I understand your point, but....

...I don't see consumerism as a necessarily bad thing. It gives motivation to people that lack it normally.

For us, a greater good or whatever may be enough to motivate us to do something for free. I enjoy programming. You enjoy computers. Ox enjoys bullshitting.

But the average joe sixpack enjoy watching television, watching movies, going out to eat. Driving a big car. The average schmoe doesn't read. He doesn't contribute much to society except what he has to in order to get his diversions. By forcing him to work for money, you're forcing him to contribute to the advancement of the human race, in some shape or form.

Also, consumerism drives innovation. Why do we have LCDs? Is it because LCDs use less energy and are more reliable than CRTs? No, not really...it's because LCDs sell better because they're cooler. Why are LCDs getting cheaper, more reliable and more efficient? Because of competition (for money).

Now, I do agree that we've taken it too far. If there was some way to scale back from full-bore capitalism, I'd probably support it. But to eliminate it entirely I think would be a bad idea.