Summary
Stephen Moore, a senior economic adviser to US president-elect Donald Trump, urged the UK to adopt the US “free enterprise” model over Europe’s “more socialist” system, suggesting it would enhance the Trump administration’s “willingness” to pursue a UK-US trade deal.
Moore also defended US agricultural practices and Trump’s proposed 10% blanket import tariff, noting possible exemptions for allies like the UK.
UK leaders, including Keir Starmer, face pressure to balance trade ties with both the EU and US, with figures like Peter Mandelson advocating dual trade agreements amid Brexit challenges.
Capitalism has served me well and, I think if you have a particularly strong work ethic, then the American model can serve you well, up to a certain extent.
BUT, I am not a sycophant. I have seen the dark underbelly of the American model, how certain vampires at the top of companies will maximize profits at the expense of literally everything else - contractually locking in customers and then raising rates on them to the point where they can barely afford it (they’d call that “equilibrium “). Firing good long-time employees because new fresh blood is cheaper, damned if it makes everyone else’s life harder, including that person who gave their life to the company. Predating on the meek, desperate, or just those who don’t think like them, in spite of what it may do to the relationship long term (fuck any sort of commitment or customer relationship at all because it can’t accurately be monetized).
These people chase money above all else. They’re loot dragons. The only relationships they have are those that either think like them or those they can manipulate and control.
So no, don’t chase the American model, but perhaps borrow from some of its most useful tenets. There are good motivated people in the flesh, but the structure is rotten at its core.
I crushed it and have the American Dream. My experience now is, I’m surrounded by old people, trustfund kids, and people who broke themselves to get ahead.
I have to raise my kids knowing that 80% of their classmates have no chance and hope they luck out and also fall in love with a career path that pays well. All of my friends I grew up with are in a constantly struggle, none of them will own a house. I have friends with PTSD from serving in the military and even with the VA loan option and GI bill they will be lucky to own a house by 50 if ever.
I can’t even talk about my life, my struggles are meaningless compared to those around me. I feel like an outsider in America because I actually did what everyone says is the goal and it is wild to me. I’d give it up in a heartbeat just to feel like I was in a community of equals I felt safe to raise a family around.