Marxism, what's so bad about it?

[ClayTrainor]

Alright, im no socialist, but i regretfully admit that i am intrigued by some Marxist philosophy, although i've barely read into it at all. Im currently debating a relative on Free Market Capitalism vs Socialism, and im getting confused, and hes winning. Apparently there isnt even currency in a Marxist society, so obviously this is some extreme socialism that im not sure how to deal with.

I understand that the ends do not justify the means but, im debating someone who really seems to know alot about marxism, and is able to spin it in such a way that sounds pretty nice.


Can you guys give me some hard hitting points against Marxism to use?

 

[yongrel]

Nothing, if it's voluntary. The failure of Marxism is force.

 

[apc3161]

I would recommend watching all of the videos in my signature. They are very thought provoking. Go with the 1980's series.

 

[acptulsa]

Repeated failure. Greed may not be much of a thing on which to base your economy, but it is dependable. Even Communist China, even while remaining totalitarian on the social side, has abandoned socialism in favor of a more motivational market. And, yes, the more socialist the U.S. gets the weaker it gets. Just another example.

From each, according to his ability, to each, according to his need discourages ability and encourages need. This is, and always has been, a recipe for failure. And this fact should be the kernel of truth in each of your arguments against this character.

 

[yongrel]

I would recommend watching all of the videos in my signature. They are very thought provoking. Go with the 1980's series.

I love Free to Choose!

 

[GreenCardSeeker]

If you want good reasons for rejecting Marxism, see my depiction of Sweden in this thread: http://www.ronpaulforums.com/showthread.php?t=147969

 

[Truth Warrior]

Ask Ron Paul.

 

[Truth Warrior]

 

[strapko]

Supply and demand/needs of the people cannot be calculated; on top of that price controls, the two combined is an recipe for shortages(ex:bread).

Austrian Economics has the premise of Humans working for their self-interest. I agree with that premise, thus there is no incentive to work, to innovate; when all your hard work and wealth will be re-distributed.

 

[Truth Warrior]

From each according to his abilities, to each according to his needs.
~ Karl Marx, 1875

Who gets to determine abilities? Who gets to determine needs?

 

[Brian4Liberty]

Alright, im no socialist, but i regretfully admit that i am intrigued by some Marxist philosophy
...
Can you guys give me some hard hitting points against Marxism to use?

Marxism puts all the power in the hands of the government. Power corrupts, and you end up with Stalin. There is also central planning by the government, which never works.

Socialism was an invention of monarchists and oligarchists to prevent the rise of Marxism. Give the people something for "free" (not really free of course), and it will keep them happy. The elite get to keep power.

 

[ARealConservative]

From each according to his abilities, to each according to his needs.
~ Karl Marx, 1875

Who gets to determine abilities? Who gets to determine needs?

it's like porn.

"I'll know it when I see it"

 

[Truth Warrior]

it's like porn.

"I'll know it when I see it"

Wrong answer ............................ of course.

 

[ARealConservative]

Wrong answer ............................ of course.

it was supposed to be

 

[Truth Warrior]

it was supposed to be

The state and the Communist party.

Democracy is the road to socialism.
Karl Marx

 

[Truth Warrior]

"Socialism in America will come through the ballot box."
by: Gus Hall
[Arvo Gustav Halberg ] (1910-2000) leader of the Communist Party USA and its four-time U.S. presidential candidate
Source: in an interview with the Cleveland Plain-Dealer (1996)

 

[Bradley in DC]

Not sure if this helps, but in a weird philosophical genealogical sort of way, we're cousins...the Marxists and Austrians both evolved from the German Historical School, both reject the standard "perfect competition model" and even spoke the same language (metaphorically as well as German).

FYI
http://www.enterstageright.com/archive/articles/0801/0801summereading.htm

I guess Marx did a pretty good job with analysis but a horrible job with prescriptions. That approach might give you something (or maybe not).

 

[Truth Warrior]

Not sure if this helps, but in a weird philosophical genealogical sort of way, we're cousins...the Marxists and Austrians both evolved from the German Historical School, both reject the standard "perfect competition model" and even spoke the same language (metaphorically as well as German).

FYI
http://www.enterstageright.com/archive/articles/0801/0801summereading.htm

I guess Marx did a pretty good job with analysis but a horrible job with prescriptions. That approach might give you something (or maybe not).

Marx was a paid agent of the Rothschilds.

Hence the central bank and income tax, in his Manifesto planks.<IMHO>

 

[Kade]

Nothing, if it's voluntary. The failure of Marxism is force.

Most social programs are voluntary, ie, voted... does that count?

 

[Danke]

Most social programs are voluntary, ie, voted... does that count?

We know you can do better than that if you are trying to throw support for "social programs"