Conversation with an Egyptian socialist

[Respenus]

August, you are a smart guy, yet I never understood why you and some other members on these fine forums cannot distinguish between socialism, communism and for example, stalinism. I realise that you were brought up in the context of the cold war and the bad commie and that McCarthy did something every other ideology has dreamt of, that is, convince not only the current, but future generations that what you say is the truth, is the truth, no questions asked. Now, am I not generalising this on all Americans and I know some who are quite European left-wing, yet I still cannot wrap my head around this stubborn resistance.

Yes, what was done in the name of socialism is despicable and like all ideologies, it can and will be used to promote the interests of a tiny elite, but this is what's important, capitalism is just as prone to corruption and power grabbing as socialism and can just as well limit human right as any Marxist-Leninist regime can. We, if we truly follow the virtues of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity, must fight all who wish to limit them, be it from the left or the right.