Socialism vs. capitalism debate - I need help for my debate

[Pickaxe]

I was just wondering if anyone could give a clear and concise view to help me with my debate on why the U.S. should adopt socialist policies such as a centralized government and planned economy. I have athe general idea of socialism and communism in my head, but dont know the correct words to say to make it sound appealing. I understand these theories, but I have a hard time putting words to my thoughts, I think I over think myself. Also, any points that would help me rebute the points that my partner will make on why capitalism is a better policy. Also, if anyone knows any quotes by MArx's or Engles which can help me with these specific points, it would be GREATLY appreciated.


(Edited by Pickaxe at 5:21 pm on Dec. 4, 2002)

[nz revolution]

Well I don't know much about the U$A and stuff.

But you could always go on about not doing things for profit and blah blah blah

[Man of the Cause]

First of all, Socialist goverment is not necessarily centralized. Even the Dictatorship of the Proletariat is a democracy. For the quotes, I advice you visit Marxist.org.


Good Luck!

[Red Revolution]

I'd quote the communist manifesto if i were you, it sounds appealing as its more propaganda like than Kapital.

[Dr. Rosenpenis]

They'll tell you that Communism means Authoritarianism, deny this. Communism will stop the ruthless exploitation of the third world.
Communims will give everyone equal opportunity, regardless of money.
Communism will get rid of religion which is just a buch of people fooling themselves-"Religion is the heart of a heartless nation...Religion is the opium of the masses."-Marx
The people exploited will revolt against the oppression of Capitalism, as they have before.

[Dr. Rosenpenis]

I'd love to give you so much advice, but when is this debate? I wouldn't want to write a bunch of stuff for nothing. And how old are you and the people who you are debating against?

[Iepilei]

a famous one - although misinformed - is "communism makes everything communal and you're not allowed to own things".

"We by no means intend to abolish this personal appropriation of the products of labour..."

"Communism deprives no man of the power to appropriate the products of society; all that it does is to deprive him of the power to subjugate the labour of others by means of such appropriation."

Source: The Communist Manifesto, Proletarians and Communists - Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels

[Pickaxe]

This is exaclty the kind of advise I need, thanks. I mean, I know that the governemtn is a democracy and not centralized in the concrete sense, so I would have ended up sounded fascist. My debate in next week, and this is a college coarse, 18-20 age.

[Dr. Rosenpenis]

They willl tell you that Communism represses a person's individuality by making everyone equal, read El Brujo's thread under Capitalism vs. Socialism to argue against these cowardly and hypocritical arguments.

[Xvall]

Here are some things that may help.

Point out that if all men are to be created equally, they must all have the same options and opportunities to increase their quailty of life. Point out that in modern America, this is not so. People are not created equally; as some are born with more wealth and support than other. Explain how socialism and communism can correct these problems by abolishing the inequality caused by classes.

[Dr. Rosenpenis]

Quote straight from the Manifesto, it's very propaganda-like and might even confuse people.