Socialism (Moved from Grapes of Wrath)

[EmperorNero]

Originally Posted by BrightNoon

Let's not name call. EmperorNero really wasn't trying to insult you. Useful idiot is a phrase adopted by the KGB to describe people who could be used to further the Soviet agenda either without knowing at all, or without realizing the full implications of the Soviet system. If you go to the other thread, I posted a bunch of links to videos on the second page or so. The one is an interview with an ex-KGB officer who defected. He uses the term and that's where Nero got it. You should watch the video. Hopefully, it will show you how the collectivists operate and make you as disgusted as I was; if we can't change your mind though, consider it an instructional video for your revolution. (As Nero said though, if you want to survive your revolution, make sure you don't know much or play too great a role)

soviet subversion of the free world press - Google Video

Had that ready because I have that post bookmarked. I think what you want to see is an hour in.

[xris]

Obsessed with communism and still trying to relate it to modern socialism.Shall we observe the failures of american policy in the last 60 years and express that as an example of democratic capitalism,shall we?
Do you think freedom of speech has always been available to US citizens?Do you think the press are representative of public opinion or the narrow confines of the papers owners?How do you think editors are chosen for their ability or their political views?Get real guys...

[Yogi DMT]

I think socialism can be very beneficial. For me in a nutshell the different between socialsim and capitalism is that socialism stands for a decent, slightly above average life for most people, but no more, no less. and capitalism is more risky of a system that you can succeed very well but also fail easily in.

[EmperorNero]

Originally Posted by Yogi DMT

I think socialism can be very beneficial. For me in a nutshell the different between socialsim and capitalism is that socialism stands for a decent, slightly above average life for most people, but no more, no less. and capitalism is more risky of a system that you can succeed very well but also fail easily in.

Many would say that this is the basis of capitalism, not to mention that a life with no risk is just not possible unless the nation is rich from export.

[EmperorNero]

Originally Posted by Mr. Fight the Power

Ultimately, socialism is a reaction to the excesses of capitalism to return to the laborer the full fruits of his labor. This is the utmost in economic justice, and anything less than this optimal is slavery.

Originally Posted by EmperorNero

It's more that I don't understand it. I think I agree with you, I just wondered what that statement implies.

Hey, any word on this?

Edit: Those who are interested, see here: http://www.philosophyforum.com/forum...html#post62458

[Yogi DMT]

Originally Posted by EmperorNero

Many would say that this is the basis of capitalism, not to mention that a life with no risk is just not possible unless the nation is rich from export.

Some eastern countires, ages ago, strictly followed an isolationist system which meant for less risks but also slowed down the country in many aspects such as technology and different benefits of having foreign relations. To me, in essence the two system seems similar, even though one deals with the econmics and one deals with the whole lifestyle of a country. Isolationism and socialism seem like a no-risk way to approach things wheras capitalism and more involvement with the rest of the world, may take on harsher negatives and greater positives.

[Theaetetus]

Well, the U.S. also used to practice isolationism until World War I (and then tried it until WWII). But instead of slowing down technological advancement, it was spread to much of the rest of the world. Some bad, and some good. Socialism is rather isolationist at heart, because it is more concerned with the people of the country, rather than other countries.

[xris]

Originally Posted by Theaetetus

Well, the U.S. also used to practice isolationism until World War I (and then tried it until WWII). But instead of slowing down technological advancement, it was spread to much of the rest of the world. Some bad, and some good. Socialism is rather isolationist at heart, because it is more concerned with the people of the country, rather than other countries.

Socialist countries can suffer from their moral capacity by trying to help too many and over strain the economy.Its not a bad thing but if not checked it can destroy the goose.
I dont think socialist countries always hold the high ground on charitable efforts beyond its boundaries as they see fair trade as the long term goal of international benefits.

[Yogi DMT]

I think it's socialism that naturally has tendancy to be self-dependant and it's capitalism that can collapse on itself. The reason i say this is because in a capitalist society, the economy more or less depends and the people and to be honest the people don't always make the right decisions (As we see is happening now). In a socialist society, the government and people run itself in a much safer and secure cycle. You pay money to government -> government provides the standard life. Now i know that example is a bit extreme but what im trying to say is there is less room for people to mess up because of all the government control and not the people's innovative ideas which could bring things downhill or could make things better.

[EmperorNero]

Originally Posted by Yogi DMT

The reason i say this is because in a capitalist society, the economy more or less depends and the people and to be honest the people don't always make the right decisions

The government is supposed to restrict fraud.