Coming back to the topic, although I do understand the ideology of Marx, and to a great extent believe in his goals/values, I can never be a Marxist (or rather a Neo-Marxist). My friend who is a self-proclaimed Marxist, seems to be pretty intelligent and aware about the whole concept, but it seems to me that he can be a bit radical. But then again, as history as shown us, Marxism often becomes radical.
If America is so "conformist" and conservative in nature then why should we agree to be like "other countries" and become more socialist? It seems to me this country was built to be independent in nature and ideals to break apart the traditional colonial rule of the European powers. I realize there is not much good news in regards to the economy right now but let's not lose faith in a system that has worked for quite a while now. Tweaks will be made and perhaps some radical ideas need to be implemented but let's not get ahead of ourselves and think that scrapping our whole government will suddenly make things better.
Well, if you really want to compare ideals that have never came true to Europe with a completely different political system a century ago, then sure!
Firstly, there is no need to "defend" anything here. What we criticise is based on facts. Hell you can bullshit about my country and I really don't mind unless it's not based on reality. The thing is America is noted as the epitome of modern day capitalism, which is the opposite of Marxist ideology. Also, all countries start off with an egalitarian ideology. Prime example? My own homeland, Pakistan. It was supposed to be a secular state with a Muslim majority. And now? Well with the whole Islamisation movement spreading from Iran, we have amazing underground basis for the Taliban. When you state: This statement just shows that a few socialist ideas are considered "radical". Honestly. One question, did you vote for Obama?
I think America basically has a warped view of socialism or socialist ideas put into practice brought on by fear. I don't fully understand why socialism or at least socialist ideas didn't develope the same way as in Europe...
Well lpboarder pretty much answered that. The US has been pretty independent from the rest of the world in that respect and I believe that's supposed to be one of the reasons behind it being sovereign.
I don't recall anyone suggesting that. Unless you're confusing this thread with some libertarian one I didn't see.
No, I mean currently. Defending a position depends on whether or not you are truly providing a position of substance (something you honestly believe in) or merely suggesting an alternative that you may not wholeheartedly believe but you like some of its points. I wonder if this discussion of Marxism, socialism, etc. is the result of the bad economy the world is facing currently or just comparing notes of what government system may or may not work better. I did not vote for either major party. Nah, there seemed to be an underlying theme that "well, since capitalism isnt working right now, lets try something else instead." Where was this discussion 3 years ago? 10 years ago? There wasnt one because we all had money and could care less as long as we or our parents had a job. Its always interesting when times get tough in any country. Libertarians. <3