What is "Communism"

[nucleusfermi]

Before posting it here I'm feeling chiding at myself, what can I say Armenian people about "Communism", but I think I should paste it, let me see what's the air there!
I have always been wondering what this "Communism" noun is all about? Since I have crossed 18 years of my life year back, it's now have become significant enough to equip myself with a greater sense of this renowned word, though in my state there isn't any communist political party eminent, but in the nation of INDIA they exist in a few corners and these days making enough noise in parliament. After finding many articles and having read them all, I decided to write this one here, it reflects it more or less clearly.

“What is Communism?” it may be good to first compare it to communism with a small “c.” The system of thought called communism is an ideology summarized in the neat-sounding maxim, “From each according to his ability, to each according to his need.” A study of communism could lead one into the fascinating and divergent attempts throughout history by groups to walk in the light of the above principle -- attempts both secular and religious, some benign and some malignant.

Like the big elephant examined by the group of blind men in the old Indian story, our understanding of communism would vary greatly depending on which portion of the beast we touch. But if we think of communism as that bulky beast of the jungle with many strange parts, Communism with a capital “C” would be the tusk- perceived as a sharp and dangerous spear by its fearful examiner.

Modern day Communism is based on the writings of two German economists, Karl Marx and Fredrich Engels, who answered the question “What is Communism?” in their collaboration, “The Communist Manifesto” published in 1848. In it they declare that many problems in society are due to the unequal distribution of wealth. To bring about happiness and prosperity for all, the distinctions between the rich and poor of society must be eliminated. And since the rich will never give up their goods or status voluntarily, a rebellion of the poor -- the working class -- is necessary.

Thus, Communism is a distinct socio-political philosophy that is willing to use violent means to attain its goal of a classless society. If capitalism is defined as a social system based on individual rights (and individual wealth), then communism is its direct opposite. Communism believes in equality through force. In its system, individual rights are ground to powder and used to build its idol of absolute government control. It is indeed like the tusk of the elephant. It is sharp. It is dangerous. And it has gored millions of men in its rage through history.

Communism embraces atheism and dismisses religion as “the opiate of the masses,” a system designed by the rich and powerful to keep the poor in their place.

But Communism’s quest for a classless society is bound to fail. As Frank Zappa, ‘60s rock star, succinctly said, “Communism doesn’t work because people like to own stuff.” Furthermore, someone has to hold the money bag even in a communist-style society. And whoever holds the bag becomes not only a target for those looking on but for the subtle interior demons of pride, avarice, and self-preservation.

If there will always be the poor, then there will always be the rich. There will always be division, the haves and the have-nots, and any attempt to establish a classless society this side of heaven, particularly through the violent and godless ways of Communism, is destined to frustration and failure.

I personally am very against this policy, what other people think about it, is a worth learning point. So do comment as your views friends!

[Red Stone]

First things first: I've never been a communist.

Second - in my opinion - communism is a nice theory when followed properly. The problem is inside of the communist parties where the leaders (yes, the leaders once again) manipulate things capitalist way so taking illegitimate advantages of th system.

Third when I say "communism is a nice theory" I don't mean that I totally agree with it: mainly I think that we need to end the exploitation of men by men. Creating the so called classless society doesn't attain that target. On the contrary it encourages the exploitation of the more capable by the less capable.

How do I solve the problem? I don't know! If I knew I would have already publish a couple of books with my theories!

Namastey!

[nucleusfermi]

communism is a nice theory" I don't mean that I totally agree

I really refute this theory from its base RedStone, I believe "able" should be given all possible opportunities to perform better instead of trying diminish them by any mean what so ever, and people unable or less competent should be treated compassionately, and whichever "Economic" ideology government carries, positive steps ought to be taken for helping them economically, socially whatever basis applicable. As very renowned example of two parallel lines, "If we want to show one line "Shorter" then we must draw a lengthier line parallel to it, rather trying to erase the former, to meet are needs." I know you'll be thinking "they should use "peaceful" or "constructive" measures to achieve "a classless" society" but friend "Violence" or any other brutal, cunning way is legitimate according to these people, perhaps biggest ever obstacle keeping you away. But I again believe it's not the classless socio-economic structure that will bring peace & prosperity, but people with any class but full of love and compassion towards each other. As physicists say "single pole of magnet never exist."
The "Scientification" of religion with a sense of quality humanitarian protocols which can be attained through a "MENTAL REVOLUTION" by "Spiritual" practices or constructive study will bring the aim in reality. I can surely say even if we able to facilitate the zeal of knowing surroundings through scientific methodology, we can bring about a drastic alteration in human society.

[nucleusfermi]

Dear friends, I posted this article on one another BLOG in India, and I got a very nice comment which I desperately want to share with you people. This is originally commented by someone named "Ramesh", and he says:-

An example as put across by one of the CEO of a company:

How to bring about "Equality" in Society communist way:

Assume: If there are 3 people in society. One is highly affluent, entreprenuer, hard worker and earning well. Second is Average, earns enough for his family and live a middle class life happily. Third is Poor, lazy, incapable, unskilled. Can not feed himself and his family and hence remain hungry many days in a month.

How to fix the problem ???

While all normal human biengs will suggest that Poor must find out a job and work harder and lift his family out of this poverty. Communists will remarkable unanimity will Vote following:
"Strip the other TWO persons of their job. They are exploiting this poor man and creating unequality. If all 3 are poor, there would be Equality automatically"!!

Original message can be read HERE

[Red Stone]

Originally Posted by nucleusfermi

I really refute this theory from its base RedStone

Did you really read all my post, Nucleusfermi?

The problem is not in the theory! Is how it is implemented by the leaders!

For your information, I've fought the Communist Party in my country, when they were the only really organized political party here. It costed me a lot in terms of career, I had my home phone watched, etc.. Later on after some agreement between Mr Kissinger and Mr Brejnev, Angola stayed with SU influence and Portugal with USA influence.

And you know what? The guys who were before under their desks, some of them even going to the big meetings of the Communist Party, were the ones who got all the power afterwards. In a way I was somehow ostracized, as a rare bird, by people who were really anti-communism. In other words, they treated me worst than the communists had!

This said, and about the comments in your last post (a transcription of a post in an indian blog) I'm going to quote hereunder (in translation) a question/answer that could resume it all:

- What's the difference between a communist and a fascist?
- The communist eats children at breakfast while the fascist eats the children's breakfast!

This is just a joke (with some black humour, but a joke) but the post of your compatriot looks like a joke taken to serious which in my opinion is dangerous as it seems being inspired by stupid fascist ideology!

Just for ending my post I'm going to repeat something that I've already said in this Forum: I'm proud of counting as true real good friends people from the Portuguese extreme left to an Italian neo-fascist. And particularly with this last one and with a Portuguese communist (this last died 5 years ago, and I still miss him a lot) I used to have long and very hard political discussions, and at the end of the discussions we felt that our friendship had strengthened!

Namastey!