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Path: utzoo!linus!decvax!ittvax!swatt
From: swatt@ittvax.UUCP (Alan S. Watt)
Newsgroups: net.politics
Subject: Re: Modern Socialism
Message-ID: <1025@ittvax.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 20-Sep-83 14:45:41 EDT
Article-I.D.: ittvax.1025
Posted: Tue Sep 20 14:45:41 1983
Date-Received: Wed, 21-Sep-83 00:47:10 EDT
References: ism780.39
Lines: 65

I agree; some of the comments on this net about the evils of socialism
have been irresponsible.  To take nations like the Soviet Union, which
have always had autocratic governments, and adduce properties of
socialism from their behavior is simply flawed.

To make a reasonable comparison, you need to look at socialism as
practiced in western nations, with long traditions of personal freedom,
independent press, civil liberties, and so.  A good example is France.

Though taking power only 2 years ago, the socialist government has
effected significant changes.  One goal of socialism is full
employment, and this has been one of France's prime efforts.  Two years
is two short to accomplish this, but they have managed to create
200,000 new government jobs.

Government revenue has been expanded to pay for this by increasing
taxes on the rich (anyone earning over $15,000 is rich); such people
have had their taxes raised by 30-50%, which also has the by-product of
reducing the resources at their disposal to exploit the workers. :-)

In addition to increased taxes, most workers strongly support the law
requiring them to loan the government a percentage of their salaries
(non-discretionary government savings bonds).  They know they are
investing money in a sound future. :-)

Very few industries have been nationalized; no one has been murdered,
and civil freedoms remain.  Citizens are still free to travel just as
before (with the single exception that they may not take more that $375
out of the country).

It is also wrong to conclude that communist countries are automatically
going to reneg on debts and other agreements.  From the most recent
American Express newsletter:

	"Now two good reaons to take the Card to China"

	  American Express has signed an agreement with the
	Bank of China that now allows Cardmembers to charge
	over-the-counter merchandise at certain stores in
	Beijing and Guangzhou in the People's Republic of
	China.

	  Cardmembers can also use the Card to cash personal
	checks in 27 cities, without the 4% surcharge imposed
	on holders of other credit and charge cards.  Now the
	acceptance of the Card at selected retail locations
	greatly increases its usefulness in China.

	  Now when you see a scroll or rubbings of works of art
	that would be perfect for your living room, den, or office,
	you have the Card that speaks Chinese.*

	* 1983 American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
	  (all rights reserved)

Now do you think American Express is going to make an agreement like
that with a government that can't be trusted?

Just think, now you can pay for your purchases of Mao's little red
book with your American Express Card.  Who says capitalism and
communism can't co-exist?  I wonder if AmEx will come up with a new
billing plan based on the "From each according to ability; to each
according to need" philosophy? :-)

	- Alan S. Watt