|
Communism:
1 a : a theory advocating elimination of private property b : a system in which goods are owned in common and are available to all as needed
2 capitalized a : a doctrine based on revolutionary Marxian socialism and Marxism-Leninism that was the official ideology of the U.S.S.R. b : a totalitarian system of government in which a single authoritarian party controls state-owned means of production c : a final stage of society in Marxist theory in which the state has withered away and economic goods are distributed equitably d : communist systems collectively
Socialism:
1 : any of various economic and political theories advocating collective or governmental ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods
2 a : a system of society or group living in which there is no private property b : a system or condition of society in which the means of production are owned and controlled by the state
3 : a stage of society in Marxist theory transitional between capitalism and communism and distinguished by unequal distribution of goods and pay according to work done
---------
It would seem that Socialism defenition #3: proves your point according to Marxist theory. However Communism defentions #2b and 2c are seemingly contradictory and could explain the confusion. The state had not withered away. So how could Russia have been the final stage in Marxist theory? History and the contempory Communists/Socialists worldwide themselves labeled the government "Communist". Hence the confusion. It's no good now turning around and saying "oh that wasn't communist". The definition changed. Language is ever evolving.
As you said Marx said the west is where it would suceed, but this is, as I said, a pretty lame excuse for an economic system failing. Rather than turning back the clock, I would hope people find a solution better than any system thus far.
I'm fairly anti-capitalist, but I'm also anti-communist. I'm not an economist so I can't invent a great economic theory. But I do know that every example of Communism failed/is failing, whereas Capitalism succeeds incredibly.
Where western capitalism falls down is the humane department, but this is not the fault of the economic theory, but of those at the top of the financial ladder. A blend of the two. Free market with support for the sick, the elderly and the destitute is whats needed. Caring for those who cannot fend for themselves is what defines a society.
A family.
A city.
A nation.
Supporting an extreme view merely pushes people away from achieving that balance rather than towards it.
|