Do you equate capitalism with communism? Or is capitalism worse?

@repubatheists

Both capitalism and communism are theoretical constructs, that are applied in real life with a substantial variety. The capitalism has been a progressive force in the past, but it is certainly not without its costs. I equate them in the sense that they have both been used to large extent as an excuse to benefit those in power at the expense of large majority of the people in any given system. But if I have to choose one theoretical construct over the other I think communism has a better prospect for the future.

@KenChang Why communism?

@repubatheists

Your question is rather vague. Why would I choose communism over capitalism?

Because the capitalism is incapable of dealing with global issues that may not have any impact on the short term profit making (the driving force of capitalism), but has serious consequences to the long term future of the species. Because it is in the interest of capitalism, it relentlessly creates indoctrination that competition is in the best interest of everyone. This is true only if we have unlimited resources. We don't. This is a losing strategy in the long run. It once drove an unprecedented level of increase in production and consumption. But like an addict, it is incapable of stopping or moderating.

Once it tries to moderate the level or production and consumption in a democratic manner, it becomes "socialism" and is met with tremendous resistance from the ruling class.

@KenChang Communism has proven to be one of the worst failed systems in the history of mankind. It has resulted in millions of deaths, mass famines, and cruel dictatorships. To this day people are still fleeing communist countries and seeking refuge in countries that have more capitalistic economies. Communist countries are increasingly relying on capitalism to improve their performance.

@repubatheists It was the authoritarianism that resulted in millions of deaths. Mass slaughter was not a unique feature of countries that alleged to be "communists." I understand that there is an argument that communism would inevitably lead to authoritarianism. I think that is a better argument than it has proven to be failed. I would disagree with that argument. But that's a bit more complex.

For now, I guess my point is this. The status quo power (whether it is capitalist or "communist" ) uses the others to stoke fear, and the fear allows people to submit to the power. In the U.S., it used to be communism as the main enemy. And then it became the terrorist. Then the immigrants. Then the journalists. ALL underlying this fear is the notion that "they are coming to take away what is yours." This is an irrational fear that leads to a self-fulfilling prophecy. Tomorrow is the Veteran's Day. Think about how many people died and slaughtered each other because of this fundamental (and misleading) fear.

The real conflict isn't really between the theoretical constructs of capitalism or communism. The real conflict is between those who would accumulate power and wealth, and those who would disperse it.

The one’s listening to him don’t just listen - they shove him in our face.

Their side has taken politics more serious than ours … and he’s what you get when half your eligible voters don’t. He’s awaken many, including even more crazies...

Within our political system, his side of choice (he has no core) currently controls everything - there have been no ‘checks or balances’ regarding his rule. Come late January, there will at least be one … and he, his industrial cronies and wrong-wing fanatics are already targeting ‘her’.. We’d likely be quite entertaining if we weren’t so damn dangerous

I think this has little to do with their “communism.” This is an imperialism that goes way back to the days of the kings and emperors of old.

The organization Victims of Communism focuses on events in communistic countries.

@repubatheists do you seriously not know that China is a communist country?

@MrBeelzeebubbles What did I say that gave you the idea that I did not know China is a communist country?