Communism again. (according to Epidemic)

[Epidemic]

Communism is the ideal form of government, In small communes living in a people vs nature environment. Though I do not think it survives past that level. When all you have is the quest for fire, and berry picking and communal hunting I think that communistic values work. Every one working together to achieve one common goal, "survival against the elements". When everyones job is equal in value to society and the difficulty of said jobs all take much the same preparation.

However, in a modern society where some people must endure 10 years higher education, where their decisions mean life and death and one mistake may land you in a grocery store saying cash or credit, different jobs require different incentives.

Egarness to acquire wealth is most often the driving force behind product development and hence progress. People are willing to spend years of their lives and risk personal security in an attempt to secure a better life and future.

Communism is corrupt, in an attempt to overcome the barriers caused by the human spirit to selfishly wish to secure a better life for themselves and family. Large scale communism is forced to use brainwashing, and restriction of freedoms to achive a semi-functional form of communism.

As for china's 1 child rule. That is a great rule considering the path of china at the time. Had they not implemented such a rule their population would fast approach critical levels IMO. In a communist country with little else to do but make children as a pastime (universal health care and guaranteed salary forms no reasonable barrier to uncontrolled population growth.)

I believe this is evident in the USA's welfare system (prior to reform maybe) which I believe had a much higher birth rate than working folks. There was no penalty in squirting out kids (other than the obvious discompfort of birth and child rearing). Middle classed people are forced to consider the impact of each child on the future of the family. Prior to china's 1 child rule I believe same mechanics were at play.

correct me if I am wrong though, I don't think that there was punitive action taken against parents who had more kids. (the kids were not taken away or parents jailed AFAIK)

I believe that the effective controll that is used is the financial one. You do not get salary increases or increased food rations if you squirt out an army. So each kid decreases your lifestyle. Someone correct me on that point if I am off base.


Actually I would like to see a system like that implemented in the US. 1 kid gets you tax breaks, 2 kids but no more tax breaks, 3 kids will start to really impact on lifestyle of those who can't afford em. I would also consider increases to taxes above population status quo. At 3 kids I might increase taxes in order to cover the strain on education and other such services.

[shahani]

Communism is never a good system because there will always be peeps who don't carry their weight.

It is based on "equality for all" which is not the human condition.

There will always be those who work harder and smarter and will expect more returns than the bum pan handling at the 59th St subway station.

[Epidemic]

I do not disagree with that statement.

Although in small communes such as tribal life and living in a 18th century rural life it could be effective IMO. Where the goal is survival. Non performers are not killed but they are also not assisted. If you did not contribute you do not enjoy the fruits of labor. People not carrying their weight fast become extinct either by their own designs or conformation.

[shahani]

You keep agreeing with me Epidemic and purty soon we is gonna have a beer together.

[Optimus Prime]

I have to agree with you on all points there Epidemic.

Apart from the 1 child rule, i agree with it, but if there is another child, the child is killed or left on the pavements.

[Epidemic]

http://filebox.vt.edu/users/mkorte/soc/thesolution.htm


Penalties:

Economic

Heavy fines

Loss of job

Confiscation of property

Demolition of homes

Physical

Violence against women and girls

Forced abortions (even in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy), this is called by government agencies "remedial measures"

Forced sterilization

Detention of pregnant women or members of their families

Now I do not know how accurate this is but if kids are left on the sidewalk to die that is probably a byproduct not an edict.

AFAIK the choice to bring the child to term and leave it on the sidewalk would rest on the parents... avoidance of sanctions and such.

I guess all as a result of the laws but with the alternative being starvation of millions and chaos my guess is that this is perhaps the prudent thing to do.

[Optimus Prime]

Yeah, it probably is a by-product, rather than law... I suppose my school is more ignorant than most, I think i'll go into my school and tell the RE teachers off!

[DPA]

i agree, communism in theory is the most effective form of gov't, but in play it has proven otherwise.

i think that in an example of sayy... colonization of a new world [america, mars] that communism would be necessary for the "pilgrims" of this colony to survive. once the civilization is established, another form of government, namely a democracy, should be put into place. where that point in time is found, i do not know, only being in such a situation would we know...

good post epidemic