below are five reasons that I’m a proud capitalist.*

1. Capitalism respects my right to live — not for the sake of the group, the nation, the tribe, the race, the proletariat or for any of you — but for my own sake.

2. Capitalism recognizes that my mind is my basic tool of survival and that in order to think, I must be free to use it.

3. Capitalism treats me as the sole proprietor of my own life. Under capitalism, my time and energy, my triumphs and failures, my burdens and my beloved dreams, are my mine alone.

4. Capitalism treats me as the rightful sovereign of my soul, respecting my authority to chart my own course in the one, precious life I have on this earth.

5. Because capitalism does not chain me to any of you — because it does not demand that I serve you or that you serve me — I’m free to respect and value you. 

My goal with this short note is to stimulate a respectful, constructive dialogue between socialist and capitalist students. Socialist students are making their voices heard, so I’m calling on my fellow capitalists to let your classmates know if you’re #capitalistandproud.

*By “capitalism,” I mean a laissez-faire social system that protects each individual’s right to life, liberty and property by banning the initiation of physical force from human affairs.

Josh Windham

NC State Class of 2013