How to approach socialism in the 21st century

[GeneCosta]

Wal-Mart is often a source of frustration for socialists and left-liberals, for good reason. On an annual basis the corporation enjoys billion-dollar subsidies and tax breaks, with no ounce of regret for the sweat shop workers making all the stuff we consume. It is not a monopoly, but the competitors - Target and KMart - are insignificantly better. Take time out of your week and just frequent the local corporate retailers. Check the tags to see if the products are made in China, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, or some region in Africa and Latin America. Chances are, if that product's origin can be traced to these areas, the proletariat member was working - at bare minimum - a 10 hour shift for 6 days a week.

This frustration towards major corporations is just, but there does come some good from the products of contemporary capitalism. Large businesses are employing what was originally a socialist tactic: technological planning. Ironically, Wal-Mart, a private firm with gross income bigger than some countries, is simply a planned entity. They pioneer bar codes and the computer to meet demand.

Socialism is an experimental system. Communism, even moreso. Hugo Chavez, who has been labeled a tyrant by the very same American president who stole an election in 2000, has called for "socialism in the 21st century." In Cyprus, a communist president was elected with a clear majority in the parliament. In Nepal, the communists defeated the monarchy and achieved a plurality in the house. In Bolivia and Cuba, people are working to change the superstructure and create a better atmosphere for the working class.

So what is socialism for the 21st century? Will we see it here, in the United States and West Europe?

[stephenw]

I think socialism has been in decline in Europe, In Ireland the Labour party is a centreist joke, like the labour party in the UK they sold out. Other parties such as Sinn Fein and the Socialist Party will fill the gap in Ireland. I think the tide is turning. The gap between the mainstream political parties and the electorate is widening, the political class has become a wealthy and increasingly remote elite. In this country I have great hope for Sinn Fein going forward.

[Jaiket]

Originally Posted by GeneCosta

So what is socialism for the 21st century? Will we see it here, in the United States and West Europe?

I hope so.