I choose socialism over capitalism because (for one thing) as a practical matter, fewer people would go hungry, homeless and uncared for. That might loosely translate to preferring Democrats over Republicans. Political parties in general seem like a good idea, but not a one-party state. There is no "end of history."
Elvis » Sat Mar 24, 2018 2:16 am wrote:Of course it's complex. And what I'm getting at is not so much a
regime as a change in values, attitudes, priorities, consciousness, yada yada.
The OP calls for a response to the Trump victory (not so much Trump himself), presumably to include a better result in the next elections, and for me, one good response is to sustain what Bernie Sanders started: calling out crimes of the corporatocracy (alliteration not intended) and electing more socialists.
But you knew that, right? I guess that, in your own mildly obtuse way, you're trying to lead me to some kind of breakthrough in understanding, but so far it's mostly escaping me.
There is no reason to choose socialism over capitalism (indeed it is not even possible) as, as practiced, they are complements rather than opposites.
In practice they are not mutually exclusive. The question of whether one is preferable to the other
absolutely, to the exclusion of the other, is not a practical consideration. The elements of each in play is being decided as we speak.
Our system of government has been shifting to the left since forever, and elements of socialism are playing an increasing role in the collection and distribution of resources. Lately, the change has been occurring at a breakneck pace, historically speaking. The Democrat/Liberal of the past may be the Republican/Conservative of the future. If the socialization of the West has not been occurring quickly enough for you, I can't help you. Charitable institutions exist to ease the transition. You give money to them. They give to those in need. Vice versa. You ask others for help. You offer it in return. Share your life even more with others than you already do. Give up your job so that another may have it. Live on less; live on nothing. Whatever...
Whether or not the shift to the left continues as it has has as much to do with diminishing resources here (in the West) and elsewhere, and the reaction to this diminution. Among other factors: population, cataclysm, etc.
But more than anything it is an affair of the heart. And voting for your candidate is not enough.
All too often the problem is framed as being bigger than it is, rendering it insoluble, so that in the end absolutely nothing is done, deepening the depression, and the romance. For instance, the clock has been ticking at RI since day one and nothing substantive has been done. Or even addressed. Ever.
Am I wrong? I want to be wrong... Nor will anything be done or addressed substantively unless there is a sea change in attitude.
With humility comes a willingness and desire to engage in acts which are personal and simple and to find comfort in them. To frame the problem as soluble using the resources at hand, whatever those happen to be. And let others do the same, without the mandate.
But, you say you want a revolution, well, you know...
You can count me out... (in, in, in)
None of which really touches on the mildly obtuse way of leading you to a breakthrough in understanding, whatever that is...