Economic insanity and empire in Thomas Jefferson's radical politics

¶ … globalization and economic growth in emerging markets, the concept of capitalism has become a contentious issue worldwide. With a recent presidential election, based primarily on the future economic growth of America, the books offered in this report offer a very disparate viewpoint. For one, each in its own way challenged many of the tenets that are the foundation of prosperity and economic growth. These books also provide controversial solutions and insights that many within the general public would regard as heresy. The common theme underlying each book challenges the notion of capitalism and its supposed merit to both society and investors. Each book, attempts to dispel many of the common myths associated with capitalism and its overall benefit to society. Many of these notions, in regards to the average consumer, seem very radical. For example, Roger Terry believes that consumers should accept a limited or no growth economy. The average consumer however considers growth as the underlying principles that govern the capitalistic society we are currently in. Many see growth as a means of acquiring wealth, while also benefiting society at large. In many respects, investors are rewarded based on their risk. Money is therefore a tool used to accommodate investors for this risk. It is through this growth and risk taking that society benefits. Terry's book however, challenges many of these principles. He believes for instance, that limited growth would actually benefit the nation rather than harm it. The notion therefore of no economic growth benefiting society would seem radical. In addition, William Apple man Williams, challenges conventional capitalism with his own distinct viewpoints. By utilizing America's foreign policy in a historical context, Williams describes how America is predicated on building its own empire. Much like the economic growth characteristics of society mentioned under Terry, empire building is predicated on expansion. Both Williams and Terry challenge this notion and provide evidence that a limited or controlled amount of growth would be to the countries benefit. Richard Matthews adds to the overall challenge of unbounded growth by providing a contentious work of his own. In his book, Matthews asserts that Thomas Jefferson, one of the most influencing thinkers of our time, was an anti-market theorist. Matthews further asserts that Jefferson was against a market economy with unbounded growth but instead advocated for more controlled economic development.