There has been an ongoing debate on this board about the "workability" of socialism v capitalism, and vise versa. It's no secret that I'm utterly in the camp of the latter, so you all know where I'm coming from.
Here I propose a series of questions for the proponents of socialism on the board. I'm not trying to start flame wars, etc. I'm sincerely interested in your answers to these questions. Lets keep it civil.
1. Since socialst nations have existed in the past and failed, what do you attribute their failure to? Is it reasonable to believe that these "obstacles" can be overcome in the short term?
2. Were any of these nations imperialistic in nature, meaning did they expand beyond their national borders and conquer territory not in their possession prior to the Bolshevic revolution of the early part of the 20th century?
3. Were there "exceptions" to the socialist philosophies of these countries, meaning did any of the ruling class own nice automobiles or houses that were well beyond "....his needs"?
4. If inequitable distribution of wealth is the cause of crime and social injustice, how do you explain people who are wealthy that committ crimes?
5. Is brute labor the only force that is essential to the prosperity and equality of a society?
6. If wealth were to be "redistributed" from the "20%" of the world's population that control it, and then given to the other 80%, will despotic rulers and tyrants be disposed to give this wealth to their people, or keep it for themselves?
7. If they did give the money to their citizens, would the social and physical infrastructure of these other nations immediately improve? If so, how?
8. What incentive does a person who has guaranteed health care, housing, food, water, and clothing have to strive for a better life?
9. For socialism to be truly implemented, the government must assume vast powers. Once assumed, what guarantee is there that the government will not abuse these powers?
10. Do people try to accumulate more or less power?
11. What if 1 or 2 people in said country decided they didn't feel socialism was right for them. Would the government be justified in using any and all means to implement the system for the greater good?
12. Is force justifiable in the redistribution of wealth?
13. In a socialist system, who's interests should/will take precedence in case of child rearing? Parents, or the State?
14. Should religious institutions be permitted in socialist societies?
15. Of the examples the world has known so far, socialism as implemented in Cuba, China, North Korea, Soviet Union, etc; and capitalism as seen in the US, UK, Australia, etc: Which has offered the greater personal liberties to it's citizens?
16. Given that the socialist death toll is at 100 million and counting, vastly outpacing "facist" numbers, does socialism get a free pass because it's more "altruistic"...at least on the surface? Can any ideology that results in the death of even one life be considered to be altruisitic?
17. What is the difference between Facism and Communism? Do they not both lead to state control of the economy, thus making ideologies irrelevant?
18. What is the difference between Marxist-Leninism vs Communism and can the more "pure" forms be implemented without innevitably deteriorating to totalitarianism?
I'm sure more questions will come to me, but for now I think that's enough.
Reminder: Let's keep it civil and have a nice discussion. I'm looking forward to the answers.