Would you like fries with that? For $133?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the high price of McDonald's fries in Venezuela, attributed to the country's socialist policies and economic conditions. Participants explore the implications of these policies, the nature of government support, and the broader context of socialism versus capitalism.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that the price of fries in Venezuela reflects the impact of socialist policies, including inflation and protectionism, leading to a large serving costing $133.
  • Questions arise about whether the price is in US dollars, indicating confusion about the currency context.
  • Humorous remarks are made about the expectations for service and presentation at such a high price, likening it to first-class dining experiences.
  • One participant suggests that attributing the failings of the Venezuelan government solely to socialism is overly simplistic, pointing out that similar policies exist in capitalist countries, such as agricultural subsidies in the US.
  • Another participant argues that the issues in Venezuela are more related to government corruption than to socialism itself.
  • A disagreement emerges regarding the interpretation of socialism and its outcomes, with some advocating for a nuanced view that recognizes the potential benefits of certain socialist policies.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between socialism and the economic situation in Venezuela, with no consensus reached on whether the issues are primarily due to socialism or corruption. The discussion remains unresolved with competing perspectives on the effectiveness of economic systems.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference various economic policies and historical contexts, but the discussion lacks clarity on specific definitions of socialism and capitalism, as well as the nuances of government intervention in economies.

phinds
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I thought this was a joke when I first saw it, but it is not. Venezuela's socialist policies of massive handouts and protectionist ((causing inflation and prohibiting McDonalds from using non-Venezuelan potatoes) caused McDonalds to stop serving fries w/ their meals there but they have now brought them back, using Venezuelan potatoes. For $133 per large serving. This is about 10% of the average monthly salary in Venezuela.

Let's hear it for socialism !

venezuela.jpg
 
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phinds said:
they have now brought them back, using Venezuelan potatoes. For $133 per large serving.

Well, at that price I hope they serve them fresh and hot and with a generous drizzling of non-iodized sea salt..
 
With a catered table expensive server ware and preferred seating too.

Actually this sounds like first class flying.
 
jedishrfu said:
With a catered table expensive server ware and preferred seating too

Yes, I'm envisioning Michael Caine in a butler outfit with the white towel thrown over his forearm saying, "Your fries, sir.." :biggrin:
 
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jedishrfu said:
But then that means you'd be Batman.

Well, I think you'd have to Batman to steal, I mean afford, fries at that price...

"Some green tea with your Micky D's fries, sir?"

http://img.moviepilot.com/assets/tarantulaV2/embedded_images/1378301928_art_michael_caine2.jpg
 
Chavez' daughter Maria could order local fries everyday. She's worth aroundhttp://latino.foxnews.com/latino/news/2015/08/10/hugo-chavez-daughter-is-richest-individual-in-venezuela-report-claims/ Perhaps she invented the iPhone. She and her siblings might require home fries delivery though, since they refuse to move out of the presidential mansion long after the death of Chavez. Yes, let's here it for socialism.
 
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phinds said:
socialist policies of massive handouts and protectionist ...

Let's hear it for socialism !

Massive handouts and protectionism aren't exclusive to socialism:

The United States currently pays around $20 billion per year to farmers in direct subsidies as "farm income stabilization"[12][13][14] via U.S. farm bills. These bills pre-date the economic turmoil of the Great Depression with the 1922 Grain Futures Act, the 1929 Agricultural Marketing Act and the 1933 Agricultural Adjustment Act creating a tradition of government support.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agricultural_subsidy#United_States

http://www.economist.com/news/unite...mers-grow-subsidies-instead-milking-taxpayers

I think it's lazy to attribute the failings of some particular government to an entire economic system.
Do we say capitalism has failed because USA healthcare costs 2.5 times the OECD average yet has below average results? Or that socialism has succeeded because more socialist leaning countries top the 'worlds happiest countries' year on year?
Capitalism is the best of a bad bunch but there's plenty of evidence that shows some socialist leaning policies can produce better outcomes. Don't throw the baby out with the bath water.
 
  • #10
phinds said:
Venezuela's socialist corrupt policies of massive handouts and protectionist

It's more a case of government corruption, than socialism.
 
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  • #11
Astronuc said:
It's more a case of government corruption, than socialism.
Whether I agree w/ you or not, I strongly disapprove of your editing my comment to give the false impression that what YOU said is what I said.