AchillesUltimate

I might have the wrong definition of fascism, but I typically think of it as extreme government overreach and control. Capitalism, however, needs a free market and free-will exchange, both of which government restrict.

If you wanted to argue that capitalism inevitably devolves into fascism you might be able to, but I suspect that any economic system would just as easily devolve to fascism.

In order for capitalism to devolve into fascism, you'll have to corrupt the government (otherwise there's no way to override free will exchange). However, what exists in capitalism that makes this easier/provides additional incentives for this? Every system with a government will have powerful people who want to manipulate the government for more power.

1. Employee and employer isn't the only thing in an economy, and competition in other areas is very fruitful for everyone.

2. As for this area, yes, there's a pressure to try to exploit workers, but you can't exploit them too much or they won't work for you, competitors will steal them, they'll go off and found their own business, they might even form unions to apply extra pressure on you. There are lots of competing forces here.

Wouldn't all the problems with a monopoly be 100 times worse when done by the government? You remove any potential for competition, government officials would still act in their own self interests (as they always have and always will), the government maintains their power through military force, there are no laws or legislations to stop them, it'd control everything it possibly could, and any objections are met with legal punishment.

I'm no fan of monopolies, but a totalitarian government (which is what every government strives for) is much worse.

Capitalism is all about mutually beneficial, free-will exchange. When you engage in a transaction, it's because you believe what you are giving up is worth less to you than what you are receiving, otherwise you wouldn't engage in the transaction.

Not everyone in capitalism is a winner, and that's ok. The big advantage is that the losers are usually offered the opportunity to work and make a living.

The alternative is crossing your fingers and hoping the government (or whatever body is responsible for distributing pay) gives you what you need. If they don't, tough luck, there's nothing you can do about it.