Social Darwinism and Class Politics

William Graham Sumner, What social Classes Owe to Each Other (1884).
          "Undoubtedly there are, in connection with each of these things, cases of fraud, swindling, and other financial crimes; that is to say, the greed and selfishness of men are perpetual. They put on new phases, they adjust themselves to new forms of business, and constantly devise new methods of fraud and robbery, just as burglars devise new artifices to circumvent every new precaution of the lock-makers. The criminal law needs to be improved to meet new forms of crime, but to denounce financial devices which are useful and legitimate because use is made of them for fraud, is ridiculous and unworthy of the age in which we live. Fifty years ago good old English Tories used to denounce all joint-stock companies in the same way, and for similar reasons."
          I believe what Sumner is saying is that what the state owes people is peace and order, and the guarantees of rights including to guard against violations of the law. He believes that given the passion and vices of human nature, there will be some men who are "smart" enough to not be poor but lazy enough to never be rich. There people because of their greed and selfishness will always find ways to live off the rich. Sumner believes that instead od denouncing these financial devies the state should improve criminal laws to prevent this sort of crime.
          I think that Sumner's Social Darwinism doctrine at the time, too strongly opposed social welfare at a time when there was aan emergence of new classes. Inequality was becoming prevalent and people were becoming aware of the vast gulf between rich and poor. The bias of economic concentration and the limitation of competition undercuts his stress that an individuals attributes and actions as causes of their social condition.    In todays society however i believe that Sumners call for laws to prevent fraud, swindling and financial crimes is very relevant.   Social and economic inequality, high unemployment, greed, as well as corruption, and the undue influence of corporations—particularly from the finincial sector on government is wht the Occupy Wall Street public is protesting.   Corporate greed has taken over and the wealthy few sure has devised "legitimate" ways to line their pockets. The Occupy Wall Street protest is the latest public outcry against inequality, unemployment and government bailout of those corporations that brought on the recession. I am one of the 99% who has been severely affected. After twenty years of working and saving i am now unemployed and there seems no hope in sight.