Sharing = Socialism?

[n8thegr8]

This. The forced sharing of Socialism is theft. Voluntary sharing is as much a positive experience for the giver as the recipient.

I think that this was their intention, as they are generous people, I just think it's lost in execution. I'm not criticizing them, we disagree on a lot of views, but they can raise their kids however they want. I was just curious about others views on the matter.

So here's another question: say my kid doesn't want to share (selfishness is part of human nature after all, otherwise we wouldn't be having this discussion). Where is the line drawn between "teaching voluntary sharing" and "involuntary sharing"?

 

[Wheel Gun]

Not exactly my view, but they shoukd be able to raise their kid anyway they want

I agree. However, they'd do us all a big favor if they taught capitalism properly. Sharing is a fundamental foundation of our system.

There is both a financial and ethical aspect to free systems and free people. By freely pursuing our own vested interest, we all profit. We seek benefits for ourselves and our families and all free trading people can benefit from each others' activities. Then, with the surplus that we produce, we share with orphans and widows and disabled people that cannot feed themselves. If we just do the first part and ignore the second part, we fail to get the greatest benefit that capitalism brings to us all.

 

[SoonerDVM]

So here's another question: say my kid doesn't want to share (selfishness is part of human nature after all, otherwise we wouldn't be having this discussion). Where is the line drawn between "teaching voluntary sharing" and "involuntary sharing"?

Well, let's remember that children require their parent's help to make important decisions about things like, for instance, whether or not to get their vaccinations.

All kids go through that "MINE!!!" stage. So you could argue that forcing him to share at that stage is "involuntary sharing" or you could argue that it's teaching him how to exist in this world.

I mean, if, as an adult, you encounter a coworker who won't let anyone touch his pen or his stapler, you probably comply (or maybe you come by after he's gone home and rub his pen and his stapler through your armpit, I don't know), but you probably think he's an ass.

Teaching a child to let another child play with his toys is not teaching him socialism, it's teaching him basic, human manners.

...my opinion anyway.

 

[Sanford]

Let's see - someone walks up, grabs on to something of yours, and takes it to use for themselves without receiving or even asking your permission - don't we have a word for that? Oh yeah - that's called theft. Sharing implies voluntary permission - and socialism is when it wasn't really "yours" to begin with.

 

[mightymouse]

The word "Socialism" probably hasn't seen this much usage in Oklahoma in the last 100 years. Few people seem to know it, but in the years just prior to World War I, Oklahoma had the largest Socialist Party membership per capita in the country. New York's Socialist Party was numerically larger (primarily because of the Party's successful organizing efforts in NYC) but then it also drew from a much larger population base. Socialist "camp meetings" drew large crowds all over the state in 1912-13.

 

[Wheel Gun]

Socialist "camp meetings" drew large crowds all over the state in 1912-13.

Sure. Read some Steinbeck. During the worldwide workers revolution at the beginning of the last century, Reds were very active and organizing Americans. They were especially effective with farm and orchard workers.

 

[JimCorrigan]

Yes, sharing is the cornerstone of the socialist ideal. People who argue that "involuntary socialism" is theft, well you could certainly argue that using someone's labor while taking the profit is the same exact "theft."

So if capitalism = competition, then socialism = sharing.

That said, I see nothing wrong with teaching your children socialism....Hell, they've got the social security card.

 

[Glocktogo]

I think that this was their intention, as they are generous people, I just think it's lost in execution. I'm not criticizing them, we disagree on a lot of views, but they can raise their kids however they want. I was just curious about others views on the matter.

So here's another question: say my kid doesn't want to share (selfishness is part of human nature after all, otherwise we wouldn't be having this discussion). Where is the line drawn between "teaching voluntary sharing" and "involuntary sharing"?

It's all in how you do it. Your child doesn't want to share, so a good life lesson would be pointing out to them that you are following their example when they want you to share something with them. Ask them how it feels to be a person that doesn't make others want to share because of their own selfishness? Then explain how it makes you feel good to share with them and it hurts your feelings to see them not wanting to reciprocate with others. That they won't be able to learn how good it feels to share if they don't make a habit of it.

Nothing in life is perfect. We all have to share our money (taxes) with those that can't or won't make enough to sustain theior own basic needs. I'll give the shirt off my back to someone in dire straits. I don't enjoy the thought of perpetual leeches sponging off me, but there's nothing I can do about it so I don't let it get to me. Overall, it's a small portion of our taxes though.

 

[Glocktogo]

People who argue that "involuntary socialism" is theft, well you could certainly argue that using someone's labor while taking the profit is the same exact "theft."

Unless it's slavery or endentured servitude, no, you can't. I really don't know where you get these quacky ideas at. The Democratic Underground?

 

[caojyn]

Unless it's slavery or endentured servitude, no, you can't. I really don't know where you get these quacky ideas at. The Democratic Underground?

no doubt, some kind of poorly xeroxed newsletter