quote:
Originally posted by Barry the Sprout:
Communism is dead? I think Fukuyama is fundamentally wrong on that one to be honest. One nation socialism as tried in Russia has failed. I think everyone knew it would and I would never argue differently. Read the Communist Manifesto, it is completely different from how you imagined it I would bet. The whole idea of Communism is that it has to happen globally and it has to happen when people are ready for it. That was blatantly not the case in Russia, or China. This is why I think one of the only countries as a socialist I can learn from is Cuba. They have done remarkably well considering what they ahd to start off with. But that is another argument.
Failed in Russia (twice. Under Stalin, Russia had a pseudo-capitalist economy for a while)
Failed in:
Khazakstan,
Uzbekistan,
Ukraine,
Byelorussia,
Estonia,
Latvia,
Lithuania,
Moravia,
Kirgiztan,
Tajikstan,
Georgia,
Armenia
Turkmenistan;
as well as:
Mongolia,
Yugoslavia,
Czechoslovakia,
Hungary,
East Germany,
Poland,
Romania,
Bulgaria,
Albania.
A few more than "one country" wouldn't you say?
China is now partialy capitalist, and includes a totally capitalist Hong Kong.
Cuba is way more capitalist than it was during the hight of the cold war. Even so, if it wasn't repressive, why do people flee it when they can? They are still seeking asylum in America.
Also, elected government? Well sure. Russia had an elected government too. You could elect different individuals, but not different parties. Kind of lame if you ask me.
"Once you pick us, there's no going back" Very cowardly not disallowing dissention.
Finally, Communism was meant to be transitory until true Socialism was introduced. No government and true equality under socialism.
It failed. Socialism was not introduced, as the governments stayed in power.
Socialism relys on humans not being greedy or power hungry. Two traits humankind has exhibited with much fervor since the dawn of time.
A nice theory. Will it ever work?
Will any governmental system work?
Not in my opinion.