John Chuckman
COMMENT ON COMMUNISM AND PLUTOCRACY
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Response to a comment saying, "I think neither Communism nor Plutocracy offers anything close to an ideal environment for the creation of virtuous citizens."
Indeed, but China does not have communism.
It very much is a mixed economy, one run under a national party.
There is a well-understood consensus there. The businessmen raise no serious objections so long as the government delivers.
And so far, it very much has delivered.
America is very close to being a complete plutocracy. It has allowed itself to fall into that state through many bad practices.
Both parties are run under a corrupt big-money system.
The empire abroad serves the plutocrats.
The set of dark institutions like the Pentagon, the CIA, the NSA, the FBI, serve to maintain and expand the empire.
Note that China has no empire and that it is not at war with anyone.
And note its magnificent efforts abroad - the Belt and Road Initiative and others - are establishing cooperative links all over the world.
Investment and a flow of projects for China to work on for many years to come. All done in a spirit of partnership and cooperation. No bombs, no threats, no sanctions, no blockades.
It is a very enlightened project and will make life better for countless millions of people.
Whose life is made better by American threats and sanctions and bombing?
Only the plutocrats and the establishment which serves them faithfully.
Those are huge differences, and over time they are going to look even larger.
