Don’t confuse socialism with communism
I have been a bit bemused lately to see the label Socialist/Communist applied as though the two ideologies were one and the same. They are not. There are similarities between the two, but a basic economics textbook shows the difference.
Socialism is an economic ideology. Communism is both economic and political.
Socialism and communism are similar in calling for the public ownership of public goods and services; however, Socialists, like Capitalists, advocate distributing public goods according to individual efforts while Communists advocate distribution according to need.
Communism attempts to eliminate private ownership, but socialism attempts to extend private ownership to all citizens rather than the wealthy few. Under socialism, the largest number of people have a voice in the workings of the economy. In communism, the smallest number of people have a voice. Socialism and capitalism work together. Communism cannot coexist with capitalism.
Read about other differences in an economics text or encyclopedia or search the internet using the phrase: “Differences in Socialism and Communism.” Check out books from your library in the “Very Short Introduction” series on Marx, socialism or capitalism. Educate yourself and recognize calling someone a Socialist/Communist is as incorrect as calling someone a Socialistic, Communistic, Fascist/Nazi agnostic atheist.
Those who actually know the differences in these terms are using them as slurs. Those who do not know the difference should research the subjects and correct their error.
Mary Haney
Enid
Opinion
November 3, 2009
Letters to the Editor 11-04-09
- Opinion
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Truth still a casualty
- Lawmakers from both sides of aisle reject salary raises for judges, other elected officials
- Letter: We have best police department in state
- Letter: Make final change, embrace God’s love
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U.S. military is learning how to adjust battle tactics
The idea behind relying more on special operations raids is the United States could react faster to intelligence and move smaller numbers of more mobile troops to handle a threat.
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Adopting an animal is a ‘super’ decision
- Thumbs up to library for offering free computer courses
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Rediscovering patience
The spread of information in 1775 occurred at a pace that would flabbergast today’s technological nanosecond world.
- Lower-than-anticipated construction costs enable EPS to pay for additional projects
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EPS Teacher of the Year nominees deserve acclaim
Congratulations to this year’s slate of EPS Teacher of the Year nominees.
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