Quote:
Originally Posted by Rathji
Communism has never worked in a manner that allowed for the full application of basic human rights, that does not mean it will never and could never work, however if I was a betting man I would be betting on the market economy every time.
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Trouble with Communism is that it violates three basic rules of human behavior:
1. The power theory... basic communist theory dictates the need for a period of transition between "failed capitalist state" and "communist utopia." This transition has always required a leader or group of leaders taking control and preparing the system. Having what invariably becomes a non-accountable cadre in control has always lead to the transition becoming the rule. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. Even a theoretical technocracy could likely end up the same way.
2. Science of Scarcity... because the Earth does not have enough resources for everyone to live at a fair, equal and comfortable level... there must be a way to allocate what there is. What has traditionally happened with aspiring communist states is miserable levels were shared with the majority, with a small inner group enjoying gluttonous levels of comfort. If we one day devise some Star Trek-esque replicator technology that can recycle anything down to basic atomic levels and reconfigure it into everything (essentially, making it possible to have anything)... this problem might be solved. However, this is deep in the realm of science fiction.
3. Desire to Improve... if everyone is equal, regardless of output, there is only two options. Either the free riders are executed (dictatorship), or protected by the system (loss of production, less for everyone, which could lead to an impoverished state). Conversely, if everyone is truly equal, there's no way to promote, or reward someone with a more deserved position. With this stagnation, why would anyone willing go above and beyond?
Until these rules can be resolved, there's no way communism can actually work.