quote:Originally posted by AerialAssaultCapitalists are so amusing.


You continually claim that you're a communist, but that's not what you are at all. How can you so easily seperate yourself from the rest of us "amusing" capitalists when you live and take part in a capitalist society and have probably never experienced communal life?

You can't. What you are is a Communist wannabe, someone who thinks it's a good idea but wouldn't give up his capitalistic life for a true communist one.

Prove me wrong. :P

I agree. If you really want to be a communist go live on a farm and stop using your computer :O

Lol Captain, the computer has nothing to do with communism.

I thought Amish and Communist were one in the same.

If your communist, you're poor. End of story.

Mancer your avatar/signature host sux ass use http://m00.u13.net reliable services ! They are the best, I heard the person that made that site is really cool, and he kicks ass and stuff, you should upload your stuff there!

quote:Originally posted by Captain RibManI agree. If you really want to be a communist go live on a farm and stop using your computer :O


He could dance for nickels like homeless people, then share them out.

It's just another phase...sadly..

communism is a good thing but it is abused in like china and stuff

quote:Originally posted by The GeologistIt's just another phase...sadly..


My phases were never that boring....

If you wanna be a communist, it's simple. Google Bob Avakian. All the information you need.

hey. maybe its possible that i believe in Karl Marx's philosophy and that im a member of the CPUSA www.cpusa.org

That still doesn't mean that you're a communist:

quote:From the CPUSA.org websiteYou don't have to be a Communist to be part of this effort or make important contributions to it, but it helps!

So tell me, how can you call yourself a communist if you don't practice communism?

what the hell do you mean "practice communism"? you make it sound like some kind of ritual.

Way to prove Vijch right.

If you want to call it a ritual, go ahead, but I would prefer the synonym "carry out".

Are you going to answer my question or do I have to ask it a third time?

Wait...I thought commie's sacrificed goats.

Yes, that's very true. If you encourage communism so much, GO TO FREAKING CHINA!!

i fail to understand what the hell he is talking about when he says "practice communism". i support it, and i believe in it, therefore i am a communist. what's left to say?

"What you are is a Communist wannabe, someone who thinks it's a good idea but wouldn't give up his capitalistic life for a true communist one."

On what grounds go you make this claim?

On asphalt.

Just because I support the police and believe in them doesn't make me a cop.

thats a terrible anology. the police arent an ideology. I AM A COMMUNIST, why is that so hard to believe?

It was a very apt analogy. You say you believe in something and that you're all about the philosophy, but you fail in practicing it. You sit in the middle of America and milk the proverbial teet of capitalism while claiming through and through to be communist. At the end of the day you end up supporting the very thing you should oppose.

You can't say that you are something or that you're willing to do something until you have, because before that time, you don't know if you would really do it.

For example, I am a capitalist (that's a generalization, I'll admit) because I am practicing it and I know that I can. I also know that I am not a communist because I have lived on a commune and rejected that way of life.

WHAT THE [IMAGE] DO YOU WANT ME TO DO? what do you mean "practice it"? when you practice capitalism, what are you doing? Praciticing Communism? what the hell does that even mean? shall i draw a hammer & sickle-gram on the floor and sacrafice a virgin over it? yes i live in america, i don't like its capitalist system, and i am part of the CPUSA because i want to contribute to changing the system. each day i debate with people about what communism really means and why it would be better. i help the CPUSA by improving the image of communism whenever and wherever i can. im only 15 so i can only do so much.

Hey, hey, settle down.

All I'm saying is that you're a capitalist, whether you like it or not, as long as you're a part of American society.

You can like Communism and think it's a great idea, you can join the CPUSA, and you can debate about the meaning of the word all you want, but until you reject Capitalism and stop taking part in our society you will never be a Communist.

I think Sarte said what I'm trying to explain best in his essay entitled Existentialist Ethics in which he very briefly stated that "There is no reality except in action." In other words, what you think or want doesn't matter, but what you do determines who you are. You want to be a Communist and you think it would be a great idea, but you have never committed to any of the facets of Communism and therefore are not a Communist.

quote:shall i draw a hammer & sickle-gram on the floor and sacrafice a virgin over it?

Wait...you mean I've been doing it wrong!?

are you really a member of the CPUSA?
[IMAGE]

im apart of the young communist league, which is a division of the CP USA.

also. according to the definition of "Communist" http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=communist

Yes, I am a communist. What now?

You are a communist fanboy.

This USA Communist group thing seems like a load of bull[IMAGE].

Stupid russian arse licking whore :p

[IMAGE]

Vitch, you can't "Practice" an ideology. You CAN be a communist while living in america. Living in a country doesn't FORCE you to be in one ideology or in an other.

every single person in China isn't a communist.

That's why the deport to other countries.

Ben, how old are you? Grow up, seriously; I haven't read a decent contributing post from you in...ever.

I think you're failing to look at the situation realistically; the guy's only 15, he still lives with his parents and he's under the legal age to work. Great, he believes in the communist ideology, but at his age that's all he can really do. If he really were to leave his parents, totally reject the 'capitalist' American state, and try and set up a communist way of living, he'd most defiantly wind up on the street, without a job and eventually be picked up by the police and returned home. He's joined the CPUSA community and does his share in contributing to the extent that he can. It's the biggest communist party in America and by joining I think that's a pretty big step for a 15 year old. Furthermore, the party is based on the communist ideology, which means it's communist, and what do you supposed the members of it are...communists.

Example, people who believe in and support the religious teachings of the Christians or Catholics, but don't go to church, or practice many of the rituals doesn't mean they're not Christian/Catholic.

In short, give the guy a break.

I would however, be interested in knowing why you disagree with and 'reject' the 'capitalist' system.

It's useless to say whether you like communism or not without taking note of the differences between several forms of communism, as there are marxism / leninism / trotskyism / marxism-leninism / stalinism / maoism / anarcho-communism /titoism and some other small forms. Not that most so-called communists are aware of the ideology of all these forms, but hey, the red banner fits quite well with the colour of the laces of their converse all-star shoes.

For me, communism is the inferior derivative of socialism. And history says I'm right.

Alright, let's get a dictionary, shall we?

Communism is a term that can refer to one of several things:

A social and economic system - Here's where I'm right. Aerial isn't a Communist according to this definition because he's still practicing capitalism.

An ideology which supports that system, or a political movement that wishes to implement that system - Here's where you're right. You're standing around talking about hom much you would love communism, plain and simple.

But I still don't understand how you could have the nerve to call yourself a communist when all you do is sit around anh talk about it.

quote:But I still don't understand how you could have the nerve to call yourself a communist when all you do is sit around anh talk about it.
So according to this reasoning, for example, someone would not be a racist if all they do is sit around, say, and believe in racist things...

AA is a communist to his fullest ability. He can't really help where/when he was born. Currently he really does not have any other reasonable choice of life than capitalism. Although this commy stuff is probably a phase he will grow out of soon, by supporting his beliefs however he can AA is a communist in my opinion.

quote:Originally posted by HitmanBen, how old are you? Grow up, seriously; I haven't read a decent contributing post from you in...ever.


True.
Anyways,

quote:Originally posted by Hitman
...the guy's only 15, he still lives with his parents and he's under the legal age to work.


What's the legal age for work in the U.S of A?
Here it's only 14 years, 9 months.

Anyway, I'd have so say, communism to me is not really that ideal.
Everyone works, that's good, but they all get paid the same.
To me, that takes away part of the point.
I once knew a man who had 19 children.
"Whoa," I said, "What made you want to have that many kids?"
He replied,
"Mah Naibar had eiteeen, so Ah kept goin' till Ah beat 'im."
Communism takes away part of tha challenge of success.
For example, getting a promotion and rubbing it in your workmate's face.

someone has a HUGE misconception about communism, theres so much more to it. From each according to their ability, to each according to their needs.

@Michal:

Will you stop with that "Communism is an ideology" crap? You've been pushing that point so much that I got sidetracked on my own topic.

Aerial's original comment pertained to the fact that we capitalists were "amusing" because of the actions we perform that make us capitalist...so don't talk about ideology when what Aerial said wasn't about the ideas behind either system at all.

Aerial, you said it yourself: You do not actively practice Communism (and yes, you can practice a socioeconomic system) and are therefore NOT a communist. Feel free to debate communism and call yourself a communist then, when it does pertain to an ideology, but otherwise it's an insult to people who actually embrace it.

If you want to prove that you're a communist, then get a work permit, get a job, and give all of your earnings back to society. Until then, you're just another guy with an idea that's going nowhere.

AAyou're beginning to sound like that guy who gives out bible flyers aty the beach.
'Occupancy will be created by the people themselves. No longer will one build and another occupy.
Food will be grown and harvested by the people own it. No longer will one grow and another eat.'
I challenged the guy by asking him,
'What about people who are disabled?'
He said he'd get back to me on it...

Vijcht, i was talking about the article. that guy talked about how the game had such a ruthless capitalistic society, i was simply poking fun at it. dumbass.

Aerial, you don't have to get so worked up over this, it's just a discussion and I don't mean anything personal. Really. If you want we to stop at any time, just ask.
(Damn commie! :P)

But back to the disussion:

When you're talking about a capitalistic society then you're talking about the actions of the people in it that make it capitalistic, right? Otherwise there wouldn't be much of a society at all. Now, then, it follows that you never would have said "Capitalists are so amusing" if you didn't seperate yourself from that distinct group, and we all know that you consider yourself to be a Communist. And, since the comment was directed at Capitalism as an action and not a thought, you created the subtext that you were also a Communist in action. But, my friend, you have not ever acted on your ideals (something which I have called "practicing capitalism") and are therefore not a Communist.

Is that clear or should I state it in another way?



And Captain Ben, that has nothing to do with the subject at all and the analogy doesn't even make sense, please don't spam this thread and detract from our conversation.

First off, I'd like to point out that we are not a capitalist economy (at least not in the pure sense.) America has a "Democratic Socialist" economy. People make choices on what to purchase, but the goods and workforce are strictly regulated by the government. Socialism is a economy built to help the people. Taxes, welfare and social security are all particularly strong signs that point in that direction.

Vijcht, just out of curiousity, why did you start this thread?
I mean, I've just been egging it on with stupid half arse comments, but I really don't see anything wrong with his supporting of communism. Sure, it might of failed first off, but it could have success if done with more care. That doesn't mean he can't poke fun at capitalism.
AA, even though I've probably pissed you off with my (pointless lol) past comments, etc, I hand you my recognition and respect for believing in it and refusing to do otherwise.

how did u get into communism anyway, when growing up in a capitalist society

quote:Originally posted by Psychohow did u get into communism anyway, when growing up in a capitalist society


That way.

Nice try Melba..but that still didn't make you look witty ;D

quote:Originally posted by Elephant_HunterFirst off, I'd like to point out that we are not a capitalist economy (at least not in the pure sense.) America has a "Democratic Socialist" economy. People make choices on what to purchase, but the goods and workforce are strictly regulated by the government. Socialism is a economy built to help the people. Taxes, welfare and social security are all particularly strong signs that point in that direction.


Agreed, to a degree. The socialist aspect of this country seems to be a fickle thing, and in that explaination you (for the most part) ignored the capitalist nature of our economy tied as it is to the democratic socialist practices. Sure, we have welfare, taxes, and social security...but the latter of the three seems to be coming up with major problems such as running out of cash, while welfare, education, healthcare and other things that may benefit from taxation aren't recieving the funds they should.

So, to a degree I'd say yes, we do practice a Democratic Socialist economy...yet the capitalist instinct still shines through. New entrepreneurs, businesses, inventions, pattents, large corporations and their undeniable power and clout...these are undeniable aspects to our economy. While the government does have a hand in the goods and workforce, it's still up to the companies to decide how to react to demand and the market. There is a distinct separation between the decision making/production abilities of governement and big business, and while the former may still set up the rules and regulations it is up to the latter to fill the bill - I prefer to think of things as much more mutual than draw a strict line of division between governemtn and business. I mean, come on...it's obvious the two are intertwined on numerous levels, yet still act independantly in different situations. The government doesn't (always) tell what companies to make what...if this were true we would have never had slinkies or pet rocks. On that same note, companies can't always act in whatever way they wish...laws and rules set up to both help business, keep it in line, or push businesses for unsavory actions must also be followed. Unfortunately (Enron), businesses aren't always honest...

I'm beginning to ramble...yet I think we're saying something very similar. Not totally capitalist, yet not strictly democratic socialist.

quote:Originally posted by The GeologistNice try Melba..but that still didn't make you look witty ;D

Who's talking about being witty?
That's just pure facts.

Actually i resent what you just did. That's just rude.
Especially when it's comming from the least funny person in here.

Yes, Elephant, I understand that. In fact, I made a little comment about it and went into a long explanation but then editted out the explanation part so my post wouldn't be so confusing.

quote:Originally posted by VijchtidoodahFor example, I am a capitalist (that's a generalization, I'll admit) because I am practicing it and I know that I can.


Captain Ben, if you're asking me if I started this because I don't like Communism, that's not it at all. I could care less what you think. But the little caveat to that is that I do care when people go around making claims when I don't think that they have thoroughly thought about the subject and are probably just doing it to get attention - even if they aren't aware of that themselves.

so he believes in communism, but he is not one? sounds kinda like it

this topic will end in a new cold war :O
;)

Maybe next time I'll try to make it a little more obvious that I'm joking. Regardless, I'd rather hear an aswer from him than a retort from you.

Edit: May we split a waffle in peace? No offence intended.

If it's any help, Vijcht, I went through the same exact phase about 1.5 years ago. Around 15 years old. Read through the Manifesto, and decided, "by golly, this is some good [IMAGE]."

Personally, I feel it neglects two important elements: human greed and the inhibitions brought about by equality.

I stayed in Kiev(Ukraine) for a few months, and through talks with old 'vets' of the Soviet era, well...I changed my mind. I've heard the argument about things not working out in Russia, China, Cuba, North Korea, etc. because the countries lacked true full industrialisation. Through Soviet conquest, they aquired some very industrialised nations (Ukraine, for example). But when Communism struck, people lost all interest in moving forward. If you're going to get paid ten rubles, and the drunkard next door will get ten rubles, then why bother?

I'm starting to doubt that humans are naturally greedy. Think about it, as children we are taught to share with others and be nice. But just as soon as we grow up, we are taught that we must take as much as we can as fast as we can in order to survive in this world.

Who/what taught you that? And might I add you're still growing up.

quote:Originally posted by Vijchtidoodah
Captain Ben, if you're asking me if I started this because I don't like Communism, that's not it at all. I could care less what you think. But the little caveat to that is that I do care when people go around making claims when I don't think that they have thoroughly thought about the subject and are probably just doing it to get attention - even if they aren't aware of that themselves.


I was just wondering. I finished up with my stupid comments.
Sorry.

quote:Originally posted by The GeologistMaybe next time I'll try to make it a little more obvious that I'm joking. Regardless, I'd rather hear an aswer from him than a retort from you.

Edit: May we split a waffle in peace? No offence intended.


Forgive me for not seeing the humour in your post.

also, i like waffles... so ok!

quote:I'm starting to doubt that humans are naturally greedy. Think about it, as children we are taught to share with others and be nice. But just as soon as we grow up, we are taught that we must take as much as we can as fast as we can in order to survive in this world.

Well, I was more referring to the greed of those in control of communist nations. It's just that, in countries pushed to extremes (fascism, communism, etc...I do understand they are polar opposites, but they both rely heavily on government ruling), great strides can be achieved, but terrible things can also happen.

Take the Soviet empire. Vladimir Lenin did make great progress (after the help of the Germans...) and did bring the pseudo-Feudal Romanov dynasty to an abrupt end. Marxism does have its benefits--if people such as Joseph Stalin did not exist.

Actually, if the advice of Lenin or Trotsky had been followed and Stalin were removed by the rest of the Bolsheviks, or if the Mensheviks had come to power instead, things might have been different.

My point is, if Stalin came to power, if Castro came to power, if Jong came to power, what are the chances of a new communist country reaching any other conclusion?

Democracy is slow, weak and ineffective. I'll just say, I'd rather be slow than dead.

woah your ver very smaet 0_0