"Communism"

[Christian gentry]

Is anyone else annoyed by the way "communism" is  bashed because of people who ran a dictatorship in the name of communism?

[JV (Ataximander)]

I am. Just because it didn't work in one country doesn't mean it never will. Heck, there are a lot more failed democracies.

[Christian gentry]

Agreed and because of the terror of the "communist regimes" communism and socialism are given such bad marks in America.

[Amy H.]

Totalitarianism is what is bad, Even capitalist totalitarianism is bad. 

[Christian gentry]

Well not trying to take a machiavellian view on this but, if the people elect the government and the government has near total power is that not a acceptable thing? 

[Amy H.]

Totalitarianism doesn't allow for the removal or checking of that government to ensure that it is following the wants and views of the people. Just because you are elected by them doesn't mean you'll listen to them if the government doesn't provide provisions to check behavior.

[Christian gentry]

It all depends, I think that totalitarian regimes could be acceptable if they are for the good of the people , for an example, in Athens before democracy it was ruled by a series of dictators that made Athens into a power and the people liked them. Also, communist regimes are necessarily totalitarianism.

[CD]

Try not to confuse authoritarianism with totalitarianism.  

Middle of the road capitalism is totalitarian.  Once it becomes fully authoritarian, it's fascism.

Middle of the road communism is totalitarian as well.  Once it becomes fully authoritarian, it's Stalinism.

On the other hand,  decentralised small economies for profit in the 'capitalist ideal but not the capitalist reality' are libertarian, and neither totalitarian or authoritarian.

Likewise, decentralised small economies for communal benefit in the 'communist ideal but not the communist reality' are also libertarian,  and neither totalitarian or authoritarian.

[Amy H.]

*claps* wonderful explanation CD.

[Christian gentry]

For me at least it will never happen in america because of that perception. Also to regulate the banks and perhaps bring us back into a productive country.

[Tawfeeq Shaik]

Yes, Absolutely! If only people actually look at what communism actually is instead of just believing common stereotypes as the truth. Communism envisioned a world where everyone is equal, where there is no poverty, where there is no exploitation, where there is kindness, where there is essentially no evil. Unfortunately it was ruined by corruption and greed, but still the ideal is the same.The fact that most people think that communism is what those dictatorships were is sad and unenlightened.

[Christian gentry]

Communism can never happen. But its ideals are amazing and the fact that peoples perception is ruined because of a dictatorship is sad