• Socialism

    From Lee Lofaso@2:203/2 to ALL on Thu Dec 9 23:26:10 2021
    Hello Everybody,

    In another area of the Fidoverse, somebody of unknown
    origin raised the question "What is socialism?" - and it
    soon came to mind that everyone had his/her own idea of
    what it is, but nobody wanted or was able to say.

    Based on reading the opinions of various participants,
    some conclusions can be made -

    In the conservative mind, socialism means getting something
    for nothing. Which is probably why so many conservatives love
    to praise Jesus. Even if they do not really mean it.

    I mean, think about it. Around 60% of America's wealth
    is now inherited. That is how most Americans earn money.
    Only the very poor do it the hard way, by actually doing
    something in order to get what they want.

    In the liberal mind, socialism means getting nothing
    for everything. Just spend, spend, spend 'til you drop.
    That is the ticket for success. Like Benjamin Franklin
    once said, "There are two things in life one can never
    get away from - death and taxes."

    Conservatives never did like Benjamin Franklin.

    "It is better to give rather than receive."

    A Holy Man once said that.
    True socialists act on those very words.

    The wealthy support sociaistic benefits to enhance
    their wealth. Which is another reason why they always
    give glory and praise to His Holy Name.

    Real socialism, if ever there could be such a thing,
    is about public control of the economy and democratic
    rule. But nobody in the world has that. Nor is it likely
    that real socialism will be around anywhere in the world
    at any time in the future.

    Perhaps in a small community setting it might be possible
    for there to be some limited form of real socialism. But any
    attempt to do so would be short-lived, as that "death and
    taxes" thing always gets in the way of everything, as if
    it is some kind of a curse to do anything good.

    But I am getting ahead of myself.

    Socialism (for the rich) is using the instruments of the
    state as a way to promote the interests of the rich and
    privileged, at the expense of everyone else.

    "Lord, make me an instrument of your peace."
    ~ St. Francis of Assisi

    The Lord did as Francis requested, taking away all of his
    money and possessions, including his clothes, and allowed him
    to speak and converse with the animals.

    The church never gave him any money (or clothes), but did
    make him a saint. And look at what institution is the richest
    institution in the world.

    Another term for this process (socialism for the rich) is
    corporate fascism. I did not coin that term. The first person
    to do so was Benito Mussolini, in the Doctrine of Fascism.
    Corporatocracy, by his lights.

    Plutocracy is rule of the rich in the form of socialism for
    the rich, which amounts to a form of kleptocracy or rule by
    thieves. Kind of like Robin Hood in reverse.

    Is that the way the USA is headed? Is that the way the rest
    of the world is headed? There are many authoritarian rulers in
    the world today. Many more than in times past. Maybe we do not
    want to admit it, but socialism is very much alive and well.
    And the rich absolutely love it.

    --Lee

    --
    Food for the Fun of It

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  • From Björn Felten@2:203/2 to Lee Lofaso on Fri Dec 10 00:22:38 2021
    Perhaps in a small community setting it might be possible
    for there to be some limited form of real socialism. But any
    attempt to do so would be short-lived, as that "death and
    taxes" thing always gets in the way of everything, as if
    it is some kind of a curse to do anything good.

    Two entities springs to mind: monasteries and kolkozes. At least one of them has lasted for more than a millennia.




    ..

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  • From Terry Roati@3:640/1321 to Lee Lofaso on Fri Dec 10 09:40:50 2021

    On Dec 09, 2021 11:25pm, Lee Lofaso wrote to All:

    Hello Everybody,

    In another area of the Fidoverse, somebody of unknown
    origin raised the question "What is socialism?" - and it
    soon came to mind that everyone had his/her own idea of
    what it is, but nobody wanted or was able to say.

    About 40 years ago Time Magazine defined it in a simple cartoon.

    Capitalism - A guy leading a donkey by enticing it by holding a carrot on a stick.

    Communism / Dictatorship - A guy hitting a donkey with a stick.

    Socialism - Donkey asleep under a tree.

    Pretty close to the mark?

    Terry

    ... Platinum Xpress & Wildcat!..... Nice!!!!
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  • From Ward Dossche@2:292/854 to Terry Roati on Fri Dec 10 01:26:15 2021
    Terry,

    About 40 years ago Time Magazine defined it in a simple cartoon.

    Capitalism - A guy leading a donkey by enticing it by holding a carrot on
    a stick.

    Communism / Dictatorship - A guy hitting a donkey with a stick.

    Socialism - Donkey asleep under a tree.

    Time is famous for many blurbs <I think I just invented the word> such as naming Hitler and Mother Theresa 'Person of the year'.

    Pretty close to the mark?

    Not even near.

    \%/@rd

    --- DB4 - Dec 5 2021
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