The nicest guy in my town is a card-carrying Communist.

[Cuban_Liberal]

It's so weird, because I carry an almost instinctual loathing of Communism (or Castro-ism), but the nicest person I know in this town, bar none, is a card-carrying Communist. Mike is honest, hardworking, kind, loves kids and is the sort of neighbor we'd all like to have.

Life is odd, at times;learn to appreciate its ironies.

:)

[Taverner]

1. Communism seems to be a great ideal

But terrible and deadly when put into practice.

[Cuban_Liberal]

2. Agreed.

:)

[Floogeldy]

3. Communism is not inherently evil

Personally, I prefer a blend of socialism and capitalism.

[Cuban_Liberal]

4. I admire the Scandanavian social democracies greatly.

I'm with you.

:)

[KDLarsen]

10. So do I..

.. but god knows you start to wish they could tax you a little less. Off a part time job (16½ hours pr week), the government takes 44%. When my dad held his old job at a large mortgage company, his tax percent was in the 60's.

Of course, the list of benefits is too long to mention (free education & student grants - 900$ every month - is the most popular).

[Taverner]

5. I hate how Communism and Socialism are lumped together

Socialism refers to centralized government, state regulation or control of the means of production, and a safety net to protect the citizens from the downturns of the market.

Communism refers to forced collectivization, state control of all matters in life, and a return to an agro-industrial based economy.

[Cuban_Liberal]

6. Sadly, most Americans don't understand the difference.

:shrug:

[HawkerHurricane]

7. The Samaritan.

Remember, your neighbor (the man you're supposed to love as much as yourself) ISN'T the guy who shares your beliefs, rather he's the one who shows you kindness.

[Cuban_Liberal]

8. And he does.

He has a vacant lot, and he's an 'antiquer', so he turned the lot into a Victorian-era replica park, right down to the benches, fountain and gate. Anybody who wants to use it has only to ask, and pick up after themselves.

He's a truly GOOD person, and coming from a semi-cynical ex-cop, that's saying something.

:)

[Fenris]

9. I've known several communists, and they are generally nice people.

As a socialist, I agree with them on fundamental issues, but disagree with them on the more odious tenants of communism (namely violent revolution, elimination of private property, collectivist economics). Makes for great conversation though.

[Cuban_Liberal]

11. True.

I'm a self-identified 'populist with socialist tendencies'.

:)

[FuzzySlippers]

12. I sometimes can't believe Communists are still around.

It just seems so retro. I got a free mag published by the CPUSA. They wanted me to subscribe. I don't know how I got on their mailing list.