Socialism, it is the devils work... or is it? (26 Apr, 2022)

[aardvark_admin]

This column is archived at: https://aardvark.co.nz/daily/2022/0426.shtml

Socialism is a dirty word in most people's minds.

However, it's not so much the theory of socialism that sucks as the corruption that inevitably arises when governments attempt to implement it.

Might there be occasions however, when just a hint of socialism could do wonders for both business and consumers?

For instance, would Fonterra benefit in the long-term by foregoing a little of the soon to be huge profits that rising commodity prices in other parts of the world will produce for its dairy products -- and instead, supply the domestic market on a "cost-plus" basis unrelated to export prices?

This could and should not be done by diktat of government but could be done by the company's own volition.

Do you think the benefits would outweigh the costs?

Would it be the morally right thing to do -- as we enter an era of significant inflation and rising prices?

[greven]

You imply NZ doesn't import animal feed, but that is not true - we collectively import a snotload of palm kernel.
https://ruralleaders.co.nz/implementati ... hel-baker/

It has become such a big problem even Fonterra is trying to curb the use of it.

[Perry]

Just a thought... from each according to their abilities, to each according to their needs -- it need not be an evil thing, so long as we all act honestly and reasonably.

Well, that rules out all politicos, doesn't it? They have a need to get re-elected, so that is the main influence in determining social-welfare-policies.

This requires therefore, that a third-party make the determinations as to what is reasonable on both sides of the ledger -- and that's where it all starts to fall apart.

Back when private charities were more prevalent and gummint social welfare was almost non-existent, it was much more difficult for the lazy and bone-idle to con those who made the assistance and support determinations.

Then it became give-it-me, give-it-me in exchange for vote-for-ye, vote-for-ye.

[phill]

socialist attitudes and communal owned infrastructure is the ultimate way for humans to live with each other and the planet
it can never happen until there is some way to guarantee that the excessively greedy and corrupt have no way to alter where and how things are done

[phord]

It is my understanding that in the US, all their farmers are subsidized and that is why their food is much cheaper than NZ.
But their medical system is totally screwed.
Either way, we will always support our rich overlords so that they can provide a better future for themselves.

[Perry]

socialist attitudes and communal owned infrastructure is the ultimate way for humans to live with each other and the planet
it can never happen until there is some way to guarantee that the excessively greedy and corrupt have no way to alter where and how things are done

You wouldn't be talking about human nature, would you?

Gen 2:17: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

Gen 3:4: And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:

Gen 3:5: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

Gen 3:6: And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

Gen 3:7: And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.

Wonder what they used for needles and thread?

I can't decide if socialists are trying to play being god or play being the serpent.

[phill]

it can never happen until there is some way to guarantee that the excessively greedy and corrupt have no way to alter where and how things are done

You wouldn't be talking about human nature, would you?

i prefer to think its a common trait and not inflicted on all

[Perry]

i prefer to think its a common trait and not inflicted on all

Aren't those bizarre things called personal preferences wonder-filled things?
Are they the "common traits" which enable men to see themselves as women?
And vice versa. (Does that happen?)

How are genetic pre-dispositions and DNA not "inflicted?"
They are inherited and it's not easy to avoid certain "traits."
(As you refer to them.)

As a personal example, my parents were avid meat (dead animal flesh) eaters.
I've been a vegetarian for over 50 years. That changed / happened when
I saw, perceived and understood certain realities. And controlling them was
within my purview.

Whether or not you call them traits, inflictions, DNA or genes.

[Kiwiiano]

Either way, we will always support our rich overlords so that they can provide a better future for themselves.

Our Revenue Minister, David Parker observed today that we and nearly all other countries have no idea how much the ultra rich actually earn. Or own. Parker's pithy comment was that NZ has many billionaires but the richest tax payers are only worth $20M. It's odd that Inland Revenue don't seem to have any problem sorting out, say, drug dealers with unaccounted-for possessions. Apparently there are just too many people extremely wealthy enough to be able to 'adjust' the political & financial system to their own benefit.