Thread: Communism

You're referring to George Orwell's Animal Farm, also author of 1984.

Originally Posted by Wildtim

I don't think the family is a communist unit. I would have called mine a resource based dictatorship. The ruling pair had control over all the necessary resources, food, clothing shelter, money, and even transportation. My sibling and I were required by our rulers to meet certain specific conditions and perform certain tasks to be allowed to experience the largess of our rulers.

To get food I had to sit up straight, keep my elbows off the table and tell the rulers about my day.

To get clothing I was required to go with one of our rulers to the store at her convenience and negotiate for the clothing I desired, otherwise I would be dressed in livery of her choice that would mark me to any outsiders as her property.

The Money was doled out grudgingly for chores performed in the proper manner by the deadline required of me.

To remain sheltered it was often quoted to me that it was "their way or the highway" and if I "stayed in their house it was under their rules."

I just don't see this as communal living.

Any system has rules and regulations, and people with power (parents) and people who don't (kids).
There is nothing in the idea of communism that prevents there being a difference in responsibilities and authorities.

Even though you cost more than you earned, you still got taken care of and provided with anything you needed.

And to jockeys: I don't see why there should have to be a flamewar over this topic. Disagreement, yes, flamewar, no. At least not by default.

Originally Posted by Bruno

And to jockeys: I don't see why there should have to be a flamewar over this topic. Disagreement, yes, flamewar, no. At least not by default.

civil discussion of communism fails for the same reason as communism itself... human nature.

Originally Posted by Bruno

Any system has rules and regulations, and people with power (parents) and people who don't (kids).
There is nothing in the idea of communism that prevents there being a difference in responsibilities and authorities.

This right here is why communism always turns to Tyranny. If those lacking the authority are given less than an equal share of the resources they have no mode of redress.

In your family example I may have cost more than I brought in but the resources available to the group as a whole were not divided equally. In other words there was a definite imbalance in the level of luxury available to the different levels of society. No equality and you are back to a stratified society no longer living by the tenants of communism.

Before a fight breaks out about whether Wiltim's family was a communistic state....perhaps you could both define what the term communism/communistic means to you? Because I'm starting to see some differences in definition here.

Originally Posted by Bruno

I don't believe in communist government, but my family is run internally as a communist system, as I am sure are most of yours.
People bring in resources based on their capabilites, and those resources are divided based on needs.

As you like it... but I feel inclined to chip in and say that not all of us run our household that way. I am a staunch individualist, and feel that any division of resources should be done on MERIT, and not simply need. I think that in an ideal situation, people would bring in resources according to their abilities and then get a corresponding share of the resources.

Originally Posted by jockeys

As you like it... but I feel inclined to chip in and say that not all of us run our household that way. I am a staunch individualist, and feel that any division of resources should be done on MERIT, and not simply need. I think that in an ideal situation, people would bring in resources according to their abilities and then get a corresponding share of the resources.

The additional luxury, pocket money, ... yes.
But NEEDS as in food, clothes, medication, ... no.

And I am no defender of communism as a political system, because it doesn't work for the reasons already mentioned.
But communism as a small-scale economic system works regardless of which 'political' system is used to maintain order. AndI agree that A system is needed to maintain that order.

Me and my wife rule the roost. (well, my wife, then me, )
And we get the deciding vote.

But my kids get provided for, despite the fact that they are nothing but an economic burden. Sure, they will help out when they reach that stage of their life, or else no allowance or luxury items or whatever.

EDIT: So any division of resources is NOT purely based on merit. for example a sick kid will get his expensive medication even if he cannot earn it, or sometimes even is ungrateful for, even if that means I won't be buying that belt grinder any time soon, even if I would really like it, and even if my kid does not see the treatment as a blessing to be grateful for.

Originally Posted by Bruno

But my kids get provided for, despite the fact that they are nothing but an economic burden. Sure, they will help out when they reach that stage of their life, or else no allowance or luxury items or whatever.

So any division of resources is NOT purely based on merit. for example a sick kid will get his expensive medication even if he cannot earn it, or sometimes even is ungrateful for, even if that means I won't be buying that belt grinder any time soon.

I would say that in your case, the KIDS are your luxury items. The providers (you, and your wife if she works) are spending resources on a luxury (non-necessity) that you both enjoy: children. Evidently you decided you were well off enough to afford your "economic burdens" and obtained some.

So, I would categorize pediatric expenditures as non-necessary to you, but a luxury you treat yourself to because you, as a provider, have the merit to spend your free income how you choose.

Originally Posted by jockeys

I would say that in your case, the KIDS are your luxury items. The providers (you, and your wife if she works) are spending resources on a luxury (non-necessity) that you both enjoy: children. Evidently you decided you were well off enough to afford your "economic burdens" and obtained some.

So, I would categorize pediatric expenditures as non-necessary to you, but a luxury you treat yourself to because you, as a provider, have the merit to spend your free income how you choose.

Children are not resources or items in any economic system. A communistic system also provides for those who can't provide for themselves.

OMG I now expect a visit from these guys...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jdg0JFtGf_c