The need to call people communists/marxists

[SourD]

Originally Posted by Strel

I never said they did. I said that anything that benefits society that doesn't directly benefit a right-wing ideologue is called communism or socialism by that ideologue.

I think you just proved my point for me. Thanks.

You didn't have a point that addresses reality.

[Stiggie]

Originally Posted by Kirdik

"I do think at a certain point you've made enough money" - Barack Obama
I don't know if he's a socialist or a communist but he sure doesn't like capitalism.

Taken from merriam-webster

an economic system characterized by private or corporate ownership of capital goods, by investments that are determined by private decision, and by prices, production, and the distribution of goods that are determined mainly by competition in a free market.

Just because he approves of certain redistribution of wealth, doesn't change the fact that he is a capitalist just like you, me, and every other intelligent human being on this planet. People are often mistaking socialism with social democracy which Obama to some degree can be categorized as, considering the Democrats' sister parties in Europe are the various Labour and social democratic parties. However, he will still be considered a very liberal social democrat.
As long as he support the idea of a market economy he will maintain his status as a capitalist.

[Johnbiggs]

Originally Posted by Visvaldis

Most Americans have everything narrowed down...if you're not a white, anti-intellectual, christian conservative, you're a commie.
America is like an ox; big and strong, but a bit feeble between the ears.

Kind of like all of the "liberals" I encounter who believe that if you're not a agnostic Democrat from the north or west coast, you're a close-minded sheep (hooray for lazy generalizations and painting everyone with the same brush!)

Anyway, back to the question. I consider myself a Left-Libertarian, and while I don't throw the term "Communist" around, I have begun to use the term Marxist in description of some people. To understand this, don't think of the two terms as being synonymous, but look back to who Marx was: the most influential sociologist of all time. Putting aside the "blue dog" Dems for a second, I've noticed a fracture within the American Left. There some people who are generally live-and-let-live, try-to-accommodate-everyone type people, and then there are those whose sociopolitical philosophy is firmly rooted in Marxist social conflict theory.

For example, ask two people about the high rates of obesity in the US.

Person 1: The public schools should incorporate more nutritional education and exercise time into the school day.

Person 2: Tax the hell out of McDonald's and Burger King! Make the corporations pay for fattening up the common man!

I would just call person 1 a liberal, but person 2 sounds pretty Marxist (and yes I've encountered multiple people who've taken this point of view). And frankly, I don't see why they should get defensive about the term like it's some right-wing epithet. If you've been heavily influenced by Marx's work in the field of sociology, why not acknowledge it?

[roysoldboy]

Originally Posted by Mattos_12

Communism/Marxism have and can mean a lot of different things. Without wanting to get into detailed arguments, Marxist believe in the technological dialect, or that technological developments direct society to change. So, feudalism developed into capitalism which was more efficient, and capitalism will develop into communism, which would be more efficient again.

Now, there are less deterministic Marxists, who look to a revolutions of the working classes, and world system Marxists, and more social constructivist. But my question really is, why do American's call their politicians Marxists/Communists? I'm not sure if:

its just political rhetoric

They are being silly

They are totally ignorant and genuinely think that their leaders are communists

i know of no US politician who has said anything remotely 'communistic', American politics is a fight between the right, and the far right, so why the rubbish?

I am not sure if he is an American politician but I remember one politician telling "Joe the Plumber" that he believed in redistribution of income. Isn't that just a bit communist sounding?

Wanta debate communism and communists with me?

[roysoldboy]

Originally Posted by TempesT68

Because Glenn Beck tells the ignorant to and they happily obey. It's much easier to simply name call with these "catch" phases then it is to have an intelligent conversation or make a valid point in a discussion. Most people who use "communist" and "marxist" comments don't even know what they are.

I am a man. What more can I say? I do use those terms to talk about left leaners but I am a man.

[Bideshi]

If I say that pro ball players salaries are obscene and an insult to every other working man, or that big money special interests have our congress bought and paid for, I am called a communist. If I say that we should have the right to keep and bear arms, that illegal aliens should be deported, and capital punishment is necessary, I am labeled a fascist. If I say I believe in God and Jesus Christ I am called delusional. If I say I believe in the Constitution of the United States and the rights of sovereign states I am labeled a suspected domestic terrorist. The art of polite public debate has been lost. We are a trash talking society, and rapidly headed for the trash bin of history. Those who are intent on destroying our nation have very nearly completed their work.

BTW, since this post is vaguely about Marxism: the only thing in The Communist Manifesto that I agreed with is the regret over the loss of craftsmanship throughout society. We make and consume sub-standard junk, made only with maximum profit in mind. On that point Karl and I would agree. Much has been lost in our mindless pursuit of the all pervasive dollar at any cost (including human cost, or "industrial wastage" as Harvard Business grads are taught to call it).