Responses to Reformists

[Orange Juche]

Hello!

I've decided to start this thread in this specific forum here on the boards because it seems most appropriate here... although, I don't know how much of a "beginner" I am.

Basically, every now again I get into little political "debates" with reformist "left wing" capitalists (Democrats) that I know, and while I have responses to their questions and comments (I am a coucil communist)... I feel I could probably come up with better replies, ones that will make them stop, think, and really look at things around them (I do realize its impossible to simply change peoples minds, but if you can make them think - thats the key.) Theres quite a few people on here whom I've seen as incredibly knowledgeable, and figured maybe you could help me come up with some in-depth and solid responses to the following questions/comments:


Your ideas could never work on a large scale!

I agree that the Democrats don't really represent us, but change has to come slowly, and by supporting the Democrats you start to pull people in your direction

What incentive will people have to create and invent new things?

What incentive will people have to do better?

Why don't you work inside the system?

If someone creates something that makes things better for alot of people, why don't they have the right to get lots of money off it?

Do you really think it is realistic to think a revolution is possible in your lifetime? (just for reference, I'm just about 20)

I agree that the corporations and all of this has gotten out of hand, but why shouldn't a small business owner be able to own a business?


Thats about all I can think of at the moment. I have answers to all of these, but I feel those whom are more knowledgeable than I on here could maybe help me hold a better argument! :-D

[Forward Union]

Originally posted by [email protected] 18 2006, 06:32 PM
Your ideas could never work on a large scale!

Unless they go into it further just say "yes they could"


I agree that the Democrats don't really represent us, but change has to come slowly, and by supporting the Democrats you start to pull people in your direction

The democrats have no intention of making a change. so this assertion is just ridicules. The Democrats are capitalists, who support big business, oppression, exploitation, and naturally, if in power would not want to give it up. Why would you vote for them? We have our goals, which include there destruction. The enemy will not help us to our ends.

Besides, any gains made under the democrats, is superficial, and can be taken away in less that 4 years.


What incentive will people have to create and invent new things?

If they are asserting that without money, people won't invent, ask them why the primitive man bothered sharpening a rock, did he want profit? People will invent because with inventions comes new opportunities, Cures to disseises, inventions that amuse or allow us to travel further. This should be obvious. But after making this point, turn his point around and ask, "surely under capitalism, the desire to create and invent new things is strangled by the desire to make money?". Under capitalism, inventors cannot invent things that are useful, or interesting, only things that make money.


What incentive will people have to do better?

do better at what sorry?


Why don't you work inside the system?

Because I don't like to waste my time.


If someone creates something that makes things better for alot of people, why don't they have the right to get lots of money off it?

Since when is profit making a human right?


Do you really think it is realistic to think a revolution is possible in your lifetime? (just for reference, I'm just about 20)

It's possible, but not inevitable. To quote Joe Malatesta "Not weatehr we acomplish anarchism today, tomorrow, or within ten centuaries, but that we walk towards it, today, tomorrow and always" It dosn't matter if I see revolution in my lifetime, I will do what I can towards it.


I agree that the corporations and all of this has gotten out of hand, but why shouldn't a small business owner be able to own a business?

No because all things should be owned in common.

I realise some of my replies are sketchy, but im sure you can get the gist of 'my' points. Hopefully some other comrades can reply to these in different ways.

[More Fire for the People]

Your ideas could never work on a large scale!
Why couldn't they?


I agree that the Democrats don't really represent us, but change has to come slowly, and by supporting the Democrats you start to pull people in your direction
Socialism cannot be built out of the parliamentary system.


What incentive will people have to create and invent new things?
The betterment of society rather than the maximization of profit.


What incentive will people have to do better?
To benefit society, and thus benefit themselves and future generations.


Why don't you work inside the system?
Becuase it is a 'system'. The dictatorship of the bourgeoisie is the systematic destruction of proletarian power and preserver of the maximum accumulation of capital possible.


If someone creates something that makes things better for alot of people, why don't they have the right to get lots of money off it?
Because that would make them an asshole.


Do you really think it is realistic to think a revolution is possible in your lifetime? (just for reference, I'm just about 20)
Yes. A revolutionary leftist should not delve into pure idealism but I suspect that revolutions will begin c. 2020s.


I agree that the corporations and all of this has gotten out of hand, but why shouldn't a small business owner be able to own a business?
No, big or small, capitalists exploit the labour of the proletariat.