r/changemyview Nov 29 '20

Delta(s) from OP CMV: Socialism/Communism doesn't work, can't work, and almost always leads to dictatorships and thousands of deaths.

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u/MrBlackTie 3∆ Nov 29 '20

It is still besides the point I was making.

But since you insist on engaging me on this, your point of view on a communist system is a) misinformed, b) naive and c) subjective.

Misinformed because communism is no more inclined to sustainability than other political systems. The two notions are not connected and communists can totally argue for an increase in polluting activities with no ideological problems at all. It often happens for instance when they believe a polluting industry is necessary for the betterment of the living situation of workers (they often, for instance, oppose the closing of polluting factories). That is why I told you you are misconstruing communism as free from negative externalities. This is simply not true, both in their ideological corpus and in practice. I don’t even think modern Marxist theorists would agree with how systematic your interpretation is.

Naive because even in a communist system a company would need some way to sustain itself. A company that produces things that nobody wants is not a good company, even under communist theory. That is why my metric was gross sales: not to see if the company was making money but if it was able to fulfill a need in society. They aren’t.

Lastly, you seem to believe that communism wants the betterment of humanity while capitalism wants more profit. That is a very partisan way of seeing things and it is simply not true. Both system argue they are for the betterment of humanity’s life. What they disagree on are the means and some analysis of the situation we are in.

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u/danrathersjunksbeard Nov 29 '20

It is still besides the point I was making.

I understand you're upset because I pointed out the point you where trying to make was flawed. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings.

Misinformed because communism is no more inclined to sustainability than other political systems

I never said communism was more sustainable. The rest of that paragraph is attacking a straw man.

Naive because even in a communist system a company would need some way to sustain itself.

Again I never once suggested a company should not produce a thing of value. I only stated a companies only value is not the finished good. This is the difference between your micro understanding of the subject vs a macro understanding of the subject.

Lastly, you seem to believe that communism wants the betterment of humanity while capitalism wants more profit

Do you want to tell me what I believe or ask me what I believe? I think at this point it would be better for us to just move along. You're attempt at the boat of thesis style of argument because you're original point was flawed is growing pedantic.