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Communist vs Socialism - what is the difference
- Thread starter Salty
- Start date
Socialism thinks it can evolve from a capitalist society.
Communism must eliminate capitalism entirely, and start with a classless society.
Communism must eliminate capitalism entirely, and start with a classless society.
Socialism distributes property according to a person's contributions. Communism distributes property according to a person's needs.
Socialist countries can have (somewhat legitimate) elections, and even a governing body of representatives. Communism is typically totalitarianism.
Socialism will tolerate religion (grudgingly). Communism will abolish religion.
Socialist countries can have (somewhat legitimate) elections, and even a governing body of representatives. Communism is typically totalitarianism.
Socialism will tolerate religion (grudgingly). Communism will abolish religion.
People can own some things in socialism--cars, appliances, furniture, clothes. In communism the state owns everything and puts individuals in state-owned homes.
What does the Communist Party stand for?
The Communist Party stands for the interests of the American working class and the American people. It stands for our interests in both the present and the future. Solidarity with workers of other countries is also part of our work. We work in coalition with the labor movement, the peace movement, the student movement, organizations fighting for equality and social justice, the environmental movement, immigrants rights groups and the health care for all campaign.
But to win a better life for working families, we believe that we must go further. We believe that the American people can replace capitalism with a system that puts people before profit - socialism.
We are rooted in our country's revolutionary history and its struggles for democracy. We call for "Bill of Rights" socialism, guaranteeing full individual freedoms.
Until we win enough support to change the system, communists call for radical reforms under capitalism. We call for nationalization of the banks, railroads, and industries like steel and auto. Everyone who wants to work should be guaranteed a job or get unemployment payments until she/he can find a job. We say put the unemployed to work at union wages on massive public works programs to rebuild our cities, provide affordable housing for the homeless, build mass transit, and clean up the environment!
Our outlook is based on the social science of Marxism-Leninism. We study history, politics and economics in order to change the world.
Why does the Communist Party fight to expand democracy?
We believe that the broad participation of working people in every area of life is the gateway to a more just and humane future. Socialism offers the best environment for democracy to fully flourish because it sharply limits the power of corporations to dominate politics and the economy. Socialism's democratic potential can only be realized, however, if broad sections of the people are wholeheartedly engaged in every aspect of society's decision-making processes.
Under capitalism, the Communist Party USA fights to expand the limited democratic rights we now have. For example, we fight for the Employee Free Choice Act and the right of workers to join unions.
We are proud of our record against undemocratic laws that upheld racism, sexism, or other forms of discrimination. By standing up to the McCarthy witch hunts, Communists defended democracy. We call for abolition of torture, total reform of the prison system, and an end to the death penalty.
Communists see the struggle for democracy as empowering people, just as we see people empowering democracy.
What about the Communist Party and religion?
Communists are not against religion. We are against capitalism. In fact, the Party has its own Religion Commission which seeks to build positive relations with religious people and communities in the struggle to make life better for working people. Most religious people believe in justice, peace, and respectful relations among the peoples of the world, and many are motivated by their faith to work for those goals.
Membership in the Communist Party is open to all who agree with our program, regardless of religious beliefs.
http://www.cpusa.org/faq/
The Communist Party is socialism. There is no difference between the two. The Communism of today is not the communism of the past.
You deserve an "A" for this definition! I applaud you, and thank you for your insight! :applause:
Yup. What we know as Communism is the likes of United Soviet SOCIALIST Republic
There's your answer, Salty. Close the thread.
(Sigh, I can type that word also) You have misrepresented my position by failing to include the post prior to that. I went to the source and provided communists own positions. You, not so much.
“There is no difference between communism and socialism, except in the means of achieving the same ultimate end: communism proposes to enslave men by force, socialism—by vote. It is merely the difference between murder and suicide.”
The Ayn Rand Lexicon
The Ayn Rand Lexicon
Seems that this same definition could apply to the modern D & R parties as well!
OK, it's not as precise as the above, but the general drift certainly is.
Hopefully there's a trend for the Rs to get back on the conservative track ------- !
"...I am still a little astonished, at times, that too many adult Americans do not understand the nature of the fight against Communism as clearly as I understood it at the age of twelve: they continue to believe that only Communist methods are evil, while Communist ideals are noble. All the victories of Communism since the year 1917 are due to that particular belief among the men who are still free."
The Ayn Rand Lexicon
Last edited by a moderator:
OldRegular
Well-Known Member
Actually there is little or no difference. Both are economic dictatorships. Socialism does not go as far as Communism in restricting political and personal liberty! The idea that Communism is the friend of the working class is bull, Just look at the history of Communist countries, they are run by dictators with the help of the bureaucracy. Reminds one of the skinny dictator in the White House and the IRS, the FBI, the ATF, the Justice Dept,. etc, etc.
Though similar in some ways they are not identical.
A democratic-socialist government is possible.
A democratic-communist government is impossible.
A democratic-socialist government is possible.
A democratic-communist government is impossible.
The end result is the same.
Poverty for 99% of Americans.
Nothing touches the 1%, which will include the ruling "elite".
There is no difference between communism and socialism, except in the means of achieving the same ultimate end: communism proposes to enslave men by force, socialism—by vote. It is merely the difference between murder and suicide.”
The Ayn Rand Lexicon
“Instead of prosperity, socialism has brought economic paralysis and/or collapse to every country that tried it. The degree of socialization has been the degree of disaster.”
The Ayn Rand Lexicon