Democratic Socialism - can it work? (economy, education, money, state)

[Kenneth-Kaunda]

Originally Posted by JamesGTAIV

Who writes the rules? Who will decide who gets what and how do we know 'they' won't reserve the perks for themselves?

the govt. will write the rules, in the same way that any other one does.

if we are talking about DSocialism this can be considered before they are elected.

perks? these will be held accountable to the public as well.

[Kenneth-Kaunda]

Originally Posted by petch751

Yes we have the chance to succeed but once we do succeed then our progressive tax system keeps us down by taking more of our money.

kind of a logic gap there petch - because if you have already succeeded then how can you be kept down?

[Kenneth-Kaunda]

think of all useless products that are made - all the products that no-one really needs all in the name of 'choice'.

do we really need an PS2, PS3, Xbox, Nintendo - all at the same time?

50 brands of washing powder, I-phone 1,2,3,4,5

not at all - a lot of this is waste but is masqueraded as 'progress'.

I call Bull on that.

basically, if we can channel our energies into useful products then we can finally ditch the incessant sham of the 'profit motive'.

[chad3]

Originally Posted by Kenneth-Kaunda

How about the Democratic Socialism model , like Sweden or the UK of the 1970s.

can it be made to work?

how about Alexander Stewart and The Socialist Party USA - could that survive?


and if not, why not?

the mixture of capitalist incentives + public ownership doesn't sound so bad to me.

how about it?

Countries like Switzerland are social-capitalist's.

And countries like Switzerland, kick Americas butt in every measurable way.

[wrench409]

Sure it can. Right up to the point where there's only one person pulling the cart.

After that.....?

[thunderkat59]

We should be looking to real socialist countries for a new 'system' with our population and the needs of that population.
Our 'system' is relatively new in the world and after 200+ years its clearly headed for failure ala the Hindenburg. But, since our benevolent and wise overseers adamantly cling to the idea that we should be North Mexico or China West, WAL*MART shopping, F0X News fans can relax. This common sense ideology will never happen in 'merica

[Kenneth-Kaunda]

Originally Posted by wrench409

Sure it can. Right up to the point where there's only one person pulling the cart.

After that.....?

how d'ya work that one out?

sounds like typical right-wing propaganda BS to me!

more like communism as well - do you actually know the difference?

[Memphis1979]

Our democratic party isn't that far left.

Our problem is simply that we spend to much on defense, to much on healthcare, and the rest of the bills suffer. Simply cut the bloated defense department, end Medicare since the mandate replaces what Medicare was supposed to do, and we can move right along the way we have for the last 70 years.

[wrench409]

Originally Posted by Kenneth-Kaunda

how d'ya work that one out?

sounds like typical right-wing propaganda BS to me!

more like communism as well - do you actually know the difference?

Other peoples money.......it eventually runs out.

Communism......everybody's money meted out by the government.

the results are the same, citizens converted to subjects/wards of the state.

[Kenneth-Kaunda]

Under the Socialist state I propose (let's call it KKL - Kenneth-Kaunda Land), there will still be incentives to work harder.

ie: slightly higher salaries, benefits, perks, status, respect etc..

and also, most people will be encouraged to work by a not too generous Welfare system.

so, what would you rather be in my new country:

1. an unskilled factory worker for 1k/month with small room

Or

2. A skilled professional for 2k/month with modest apartment.

most people would choose option 2, I know I would!