>One of the goals of socialism was to build a new man. As I said above, they did make some success in that - the spirit of community was very strong, and the lack of need for leaders was what probably made us very different. It was easy to get people to self-organize at any level, without much protocol and form, and it worked. Things which didn't work were elections - they were just formal approval of what Party decided, and didn't count much. Even, what's worst, internal elections within the party itself were rigged all the time, unless unimportant. The enterprise-level democracy (since the workers, in Yugoslav model, did not own, but did rule their companies) actually worked, but the workers' councils (equivalent to boards of directors) and employees' assemblies (=stockholders' assembly) didn't have much real power, because they had to do lots of "sacrifices in favor of wider community", which effectually made them toothless - the money and power were elsewhere, where they could be
>closely controlled by the party.

An examination of the Inca Empire is of interest as it was the greatest socialistic system in the Americas and predated Marx and Engels by more than a few years. All was well until a few Europeans came for a visit in 1532 and decided to stay.


>
>>Capitalism is equally unable to change the heart of mankind too Dragan but the difference in our (American) form of capitalism is that the country was founded upon the clear-eyed notion of the true nature of man.
>
>Not completely so. As much as socialism relied on "elevating the social consciousness", it still took care that important matters of state and society, like education, social security, health protection system (to differ from "health industry"), police, firedousers (translated term), were not on the mercy of the "consciousness", but made sure they were funded from tax (or tax-like deductions from your salary). I have never heard of policemen or firepersons having a fundraiser, or calling citizens on the phone asking for contributions. The only organization I can remember having something similar is Red Cross.
>

Not much of the monies collected by the Red Cross have often reached the intended persons in need. That is historical fact. However, the Red Cross Directors, etc. have done well in receiving pay raises.

Our nation is founded upon a number of precepts, which stem from Protestantism. Every man must take care of himself by his own good work. Concepts such as free medical care, religious education and helping those not able to help themselves came from the Irish Catholics who were despised by much of America during the 19th century and even today. The Irish Catholic concept of helping others to help themselves has been a great part of the Democratic Parties platform for generations. The Republicans have maintained the dogma of every man for himself.

Internal struggle is experienced by our nation every two to four years and its path is depended not only upon which political party holds the majority in office but often boils down to personalities. Often the needs of leadership come before the good of the people.

We were founded upon the concept of “religious tolerance” however one had to be a Puritan to be accepted in early America. Then the Protestants become the majority. Today our nation represents the world in one form or another. It is not perfect but it is ours.


Tom