Mach
DP Veteran
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Until it fails, and then you'll claim it wasn't really socialism, we know the drill. But to be fair, it is an important distinction you raise, that I steamrolled, that nations can operate under all sorts of regimes and still function, and in some cases, be prosperous (yes even in a rare few cases Relatively prosperous!*). And while everyone knows it would ultimately be far more effective to implement a much more free market, some cultures/people may not be in a place at certain times in their development where they can handle it...so for their people at a certain time, a socialistic regime may be or may have been more effective than other options. But rather than socialism being a stepping stone to communism, socialistic regimes, even self proclaimed communist regimes, can be a stepping stone to a capitalistic democracy. Everyone should be aware that even terrifying regimes can be successful, just look at Nazi Germany for the touchstone, or even modern Saudi Arabia for a more nuanced version. I do use broad shorthand in such claims and it's important to point out because it's true about all success/failures. A nation, or individual, or company, can thrive even with terrible <management, business practice, finance, etc.>, or fail miserable even with great <management, business practice, etc.>. It's an important point to be sure.I'm going to challenge the basic assumption of that post. See, socialism has existed -
Venezuela is an example of "in spite of socialism". They have enjoyed meeting the massively developed and developing nations demand for oil which they stumbled on in their backyard. They could thrive with nearly any government under such circumstances. Have you worked with oil rich areas? They can survive with incredibly outdated process, procedures, technology, etc., because they are earning so much from a well that it just doesn't matter. Some people can look at a successful business person who is a completely arrogant asshole and conclude they are successful because they are an arrogant asshole and then try to emulate them. Or more likely, they are successful in spite of that flaw... Very high profit companies can do all sorts of crazy **** and still make a fortune, doesn't means it's good or best.In Spain, lacking a state, members of the population established a rather successful system of socialist anarchism. Hungary under the CP was a positive thing, lacking many of the problems it has under capitalism today. In Venezuela, socialism thrives, but needs some adjustments. In Cuba, despite problems, socialism has greatly improved the lives of the people, and there's hope for the switch to a market economy.