Hello from Toronto

[Sabrina]

Hi there, I've been reading the Che-Lives website for a while now, but I'm just now signing on to be able to join the forums. I'm kind of new at this I only participated in the Guestbook portion for a while.

I can't wait to learn a whole lot more about Communism and Socialism. Che is one of my idols and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't mention his name or the struggle of the Cuban people. Granted, I realize that there are many many more struggles going on in the world and that's what I want to learn here.

The other thing is that since I'm not very well versed on the intricacies of Communism and Socialism (although I've learned a lot reading about Che and Fidel in the past little while), I'd like to know what would be some good sources of reading material for responding to basically all the main arguments against Communism and Socialism. I try my best to spread the word now, but sometimes I just don't have some of the facts and theories to respond.

Thanks,
Sabrina.

[BOZG]

Welcome.

[Saint-Just]

Read some Mao, Quotations from the Chairman Mao Zedong. At one time everyone in China was given this book. Much of this is not important in understanding socialism and communism. You will understand a lot about socialism by reading Che too.

http://www.marxists.org/reference/archive/...-book/index.htm (http://www.marxists.org/reference/archive/mao/works/red-book/index.htm)

[Non-Sectarian Bastard!]

Welcome.

Don't waste your time on Mao or something, first read the basics of Marxism (Communist Manifesto for a start). Then, expand to reading upon the different political directions (Anarchism, Leninism, Communinalism etc), their theory, their history. Then expand in the direction which appeals to you most.

Starting directly with more "sophisticated" stuff can be boring and rather confusing. Altough Maoism is always boring, no offense CM :)

Even though nothing beats self-researching on google, but a good article on Anarchism in general:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anarchism

Enjoy your stay.

[Sabrina]

Thank you very much. I've started reading the Communist Manifesto and I'm on another book on Che (Companero). Thanks for the links I will definately check them out and I'll go the route you guys suggested. By the way, Chairman Mao, there is one thing that I know about Mao Zedong from when I was very small and that is that we share a birthday, Dec. 26th. Well, it's a start.

Thanks again,

[Saint-Just]

No, no - non-sectarian; Anarchism is always boring.

I would suggest over this site will teach you a lot. But a lot of it will be reactionary and outdated ideas.

One of Che's best works is 'Man and Socialism'

Marxists.org, which I linked to, has many things.

[Sabrina]

CM, I have read the Che Guevara Reader and Global Justice so that's one that I read (Man and Socialism) and, I agree, it was really very good.