Fascist of Socialist?

[PhillyKev 0]

So, you have to choose to be one. They both represent authoritarian governments, but economically they are polar opposites. If you had to choose between these two, which would you choose?

[AggieDave 6]

Which group of socialists are you refering to? There are many different socialist groups, even in the beginning there were factions, and they all believe fairly differently.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[TomAiello 26]

Quote

...economically they are polar opposites.

Please explain how.

My understanding is that Fascism and Socialism both entail a lot of government intervention in the economy. The general difference is that in Fascism it's ostensibly done for the "good" of the state, where in Socialism it's ostensibly done for the "good" of the people.

In general, I'd say that:

Fascism = No Personal Freedom, No Economic Freedom
Socialism = Personal Freedon, No Economic Freedom

And for comparison, in my little mental chart, the other two quadrants are:

Conservative (i.e. Republican in US politics) = No Personal Freedom, Economic Freedom
Libertarian = Personal Freedom, Economic Freedom.

In my mind the "economic opposite" of Socialism is either modern Conservatism or Libertarianism. Socialism and Fascism are "economic equivalents", but "personal" or "social" opposites.

Hope that came out how I meant it...

-- Tom Aiello

Tom@SnakeRiverBASE.com
SnakeRiverBASE.com

[Ron 10]

none...The second Amendment says I can choose a third option.

"No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

[airdweller 0]

i would choose to live somewhere else.

------------------------------------------------------
"From the mightiest pharaoh to the lowliest peasant,
who doesn't enjoy a good sit?" C. Montgomery Burns

[Kennedy 0]

good answer !!

witty subliminal message
Guard your honor, let your reputation fall where it will, and outlast the bastards.
1*

[PhillyKev 0]

Fascism is a state where there is a preferred class and those people live pretty much in republic. It's usually sparked by a middle class protecting themselves from a lower-working class revolution (which leads to socialism). In socialim is put on the same plane economically (in theory). In fascism, the upper and middle classes seize the assets and economic opportunities from the lower class.

[PhillyKev 0]

Quote

Which group of socialists are you refering to? There are many different socialist groups, even in the beginning there were factions, and they all believe fairly differently.

Whichever you want. If there's a type of socialist you would rather be than any type of fascist, pick that. Or vice versa.

[PhillyKev 0]

Quote

none...The second Amendment says I can choose a third option.

There's a lower-class socialist revolution taking place. You can join it, or join the opposition to it, a fascist movement. Which would you choose? This scenario happened in the US at the start of the depression. Luckily they both lost (or both won in some ways).

[Ron 10]

Quote

There's a lower-class socialist revolution taking place. You can join it, or join the opposition to it, a fascist movement. Which would you choose? This scenario happened in the US at the start of the depression. Luckily they both lost (or both won in some ways).

You don't HAVE to pick one of the two.

What happend in your little story? How did one of the two not get into power?

"No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

[PhillyKev 0]

Quote

You don't HAVE to pick one of the two.

Of course you don't....it's a hypopthetical, Ron. Try to play along. If you don't want to, fine. But there's no debate here.

Quote

What happend in your little story? How did one of the two not get into power?

WWII happened (due to other countries having the same problems and one of the two sides winning) and the depression ended.

[Ron 10]

Quote

Of course you don't....it's a hypopthetical, Ron. Try to play along

Well, given you earlier definition....I go with Fascism. I'm middle class and it would be best for me.

Socalism does not work according to the defintion.

People are NEVER equal and there will always be "haves" and "have not's".

Even in Communisim it was not equal.

"No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

[PhillyKev 0]

Fair enough. What if you weren't part of the preferred class? Suppose you were a coal miner. Would that change your answer?

[Ron 10]

Quote

Fair enough. What if you weren't part of the preferred class? Suppose you were a coal miner. Would that change your answer?

It seems to me that both crap on the lower class really. If I am wrong please correct me.

I would probley still go with Facism since you *might* be able to crawl up...Socialism I don't think that can happen.

"No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334

[TomAiello 26]

Quote

In fascism, the upper and middle classes seize the assets and economic opportunities from the lower class.

And that's opposite of Socialism how?

In terms of economics, the two poles are really statism (i.e. control by the government, which is generally controlled by some privileged group) and anti-statism (i.e. individuals retain control over their own economic affairs).

Both Socialism and Fascism are economically statist.

What was it Jimmy Rogers said? Ah yes:

"Statism is the great political disease of the 20th century."

-- Tom Aiello

Tom@SnakeRiverBASE.com
SnakeRiverBASE.com

[goalie35 0]

I think the vast majority of Americans HAVE chosen...and Fascism won. Look at our current situation. There is nominal private property, but the government can (and does) tell you what to do with it. That, I was taught, is one of the key tests of National Socialism (the name the Germans gave to their Fascism).

If we're going to chose a third option (unlikely), now might be a good time to start.

[peacefuljeffrey 0]

Quote

none...The second Amendment says I can choose a third option.

Wooo-fuckin' HOOO, man!
I'm with Ron on this one, and won't allow myself to be forced to vote for the dismal choice of either socialism or fascism. Come and make me vote, muthafucka!

-

-Jeffrey
"With tha thoughts of a militant mind... Hard line, hard line after hard line!"