socialism v. freedom

**shoi** · 09-22-10, 03:47 PM

i don't know if any of you listen to planet money on NPR but their show is pretty good and their last two pod-casts have been about the idea that this coming election is between socialism and freedom. so, they talked to an actual socialist and libertarian about what they believe and whether or not that's what this election is about. pretty interesting imo.

the socialist:
The Friday Podcast: We Found A Socialist! : Planet Money : NPR

the libertarians:
The Tuesday Podcast: Better Living Through Libertarianism : Planet Money : NPR

**digital** · 09-22-10, 03:56 PM

I would give my left nut to live the concept of Star Trek's society which is a form of socialism.

**WickedTribe** · 09-22-10, 04:43 PM

That's a false choice. There have been a number of societies that were much more libertarian than the US today, and also much less free.

**Fovezer** · 09-22-10, 04:49 PM

Originally Posted by WickedTribe

That's a false choice. There have been a number of societies that were much more libertarian than the US today, and also much less free.

I agree. "Socialism vs. freedom" makes no sense. It also implies that socialists are against freedom, which is totally untrue.

**Walkerxes** · 09-22-10, 04:51 PM

Originally Posted by Fovezer

I agree. "Socialism vs. freedom" makes no sense. It also implies that socialists are against freedom, which is totally untrue.

^ +1

**Alundil** · 09-22-10, 04:51 PM

Originally Posted by WickedTribe

That's a false choice. There have been a number of societies that were much more libertarian than the US today, and also much less free.

Originally Posted by Fovezer

I agree. "Socialism vs. freedom" makes no sense. It also implies that socialists are against freedom, which is totally untrue.

I would have to agree with Fov and Wicked on this one. While I do not think that socialism as a model works in the real world, I do not think that it is inherently less "free"

**WickedTribe** · 09-22-10, 05:04 PM

Originally Posted by Alundil

I would have to agree with Fov and Wicked on this one. While I do not think that socialism as a model works in the real world, I do not think that it is inherently less "free"

I would agree, at the extreme end of it, but I'd say that at the extreme end, Libertarianism is equally unfree.

**shoi** · 09-22-10, 05:17 PM

that's more or less what they say in the show... and yeah +5

**~~hawgballs~~** · 09-22-10, 06:34 PM

Pick up "The Jungle" by Upton Sinclaire......... It will explain as to how enslaved someone can be in an unrestrained capitalism, with no safety nets or regulation.