1. What is the purpose of this thread?
To inform about what socialism and communism, both their ideological tenets, their approach to concrete political issues and history. Judging from several threads, there is quite a few misconception regarding these topics, and they do not always stem from ideological malevolence. It can then serve as a reference thread for every time somebody makes a wild claim about any of said ideologies.
One should also consider the fact that the amount of socialist and communists on this board is quite small to say the least, and it is sometimes difficult to participate in debates which typically are dominated by diverging opinions held by different segments of the societal elite.
2. I asked a question, but it was never answered!
There might be different reasons for this:
- You might be a fascist or a fascistoid. There are about ten of those among the regular posters (anybody interested in a list might PM me), and I have zero tolerance for your kind, while I also don't want to give you any attention.
- Your question might be irrelevant, or impossible to answer. I don't suffer fools easily either, nor pedants.
- You might be a troll. Trolls must and will be ignored. And while not one who typically run to moderators, if you persist I will have to call for the big guns.
- I might have overlooked your question. After all, believe it or not, I am only human.
- I might be temporarily indisposed, see below.
3. This is such a great thread! I am pretty radical myself and I want to assist you in answering some of those questions!
That is highly appreciated, but only after my permission. It goes without saying that I approve of collective efforts,indeed what can be said to be the right-wing equivalent of this thread seems to operate on these lines with good results. I also know that some of you would be a most welcome addition to my team, but I think it is just as evident that some structure has to be kept. To quote one of the classics of socialism; "Confidence is good, but control is better". So in case you want to contribute, PM me and just wait for my approval. Most of you will get it.
4. Who are you anyway who think that you can teach me anything about this?
I am a 43 year old Norwegian male (Well, I turn 44 on the coming Sunday)with a genuine working class background, happily married, for the time being a freelance writer, chess trainer (perhaps I should consider an ask a chess trainer thread as well!) and political animal who according to a particulary slimy poster here would make a great dictator. According to the same source I am also incredibly arrogant. I can only express my gratitude for those compliments and try to live up to it. I have been in the "communist" camp (this involves anarcho-syndicalism as well as marxist-leninism and less ideoligically pure positions ) since my political awakening when I was about 13 and have rather a wast experience in practical politics. As far as my academical credentials goes, while they are in no way necessary ("everybody" can become a specialist on politics), they are both sufficient and mostly relevant. Furthermore, those of you who know me from this board should know that I do possess a certain knowledge about these topics.
I should also make you aware that I might be indisposed at times and that a certain patience must sometimes be demanded by those who post questions. Just a few months ago I was diagnosed with celiaki. While this is in no way a life threatening condition the sensations of a new diet and the possibility that I as a novice in such matters might have devoured something "forbidden" make certain days quite wearisome. Consequently I will then sometimes have to economise with my time and give priority to other matters. But I promise that I will do my best to give everyone the attention and consideration they deserve.
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I knew it. I'm on the list. Admit it.
