ITT we talk about socialism

[Phox]

So what prevents socialism/communism from working the way it's supposed to?

People

Essentially, yes. The problem generally arises with the fact that there can't be a dissolution of the "ruling" class until the proletariat is willing to equally divide both goods and labor. Compound this with the fact that the people in power won't want to give up their power, even if the "people" are ready, and we end up mucking around in failed social experiment territory. But, then again, maybe I'm too cynical. I am a Hobbesian, after all.

[Lies]

So what's being Hobbesian involve?

[Don Coyote]

Something about a giant whale.

Or more seriously, my understanding is, there has to be someone in authority over a state.

[Phox]

So what's being Hobbesian involve?

It means I tend to think of human nature and human life as being "nasty, brutish, and short". I agree with Thomas Hobbes' theories, as laid out in "The Leviathan".

Something about a giant whale.

Or more seriously, my understanding is, there has to be someone in authority over a state.

Yes, but not just any authority. The idea is that people, without an iron-fisted tyrant, or some equally authoritarian ruler, are little more than an unruly mob that will gladly kill anyone who oppose them. Living in the times we do, it is rather easy to think of this as being the case. You are better off being crushed under the heel of a dictator than facing the far worse prospect of being faced with the tyranny of the majority. The dictator, if you mind your own business and do what he says, probably won't kill you. On the other hand, if you are more well off than your neighbor, he will probably try to kill you and take your stuff, if there is no fear that he will be punished. The dictator will need you for labor, or military service, or what have you. The neighbor just needs your stuff.

[Lies]

That's very interesting, I kinda like it....

[Phox]

Ironically, this doesn't stop me from being an idealist. I would love for an enlightened socialist oligarchy to take over the world, but after maybe one or two generations it would all fall down from corruption, revolt, etc., etc.

[Lies]

Hey, we can always dream right?
I mean, the socialists do...

[Phox]

True, I guess.

[Doktor Howl]

Also if anyone can explain the difference (if there is one) between it and communism.

Socialism is a trip to Canada.

Communism is going to the department of motor vehicles for the rest of your life.

[Doktor Howl]

Hey, we can always dream right?
I mean, the socialists do...

As do the free market retards.  Difference is, socialism kinda works, and minarchism doesn't work at all.

[Lies]

Hey, we can always dream right?
I mean, the socialists do...

As do the free market retards.  Difference is, socialism kinda works, and minarchism doesn't work at all.

Can you give examples as to where socialism has kinda worked?

[Doktor Howl]

Hey, we can always dream right?
I mean, the socialists do...

As do the free market retards.  Difference is, socialism kinda works, and minarchism doesn't work at all.

Can you give examples as to where socialism has kinda worked?

Canada, and damn near all of Western Europe.

[Lies]

Didn't realise they were socialists there... Interesting.

[Don Coyote]

Socialized medicine comes to mind.

[Doktor Howl]

Didn't realise they were socialists there... Interesting.

Well, I'm distinguishing between communism and socialism.  Not many people do that, apparently.