26 Jul 04
Originally posted by gregofthewebThat's correct. Communism failed wherever it's been tried because none of the proponents had acheived the material preconditions necessary for its successful implementation. However, the more advanced capitalist countries that do have the material preconditions for socialism have all blunted the class conciousness of their workers by stratifying the workforce. As a result, the workers mistakenly identify with the very system that exploits them, and work against each other in a vain attempt to advance up the corporate ladder, rather than striving to do away with that system altogether.
Ahh but one of the primary tenets of communism is that the level of productivity must reach a certain level before it becomes viable. It could be argued that the only productivity level that could sustain communism is where man's creature comforts are 100% achieved with virtually no human labor required anymore. Essentially, when you no longer have t ...[text shortened]... a chance.
The USSR and its ilk were trying to implement a economic system before its time.
28 Jul 04
Casablanca.
Major Strasser: Are you one of those people who cannot imagine the Germans in their beloved Paris?
Rick: It's not particularly my beloved Paris.
Heinz: Can you imagine us in London?
Rick: When you get there, ask me!
Captain Renault: Hmmh! Diplomatist!
Major Strasser: How about New York?
Rick: Well there are certain sections of New York, Major, that I wouldn't advise you to try to invade.