Capitalism has delivered some resounding triumphs and progress for humankind in recent centuries, but it has also created and sustained systems of gross injustice, exploitation and abuse. Many of those preparing to celebrate Christmas are familiar with the inequalities of modern U.S. capitalism, as families and individuals often struggle to pay for gifts or even to take time off work to be around the people they love.

Watch the above video as Straight Arrow News contributor Dr. Rashad Richey argues that unchecked capitalism is a failing ideology, and that it is time to remove capitalism from the Christmas holiday.

The following is an excerpt from the above video:

Pure capitalism looks like Hell. It does. You have usury. You have children working in factories, unsafe conditions. You have no union protections. You have no protection of minors. You do not get a fair wage at all, no minimum wage requirement, and companies are able to do basically what they please, because you have no rights. So nobody wants to uncheck capitalism. Even if you say you are for capitalism, you’re also for Social Security, right? That’s a social program. You’re also for public education, right? Another social program. There’s no constitutional mandate that says the government must provide a public school option. These are social programs that we have accepted and we have come to love about our nation.

My point is this: Let us figure out a way forward that allows for more nuanced conversation. As it relates to capitalism, yes, but also as it relates to — how do you make capitalism work inside of a country where capitalism hasn’t really worked?

Because last time I checked, a whole lot of folk are still trying to figure out how to make ends meet. Capitalism has not been the great savior that individuals at the top of that food chain said it would be.