Last night I read "The Manifesto of the Communist Party." I read it years ago, but it had been a long, long time. I was somewhat amazed at how many of the ideas promoted by the document have found their way into current theory of government. Everything from public education to policies that promote the breakup of the traditional family unit.
Within the document are a few "gems" that are thought provoking. It discusses the evolution of societal arrangement through time from tribalism, to feudalism to more modern theories of political and economic systems that we enjoy today. It promoted communism as the next logical step in that evolution.
The argument presented within the document is that all such economic and political systems are designed to keep power concentrated in the hands of the few and the productivity of nations on the backs of the many. It purports to resolve that issue by moving that power, through revolution, into the hands of the government by taking the resources of the nation out of the hands of the individual and placing them into the hands of "all citizens" through governmental control. It is confiscation of wealth by those who hold political power, pure and simple.
In theory, there is merit to the concept -- especially to those who have been without wealth and power. The trouble is that it doesn't solve the concentration of that power into the hands of a few -- it merely changes their face to that of government officials instead of private individuals.
The current trend toward automation is concerning to me. It further exacerbates the issue of concentration of power into the hands of a few -- no matter under what political/economic system you consider, or favor. It will become more and more difficult for a subset of the population to find employment in an automated economy. Not everyone is suited to become computer programmers, or practitioners of other technology-based jobs. The entry-level jobs are the very ones being replaced by technology. These would include store clerks, fast-food workers, janitorial services, etc. -- i.e. low-skilled labor.
How do we deal with the loss of those jobs? In my mind I see the classic science-fiction scenario of an underground economy of those who fall outside the system and live in the sewers and decaying factories of cities. It isn't a pretty picture....
Showing posts with label communism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label communism. Show all posts
Friday, May 10, 2019
Wednesday, May 1, 2019
May Day - Not For Me
Today, May Day, is celebrated in many different ways throughout the world. I've always been a bit confused about May Day and as I did some research into it, I understand why. It isn't a uniformly celebrated holiday and its orientation varies widely depending on the country.
The earliest origins of May Day were celebrations honoring the Roman Goddess of Flowers, Flora. Also, at that time, was the celebration of Maiouma which occurred every 3 years as a festival honoring Dionysus and Aphrodite. It was known for its licentiousness and took place throughout the night with banquets and orgies.
Through the centuries, various countries and regions have held celebrations more-or-less coinciding with the 1st of May that were focused more on the transition of the seasons into summer. Other things were sprinkled in which honored various local traditions.
In the late 19th Century, the Communist Party International decided to celebrate International Workers Day on May 1 to commemorate the Haymarket Affair in which a labor protest in Chicago ended in a bloodbath after someone threw a bomb at the police who were trying to break up the protest. The result was 7 police officers and 4 civilians dead with dozens more wounded. The protest was an attempt to get an 8-hour workday established as the norm. The event served to unify labor into a more cohesive force on the American industrial scene.
Today, May Day in the U.S. has both "green" elements (those related to the beginning of summer) and "red" elements (those related to the Communist International Workers Day). In either case, it isn't something I care to celebrate. I suspect though, with he growth in influence of communists within the Democratic Party and their current emphasis on the end-of-the-world scenario they pose in relation to global warming, (at least 2 candidates have put a time limit on a worldwide government response to combat it) I wouldn't be surprised to see a growing number of May Day celebrations that include both red and green aspects. It just seems to fit. One more reason for me to dislike the term....
The earliest origins of May Day were celebrations honoring the Roman Goddess of Flowers, Flora. Also, at that time, was the celebration of Maiouma which occurred every 3 years as a festival honoring Dionysus and Aphrodite. It was known for its licentiousness and took place throughout the night with banquets and orgies.
Through the centuries, various countries and regions have held celebrations more-or-less coinciding with the 1st of May that were focused more on the transition of the seasons into summer. Other things were sprinkled in which honored various local traditions.
In the late 19th Century, the Communist Party International decided to celebrate International Workers Day on May 1 to commemorate the Haymarket Affair in which a labor protest in Chicago ended in a bloodbath after someone threw a bomb at the police who were trying to break up the protest. The result was 7 police officers and 4 civilians dead with dozens more wounded. The protest was an attempt to get an 8-hour workday established as the norm. The event served to unify labor into a more cohesive force on the American industrial scene.
Today, May Day in the U.S. has both "green" elements (those related to the beginning of summer) and "red" elements (those related to the Communist International Workers Day). In either case, it isn't something I care to celebrate. I suspect though, with he growth in influence of communists within the Democratic Party and their current emphasis on the end-of-the-world scenario they pose in relation to global warming, (at least 2 candidates have put a time limit on a worldwide government response to combat it) I wouldn't be surprised to see a growing number of May Day celebrations that include both red and green aspects. It just seems to fit. One more reason for me to dislike the term....
Saturday, February 9, 2019
A Political Marketing Campaign
I've given a good bit of thought to the "Green New Deal" resolution offered by the Freshman Congresswoman Alexandria Occasio-Cortez (AOC). I am certain she likely didn't realize the brilliance of her approach but merely fell into it out of some "pie-in-the-sky" dream of youth -- or, her strings are being pulled by someone else which is entirely possible. It is almost as if she took a page from the President's playbook, "The Art of the Deal."
Sometimes in negotiation, it is best to start with an extreme position. Anything given up is seen to be more moderate, or even conservative by comparison. Perhaps the only true goal is a carbon tax. If that is the case, as each of the points of the proposal are negotiated away, that goal will begin to stand out as the non-negotiable one. It will be the "line-in-the-sand" across which there will be no movement.
I fear AOC has been underestimated. She ran an effective campaign, has made and continues to make national and international headlines. She is establishing her "brand"by appearing as the absurd while effectively moving into a position of power. Her Green New Deal isn't a power grab, it is marketing. Marketing creates brand identity and begins to define the environment in which a sale will occur. The transaction is yet to come and it will come with a high price tag.
Alongside the Green New Deal resolution we are hearing calls for extreme levels of taxation which are ostensibly aimed at the most wealthy. Again, they are negotiating positions. If the current level of taxes is at 30% and you believe they should move to 50%, you begin by asking for 70% or, higher. Then begins the "horse trade" that will likely end up at a point somewhere in between 30% and 70% -- the midpoint being 50% which was the goal.
Don't underestimate these incoming freshmen Congressmen and women. They are being coached and they will be effective. They may be pawns, but often in a game of chess it is the pawn that takes the King. I don't for one minute believe Socialism is the goal of AOC. The textbook description of Socialism is appealing to minorities and to the poor. It promises a redistribution of the wealth which has accumulated into the hands of the few upon what they perceive as the oppressed backs of those at the bottom rungs of the economy. Socialism has never been implemented by a single government on this planet. What began as a Socialist appeal has always evolved into Communism which is something very different indeed.
There are many things occurring that fit within a framework for a marketing campaign for Communism. 1) Continued erosion of the value of life -- i.e. late term, or post-birth abortion (New York and Virginia). 2) Calls for wealth redistribution (70% - 90% tax rates on wealthy). 3) Global climate alarmism that seeks centralized economic planning (Green New Deal). 4) Vilification of religious beliefs (confirmation hearings). 5) Lock-step adherence to political leadership/platforms (the white-clothed women).
It is time to wake up and smell the danger.
Sometimes in negotiation, it is best to start with an extreme position. Anything given up is seen to be more moderate, or even conservative by comparison. Perhaps the only true goal is a carbon tax. If that is the case, as each of the points of the proposal are negotiated away, that goal will begin to stand out as the non-negotiable one. It will be the "line-in-the-sand" across which there will be no movement.
I fear AOC has been underestimated. She ran an effective campaign, has made and continues to make national and international headlines. She is establishing her "brand"by appearing as the absurd while effectively moving into a position of power. Her Green New Deal isn't a power grab, it is marketing. Marketing creates brand identity and begins to define the environment in which a sale will occur. The transaction is yet to come and it will come with a high price tag.
Alongside the Green New Deal resolution we are hearing calls for extreme levels of taxation which are ostensibly aimed at the most wealthy. Again, they are negotiating positions. If the current level of taxes is at 30% and you believe they should move to 50%, you begin by asking for 70% or, higher. Then begins the "horse trade" that will likely end up at a point somewhere in between 30% and 70% -- the midpoint being 50% which was the goal.
Don't underestimate these incoming freshmen Congressmen and women. They are being coached and they will be effective. They may be pawns, but often in a game of chess it is the pawn that takes the King. I don't for one minute believe Socialism is the goal of AOC. The textbook description of Socialism is appealing to minorities and to the poor. It promises a redistribution of the wealth which has accumulated into the hands of the few upon what they perceive as the oppressed backs of those at the bottom rungs of the economy. Socialism has never been implemented by a single government on this planet. What began as a Socialist appeal has always evolved into Communism which is something very different indeed.
There are many things occurring that fit within a framework for a marketing campaign for Communism. 1) Continued erosion of the value of life -- i.e. late term, or post-birth abortion (New York and Virginia). 2) Calls for wealth redistribution (70% - 90% tax rates on wealthy). 3) Global climate alarmism that seeks centralized economic planning (Green New Deal). 4) Vilification of religious beliefs (confirmation hearings). 5) Lock-step adherence to political leadership/platforms (the white-clothed women).
It is time to wake up and smell the danger.
Tuesday, July 3, 2018
Divided California
What would a divided California mean? -- this move to make it into 2 or 3 states.
It would increase the number of Senators from 2 to 6 representing the same number of people. Will they be Left or Right leaning? Will there be a balance of 3 and 3? I suspect it will give an advantage of 1 to the left.
They have Waters in L.A., Pelosi in S.F., Feinstein all over the place and not much sense. They truly represent the old adage that once the voters figure out they can vote themselves a free ticket they will -- but, being of a strong Leftist persuasion, they expect someone else to pay for it.
The calls for impeachment of the President are coming from such a mindset as is commonly seen in CA. Of course, they vote on everything. Recalls are common there. To them, impeachment is much like a recall. It says, "We don't like the bum, off with his head!" We are fortunate that our Founding Fathers anticipated such a situation and established a Republic rather than a democracy.
There is a lot of wealth in California. I'm not talking about the billions piled in Hollywood, I'm talking about agriculture and Silicon Valley. There is oil and gas and minerals as well. Could they stand as a sovereign country? Yes, if they reformed their government and got rid of the high tax/welfare system they currently have. The problem is that they would form a pure democracy if not a communist state. A communist state might survive but, a pure democracy couldn't.
If they were to split from the rest of us I could probably find a way to wish them well as long as they take the Hollywood idiots with them.
Robert A. Heinlein saw this happening in CA as early as the 50's. He had some really weird ideas, but was somewhat prescient. Craziness....
It would increase the number of Senators from 2 to 6 representing the same number of people. Will they be Left or Right leaning? Will there be a balance of 3 and 3? I suspect it will give an advantage of 1 to the left.
They have Waters in L.A., Pelosi in S.F., Feinstein all over the place and not much sense. They truly represent the old adage that once the voters figure out they can vote themselves a free ticket they will -- but, being of a strong Leftist persuasion, they expect someone else to pay for it.
The calls for impeachment of the President are coming from such a mindset as is commonly seen in CA. Of course, they vote on everything. Recalls are common there. To them, impeachment is much like a recall. It says, "We don't like the bum, off with his head!" We are fortunate that our Founding Fathers anticipated such a situation and established a Republic rather than a democracy.
There is a lot of wealth in California. I'm not talking about the billions piled in Hollywood, I'm talking about agriculture and Silicon Valley. There is oil and gas and minerals as well. Could they stand as a sovereign country? Yes, if they reformed their government and got rid of the high tax/welfare system they currently have. The problem is that they would form a pure democracy if not a communist state. A communist state might survive but, a pure democracy couldn't.
If they were to split from the rest of us I could probably find a way to wish them well as long as they take the Hollywood idiots with them.
Robert A. Heinlein saw this happening in CA as early as the 50's. He had some really weird ideas, but was somewhat prescient. Craziness....
Monday, July 2, 2018
To Our South
The election of a Socialist as President of Mexico bothers me greatly. Mexico is ripe for Communism and to me, this is just the first step.
The crisis on our southern border will worsen. We will have a string of refugee camps. Human trafficking will increase. The cartels will move their operations to the U.S. They will support the Democratic Party directly and by proxy because the policies they espouse favor the cartels.
Texas, New Mexico and Arizona will become a war zone. California will just be California as it is slowly taken over. Civil unrest will grow and spread.
There will either be a Federal crackdown that will lead us one step closer to a Police State, we will break out in civil war, or the Left will regain control and we will join Mexico on the road to Communism.
Read the history. It doesn't look good from where I sit.
Just my thoughts....
The crisis on our southern border will worsen. We will have a string of refugee camps. Human trafficking will increase. The cartels will move their operations to the U.S. They will support the Democratic Party directly and by proxy because the policies they espouse favor the cartels.
Texas, New Mexico and Arizona will become a war zone. California will just be California as it is slowly taken over. Civil unrest will grow and spread.
There will either be a Federal crackdown that will lead us one step closer to a Police State, we will break out in civil war, or the Left will regain control and we will join Mexico on the road to Communism.
Read the history. It doesn't look good from where I sit.
Just my thoughts....
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Well Duh!!
Imagine that!
Venezuelans march against closure of TV station
Sat May 26, 2007 2:33PM EDT
By Brian Ellsworth
CARACAS (Reuters) - Tens of thousands of Venezuelan protesters marched on Saturday to the Caracas headquarters of an anti-government television station, which is being forced off the air after President Hugo Chavez's administration refused to renew its broadcasting license.
Waving flags with the logo of RCTV, demonstrators packed the streets ....
...Critics condemned the closure for silencing an influential opposition voice and called the move evidence that Chavez's self-styled socialist revolution is concentrating power and muzzling the opposition....
__________________________
Nationalize,
Socialize,
Radicalize,
Castroize,
Stalinize....
What did they really think would happen?
Gulag-ize!
Venezuelans march against closure of TV station
Sat May 26, 2007 2:33PM EDT
By Brian Ellsworth
CARACAS (Reuters) - Tens of thousands of Venezuelan protesters marched on Saturday to the Caracas headquarters of an anti-government television station, which is being forced off the air after President Hugo Chavez's administration refused to renew its broadcasting license.
Waving flags with the logo of RCTV, demonstrators packed the streets ....
...Critics condemned the closure for silencing an influential opposition voice and called the move evidence that Chavez's self-styled socialist revolution is concentrating power and muzzling the opposition....
__________________________
Nationalize,
Socialize,
Radicalize,
Castroize,
Stalinize....
What did they really think would happen?
Gulag-ize!
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