Socialism — A human rights disaster?
In dishonor of Castro, let us recall the two separate and distinct reasons why socialism is everywhere and always a human rights disaster:
Public Choice: the worst get on top and abuse power. Suppose that socialism really would improve the lives of the poor if only angels were in charge. The problem is, we don't have any such angels available. Even if we assume that socialism is perfect as an abstract economic system, nevertheless, socialism is not politically robust.
Price theory: the economic of socialism don't deliver the goods. Even if angels were in charge of government, socialism is not economically effective. Even if we could solve the purely political problems, the economic problems would remain. Even if we ignore the issues of political robustness, socialism fails as an abstract economic system.
My family left socialistic and populist nations in favor of the United States. Socialism and welfarism was mainly the reason why they left. No jobs, no food, no success unless you're well connected. Socialism is a human disaster alright, not just to rights but to just about everything.
This seems to be one of the worst structural things of societies like that. Without some kind of impersonal way to interact favoritism, nepotism, bribes, etc. are the only way to get by, and if you can't play the game you're out of luck. On the other hand cronyism is very similar in structure, though the transactions exist at higher social levels (ruling class, etc.) and they still indirectly affect the average person.
I think, like rules in a game, we need agreements which go beyond our natural inclination to be tribal, brutal and arbitrary in our favor. Either that or return to live in social cells small enough where that can still work.
Too bad, the younger generation in USA somehow thinks socialism is a good thing...
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You are right. In an "old fashioned" and retroprogressive socialism the worst get the best political and economic positions. The squealing philosophy is also rewarded. This leads to a "new man" that turns into a beggar waiting for crumbs and leftovers while the elite keeps the real meat. In a totally-centralized regime like that a citizen gets constantly scrutinized and surveyed, like in an Orwellian nightmare, keeping the status quo benefitting the few chosen.
Socialism/communism would work in a perfect society, but we know we are less than perfect.