Distribution of Resources

[jmpeer]

Without capitalism limiting consumerism, how will unnecessary consumerism be prevented?
I understand the capitalist class wastes a lot of resources, but if the majority of the working class becomes consumers,
we're going to have make a damned efficient economy.

I have read you would distribute resources by local council or distribution centers, but don't you think this can all too easily be exploited?
Imposing strict regulation would be intrusive and exhaustive of resources.
So, would you consider preventative measures such as government housing, maintenance, furnishing, appliances, etc?

One would not feel so inclined 'to want' if respectable means of living and entertainment were already provided.

... and because I know someone will bring this up, this does not necessarily mean they don't have a variety of choices as with what to populate their homes.

[The Man]

We would distribute resources by according to what the person needs.

By 'needs' I don't mean 'Bare needs' like Kropotkin pointed out. I think if someone who really wanted all of that stuff, would have to depend on how sufficient the production of such goods are. For example, If the production of shoes were very high, a person would be able to get a new pair of shoes every 2 weeks.

I think such a society should handle the distribution of resources with limitations, according on how high production is. So if Production is high, less limitations. If production is low (Which in our ideas, it shouldn't be), there would be more limitations.

[jmpeer]

How do you determine need?

What if someone wants to put 9 computer monitors together or something, or they want new shoes every 2 weeks, or they fancy gold and diamonds, or they want like a 1,000+ book collection?

Do you just give resources out to anybody who wants these things so as long as you have them?

[The Man]

The individual determines what they need. If someone wants 9 computer monitors together, two shoes every week, fancy gold and diamonds, and 1000 book collection, is depends on how high the production level is.


For your third question, it would sort of be like a gift economy.

[jmpeer]

(I edited my first post.)
Why do you think it is safe to allow people to determine their own needs?
Whether by intention or coincidence, I think it makes the system very vulnerable.

[The Man]

You mean like vulnerable to misuse?

[jmpeer]

misuse, miscalculation / mismanagement, sporadic or unsustainable demand
any scenario that may result from a lack of regulation
again, whether by intention or not

[The Man]

What type of society are you exactly talking about first of all?

[jmpeer]

Communism, socialism, whatever you want to call it.

[The Man]

I really don't see it coming to misuse if the individual determines what he needs. That's the whole point of Communism. If the community sets regulations and limitations depending on how high production is, I really don't see any problems.

In socialism, however, which is the transitional stage from capitalism to communism, it wouldn't be "From each according to his ability, to each according to his need", but rather something like "From each according to his ability, to each according to his productivity."

[jmpeer]

While it is true, people may not demand more of a resource than they need if they are confident they have access to it when they need it, people tend to exaggerate need when there is a panic or state of abundance. How is there not a risk of misrepresenting need when people determine their own need and restrictions? You're putting too much integrity in democracy.

[The Man]

Read this section of the Anarcho-Communist FAQ:


http://www.infoshop.org/page/AnarchistFAQSectionI4#seci45