to think we would be better off in, a communist society, wealth should be shared

[IAMJIGSAW]

doesn't seem right some folk have so much and some have next to nothing.

what do you think?

Yes. That's a brilliant idea.

BTW - the use of commas in the OP is distressing me a bit.

But would you be happy working long hours and only getting the same to live on as someone who did very little work?

It's been tried. Didn't work.

That's because someone has to generate all that wealth and no-one bothers if they aren't getting the direct benefit.

There's a lot more lazy people than altruistic hard workers, is what it comes down to.

have you got a job?

traditionally, there is never a problem with this argument until you live next door to a lazy fecker and you work 12 hour shifts. capitalist, moi?

a veritable cross-post fest!

Why do you think we would be better off? Do you have any examples back up this view?

YABU

I can sort of see your point, but historically communist societies haven't worked out particularly well either have they? Pretty much every communist nation has had rich people (politically in favour) and poor people and on average people have been worse off than in capitalist countries.

well it has been tried

great theory, appalling in practice

main problem being human beings

reading list for this thread: Animal Farm

A lovely idea in a perfect world.

But we don't (and I don't think we ever will) live in a perfect world.

i thnk get a job you lazy bum

your a low life tramp with no money - do something about it - or be a pleb like the rest of you commoners

In theory yes. In reality no. Human beings are selfish creatures largely and there will always be some that f*ck it up for others.

also being ambitious and working your way up to something is important for many (if not most) people

I always think the socialist state is a bit depressing

aye spot on. i work like dog to share with someone who has nothing.then we all have sweet FA?

naw i will pass on that

I also read once (no idea where...) that even if the wealth of the few was distributed, it wouldn't make much difference to the masses, and more people than you would imagine would be worse off than they currently are, as there's such a gulf between rich and poor.

I think the sum was something like if all the people who earned over £100,000 had their wealth redistributed, all the people who earn under £10,000 would get an extra £5 a year. or something equally silly.

why should i share what i work hard for with someone who does fuck all

As a matter of interest, how much do you personally have to put in the big Commie pot? Will you be a net drain or a net benefit?

I'd be quite happy to share what I work for. As long as I had enough and those who didn't work were unable to contribute. I'd be more worried about those in power taking more than their fair share and screwing the system so that no-one has enough.

i already am sharing what i work for eg NI and tax contributions which is redistributed via govt to various things eg NHS,Education,roads etc

I do think a lot of depression, low self-esteem and anxiety is caused by the capitalist society we live in.

It is true that communism has been tried and seemingly failed in other countries but if we could somehow make it work (I don't know how, i'm no political genius!) I think it would be a better way of life for everyone.

We are all very isolated as individuals and family units (thinking of mothers in particular), all striving to be better than someone else and have the next capitalist 'fix' to make life seem worth while.

I want to rebel against this kind of life in theory. Share childrearing as a community, all equal and working for each other and the common good etc etc. But in truth we are enslaved in this capitalist mindset with no way of getting out of it.

In traditional tribal communities, where I suppose communist living is most closely emulated, inhabitants seem more satisfied, fulfilled and less depressed than western people. Okay these communties have major disadvantages as well, for one women do not have the same opportunities to be educated. I know in some tribes women are beaten and dominated by men, which obviously is not ideal.

Yet some tribes live communally, happily and childrearing is cherished and appreciated so that women feel they are worthwhile and fulfilled in this task. Their babies don't cry and their toddlers don't have tantrums. They grow into adults with a role to play in the tribe which is neither better, worse or wealthier than their neighbours.

Capitalism has made childrearing difficult. There are so many examples - isolation of mothers being the main one. We have got it wrong, I have no doubt about that

Great thread BTW!

i do have a job thanks.
just doesn't seem fair some folk are rolling in money and others are starving.
although i see your point that som people are selfish and lazy

And what about the commas calamity?

just using enough to share around