No comment needed if it’s that good.

The more Republican infighting the better for American democracy.

That’s why I vote Green my friend. We’re on the same side. I just dont know if the existing stable “socialist” nations you cite really meet the definition or are any closer to the outcomes I’m sure you and I agree are indicators of real success.

I’ll read what you’ve linked though, and share my thoughts. Cheers!

I was thinking about this. You’d have to be working in lemon juice.

Apparently nobody does, because I don’t see them attracting massive numbers of immigrants. But that could not be for lack of desire - I don’t really know. I do know Chinese people and their feelings vary - we have lots of Chinese migrants and multigenerational citizens. You seem to have access to a very patriotic perspective they don’t share with you.

Care to share with me a well sources explainer video or something to educate me? I have gotten most of my recent understanding from PolyMatter, and other non-Chinese sources.

I’m judging here on the basis of adherence to the most progressive interpretations of Marx and other philosophers and thinkers, and how it’s going for the people in each nation more than anything - social justice and equality, healthcare, welfare, personal freedoms, security, standard of living, etc.

Tell me, where do you live? I’m fortunate enough to be from New Zealand. I certainly wouldn’t want to trade my passport for any other country, or wish to have been born there. Maybe Luxembourg then I’d be stacked I guess, and maybe be able to do more to help the rest of the world get their shit together.

I don’t disagree that the west got to where it is brutalizing everyone else. That is beside the point when we’re talking about the present.

China is a terrible example of democracy and of communism. It has some effective social programmes and top down organization which has been efficient at rapid economic growth and reducing poverty, but there remain severe class divides, suppression of minorities and in some cases outright slavery with the Uighurs. Forget about LGBT rights too, of course. China may yet emerge as the paragon of human civilization the way the world is going now, but it’s a few serious reforms away from that, including having actually democratically elected representatives.

Any other examples?

Name one AES state that isn’t authoritarian, and suppressing of numerous human rights and dignities, that a greater percentage of the population enjoys in the west.

From what I can tell, few people are lining up to move to these countries, now or in the past. That suggests something isn’t working.

Which ones? Cuba is alright I guess.

How was it? I expect at least 150 words.

I’m not. Fascism is a variant of authoritarianism, and describes very well how the USSR, China, and other successful so-called communisms have operated.

“Fascism is characterized by support for a dictatorial leader, centralized autocracy, militarism, forcible suppression of opposition, belief in a natural social hierarchy, subordination of individual interests for the perceived interest of the nation or race, and strong regimentation of society and the economy.” -Wikipedia

I believe in left wing ideology, it’s just only ever seemed to emerge successfully from non-violent system-internal populism. Changing of hearts and minds in other words. Never through violence. Which makes sense, because proper humanitarian leftism is obviously antithetical to ends justify the means approaches to societal problem solving.

The crazy thing is successful armed uprising in the name of these left-wing movements generally ended up with fascist leadership.

I think in theory leftism isn’t interested in guns, but obviously as a slave accepting your chains won’t evoke change. Problem is guns are not very effective against the state military apparatuses in the modern world now. Not unless those militaries mutiny.

I don’t think leftist like guns, but otherwise makes sense.

Appreciate that, but it all adds up when you’ve got competing hobbies and responsibilities. I think too, that you may be someone for whom experimenting and trying new things is a constant way of life. I envy that kind of motivation.

Even if cool things like this really don’t take long, for whatever reason I find it cognitively overwhelming even just considering it. Being aware it’s somewhat irrational unfortunately doesn’t change the fact. Maybe my kid will though when he grows up starts asking for things, haha.

Oof, rough but very true. They also need people to vote for progressive politics and politicians, so hope you’re doing that too OP.

There will never be enough alms for the poor to do more than get them to their next escape, which frankly fuck it, well earned.

I’m with Sabrina on the this one.

A skill’s a skill!

Also this. There is definitely room for better colas out there. I quite like the cola in Jameson Irish Raw Cola highball cans (the zero sugar ones). No idea if it would be good without the alcohol though!

I envy how much time you seem to have haha. Your comment was an education. Cheers!

Lucky for some!

Did anyone see…

Not sure it ever had a name. Just something on Rotten I suppose. Anyway, it haunts me to this day much more than Goatse.