Republicans: continued

[pErvinalia]

I swear, it's like talking to a wall.

The problem is that you constantly conflate communists with Stalinism. They aren't the same thing. The vast majority of communists in the west want a socialist stateless utopia, not state authoritarianism. They're at total odds with each other. That communism seems to wind up as state authoritarianism in most cases isn't an argument that communism is the same as state authoritarianism. It's an acknowledgement that without the steadying hand of the democratic state, powerful actors will usually replace the democratic state for their own enrichment.

[Forty Two]

I swear, it's like talking to a wall.

The problem is that you constantly conflate communists with Stalinism.

Stalinism is a form of communism.

They aren't the same thing.

Stalinism is a form of communism.

The vast majority of communists in the west want a socialist stateless utopia, not state authoritarianism.

Maybe. Maybe not. Feel free to cite your evidence, and we can talk about it. However, Communism, even the form you refer to, is in my view a dystopian nightmare, and people who espouse that view are despicable. Awful. Terrible people. People who advocate a system that would deny basic humanity to the individual, and they would subordinate individual liberty to the collective/community. Despicable, even in its best iteration.

They're at total odds with each other.

Your opinion, sure, and you're free to make that case. However, Stalinism being a form of communism, they are not "totally" at odds with each other. Your preferred version may well be at odds with Stalin's view of communism. However, that's part of the debate - and the same debate can be had regarding any ideology and the various forms thereof.

If I think someone is a Stalinist - or harbors sympathies toward Stalinist communism -- then shit - punch that piece of shit in the face. And, if I think anarcho-communists carry water for the bad kinds of communists, stick it to them to. Shut them down. Fuck them. Their ideology is despicable. Censor them. Punch them. Prevent the despicable ideology from taking hold.

That communism seems to wind up as state authoritarianism in most cases isn't an argument that communism is the same as state authoritarianism. It's an acknowledgement that without the steadying hand of the democratic state, powerful actors will usually replace the democratic state for their own enrichment.

It is one of the arguments that people who advocate for it are advocating for something despicable, and oppressive. However, your assertion that communism merely "seems to wind up" (lol, by happenstance) as an authoritarian regime rather than it being "the violence inherent in the system..." is something you need to establish, rather than take as given. And, you may be right - if you can establish it. But, that's the whole point of public debate, isn't it - to find out who believes what and why - not to shut them up and beat them up. Even if their views are despicable.

[Brian Peacock]

Both extreme ends of the political spectrum tend toward totalitarianism, so let's not pretend that oppressive authoritarian regimes are the preserve of the left eh?

[Seabass]

Indeed. Trumpism is an example of far-right authoritarianism.

[Tero]

This modern socialism is just a sort of add on. It’s a tax based redistribution that is sort of like Windows stuck on top of DOS, a capitalism system.

[pErvinalia]

I swear, it's like talking to a wall.

The problem is that you constantly conflate communists with Stalinism.

Stalinism is a form of communism.

They aren't the same thing.

Stalinism is a form of communism.

NO IT'S NOT! FFS, how many times do we need to explain this to you? Communism advocates a stateless decentralised society. State authoritarianism is clearly not stateless. Stop conflating the two.

[Tero]

Time for the Monty Python Dennis skit?
"who lives in that castle?"
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-8bqQ-C1PSE

[Animavore]

https://bbs.boingboing.net/t/rep-ted-li ... /142335/26

[pErvinalia]

We are moving into dangerous times. I hope this flirtation with populist right-wing governments fades away.

[Animavore]

History repeating itself.

[JimC]

Goebbels had beter hair...

[Animavore]

He was a better person in every way.

[Hermit]

https://bbs.boingboing.net/t/rep-ted-li ... /142335/26

I'm glad boingboing saw fit to link to a Youtube clip that recorded Ted Lieu's question and Candace Owens's reply in its article. She made an excellent fist of correcting the impression Jennifer Bendery is trying to create.

[Animavore]

Don't understand the terminology. Do you mean she made a hash of it?

[Hermit]

Don't understand the terminology. Do you mean she made a hash of it?

Make a good fist of