Socialism or Communism? - Which do you favour & why?

[pastradamus]

Which is better ,in your view. SOCIALISM OR COMMUNISM?

[peaccenicked]

"What we have to deal with here is a communist society, not as it has developed on its own foundations, but, on the contrary, just as it emerges from capitalist society; which is thus in every respect, economically, morally, and intellectually, still stamped with the birthmarks of the old society from whose womb it emerges"
Critique of the Gotha Programme Karl Marx

[Moskitto]

I consider myself a council "communist" but I'm more like a socialist.

[Valkyrie]

An Autonomous Socialist society, or.... let's give it a bad name-- anarchism.... because it is non-dogmatic and open to criticism. It's flexible in determining what is best for the current conditions of society. It's extremely people-oriented climate, shifting all decision-making to the masses. It is very pro-feminist, very pro-activism, and also leans toward pacifism. The general population of anarchists do not support "by any means necessary" encompassing bomb-making, rioting, or any other violent tactic, but rather engage in positive direct action with social relief organizations such as Food not Bombs, Reclaim the streets, Homes not Jails, and other anti-capitalist efforts and humanitarian efforts.

(Edited by Paris at 9:46 pm on Feb. 5, 2002)

[Supermodel]

neither. but I suppose I like socialism better than communism.

Let the people decide, whatever. I've chosen to live in a capitalist society like most of the peeps on this board.

How about Amazonianism, where the women run everything? Gets my vote.

[Kez]

me 2, gets my vote

[MJM]

Here's how I imagine things will go.Socialism-Communism-Anarchism. The final stage of anarchism will bring true freedom and equality to everyone.
The hard part is getting all the work done during the first two stages before the third is realised.

[Fires of History]

I was born in the U$, but intentionally left to be in Canada which is much, much, much more Socialistic- so I love it.

I think entering a time of Socialism is more realistic right now, but I am at heart a Communist.

But let's just say I would be just fine with Socialism after the horror known as U$ Capitalism...

Power to the People,
Trance

[El Che]

What is Communism? What is Socialism? What is anarchism? these are not simple matters nore do any of these defenitions corespond to well defined models of society to put in practice. they mearly point in directions, perhaps they all point in the same direction. The only answer i can give you is that is the direction I want to go in.

[Jurhael]

"I've chosen to live in a capitalist society like most of the peeps on this board."

Not everyone has CHOSEN to live in a capitalist society. I didn't. In fact, most people don't have a choice as the other options have either been perverted or flat out destroyed by business interests.

Did the Russians CHOOSE to live in a Communist dictatorship? How about China? How about Cuba? How about North Korea? How about Sweden? Somalia? Greece? Chile? Brazil? Canada? As you've noticed, not all the countries I've listed are dictatorships.

Suuuuure, some emigrate, but many stay. Does that mean they support the current regieme? Nope. Does that automatically mean they support the current economic system? Nope.

People can do three things, either learn to tolerate it, try to change it or leave.

Just because someone has chosen to stay/live in what happens to be a Capitalist country, DOES NOT make them Capitalists or supporters of it.

And some people CHOOSE to work within the system rather than just leave. That doesn't mean they lick the ass of Capitalism. But, they'd be hypocrites, right? Oh, of course. *rolleyes*

As for me, I go with socialism. Because it's the logical step after capitalism. Unless you want barbarism.

[Potyondi]

Socialism and Communism are not necessarily different things. Socialism is an umbrella term used to describe everything from state welfare to marxist communism. Everything's in degrees.

[El Che]

exaclty Potyondi, and what is communism? is it the soviet realism and political practise of the past or is it the politcal practise of mao? or rather the one of todays modern china? or maybe it is simply the theories of historic materialist philosophers. And do u know how many types of anarchism there are? hah! as many as there are anarchists. A question such as the one that iniciates this topic is ludacris to say the least.

[pastradamus]

I have to say that in the western world socialism would be better than communism.
But in country's with struggling govt's like in africa,which have corrupt govt's communism would be much better.

[GuerillaTactics]

Socialism and Communism are often confused with one another............Socialism is the stage between capitalism and communism according to Marx's and Lenin's theories ............. Communism is better in my opinion if all goes right........but it takes time to build a strong communist country

(Edited by GuerillaTactics at 4:33 pm on Feb. 6, 2002)