Liberal Democracy and Socialism

[MustCrushCapitalism]

This thread comes as a result of a conversation I had with a Democratic Socialist comrade. I myself, am Marxist, with some anarchist sympathies.

Now, my Democratic Socialist friend had brought up some interesting points. Although he is, undoubtedly, far-left, he is a member of the Labour Party of New Zealand, and very big on 'Old Labour', as you might call it. The thing is, he believes that Socialism, full Socialism, may come by way of Liberal Democratic elections. Myself, I believe that the lack of real democracy in the west, with corporate influence and the like, would prevent any far-left party from coming to power. He said, however -

Socialism must come by the will of the people preferably through the Ballot Box rather than the end of a rifle
He some examples - there being an elected Communist government in San Marino, Cyprus, Nepal, etc. This is troubling to think of, as there are some good examples... thoughts? Do you believe a democratically elected socialist or communist government could come about?

[Revolution starts with U]

Allende

[Baseball]

As the above note indicates, democratically elected "true" socialists will lead their countries to economic disaster, privation and turmoil.

[Revolution starts with U]

Ya, that's exactly what I was implying :rolleyes:

[TheGodlessUtopian]

Impossible, there needs to be the class war otherwise things revert back to capitalism.

[MustCrushCapitalism]

What about, say, Hugo Chavez?

[RGacky3]

As the above note indicates, democratically elected "true" socialists will lead their countries to economic disaster, privation and turmoil.


Yeah, because, like allende, they'll get shot and replaced with a right wing libertarian dictator that then passes free market reforms and drives the countries into economic disaster and termoil.

They tried to take out chavez, and damn near almost did, same with Morales, in Latin America there are tons and tons of examples of democratically elected socialists being taken out violently.

[RichardAWilson]

By Wall St., for Wall St.