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He defines himself a Socialist (Democratic Socialist actually. I am not sure what he means). And East Germany was a Socialist state (It was considered as the be
by afsina 11y ago
He defines himself a Socialist (Democratic Socialist actually. I am not sure what he means). And East Germany was a Socialist state (It was considered as the best of the the eastern block countries AFAIK). However, it seems he is more like an admirer of the Nordic Model of Socialism (Which is based on the rule of small population and high taxation of private companies).
- mikeash 11y agoIf we look past the labels and at the actual policies, are there any relevant similarities? I mean, I don't think Sanders wants to build a fence to keep people from leaving the country, and shoot those who try.
- afsina 11y agoNobody in the right mind would attempt to implement Russian style socialism nowadays (Especially in US!). But he sure plans more centralization, statism, higher taxation, nationalization of education and health and redistribution of wealth. And, probably in his heart he believes Utopian Socialism or Communism is superior and achievable and state should evolve to it gradually.
- mikeash 11y agoWhat's the connection between things like higher taxes, nationalized health care, and redistribution of wealth, and stuff like building inward-facing border fortifications and shooting your own citizens when they try to leave?
- kuni-toko-tachi 11y agoSame poison different bottle. Socialism is a memetic meme that leads to totalitarianism everytime. Why? Because it centralizes power and always fails. As it inevitably fails the ideology is never blamed, just faulted for being impure, and therefore in need of a stronger dose. Since the structure of control is already in place, the measures become more extreme and its ideological opponents demonized and propagandized as the cause to divert attention from the root cause. Even a cursory look at the history of leftist movements shows the same pattern and same end result of misery. You already see elements of this on the left in America, were SJW extremists think nothing of destroying peoples lives and careers.
- mikeash 11y agoLots of socialist countries are doing fine, so how can you say it "always fails"? How does the "structure of control" needed for things like national health care contribute in any way to the "structure of control" needed to oppress citizens?
- kuni-toko-tachi 11y agoLots? Which ones? And for how long?
- mikeash 11y agoThe Scandinavian countries, various countries in Western Europe.
- mercurial 11y ago> But he sure plans more centralization, statism, higher taxation, nationalization of education and health and redistribution of wealth. Leaving aside the centralization part, you'll be amazed to hear how many countries can have the rest of these things without arresting anybody at 4 in the morning or building another Berlin wall.
- deleted 11y ago[deleted]