If or when asked, most people would likely declare that they know fairly well what the terms in the title mean; and how they came into being. Often in the heat of election-year political debates, these terms are often used without much thought about their meaning or origin. It might be claimed that some-many- people see all the evils in one of these three political concepts, and every time when they disagree with some political view, they label it as capitalistic, socialistic or communist - depending on their bias.
The Factual Historic View
Fascism and Capitalism are government/political systems that gradually has grown up in Europe during Feudal/Medieval times. However, it was about the middle of the 19th century when many people realised that, despite all of the technological progress, they could not accept the injustices of the social order still associated with it.
Hence the term “capitalism” was adapted as a natural for naming a system where capital and the Entitled Few were enriched by it, while the general populous-The People-the Surfs were considered a fully exploitable commodity/resource- capitalists - flourished.
Then Marx and Friedrich Engels published the “The Communist Manifesto,” in 1848, which is considered the pivotal moment in people starting to use the terms “capitalism,” “socialism” and “communism” as descriptions of diverse political concepts. One should note that from the start, capitalism, as the existing political system, had a bad reputation, and socialism and communism as ideas of a better future were perceived as noble.
Later on, Capitalism found its ideological defenders. On the economic side it would be the Austrian School of economic thought; on the philosophical end it would be the writings of Ayn Rand; and the followers of each. Correspondingly, in the 20th century, Dictatorial Capitalistic Fascist concepts-very often disguised as the “noble” Communism/Socialism were implemented in many countries, always, of course with disappointing results. However, the original attitude that Capitalism is bad and Socialism is good still lingered around.
All shortcomings of the “Capitalistic” system are often interpreted as the evidence of its inalienable and deplorable faults, but all shortcomings and dictatorial aspects of the conjoined Fascist system are interpreted as imperfections in implementations.
Communism/Socialism
Most people have only a vague understanding of communism and socialism and, incorrectly, these two terms are often used to convey separate ideologies.
Marx and Engels in their critique of capitalism pointed out that ruthless competition and the heartless pursuit of money are immoral as they create exploitation of the masses-the taxpaying citizens the general populous, the Feudal/Medieval SURFS by the very few privileged “Elite” ones.
As an alternative, they envisioned a classless society, without hierarchy, possibly without currency, without government ownership, management or administration of resources; where people would work in harmony, resolve their problems in friendly discussions, produce enough goods and services, and where each would contribute according to his abilities and receive according to his needs. This Community-Populous-Socially -Family centred form of order they called/Labelled Communist/Socialism
In the classic view of communism, a communist society was the ultimate goal and destination for humankind. Followers of classic communism realised that it would be impossible to switch to communism directly from a Capitalistic Feudal Fascist system they deemed immoral. They believed that society needed time for transition. During that transition, the representatives of people should be in charge of the means of production and guide society.
Surprising to many but none the less true; Fascism was the very essence of existence of the Leninism, Stalinism, of The Union of Soviet Socialist Republic and of many other Dictator regimes incorrectly labelled as Communist/Socialist. Sure, they had their, so-called, Communist Party- of the Soviet Union, but the longer they were in power, the less they talked about the transition to Communist/Socialism. In China, their “communist political party” ended up leading the transition to Fascist Capitalism.
Communism/Socialism as a political system never was implemented anywhere. Cuba was flirting with it within the first few years after the revolution. China tried to move in that direction during the Cultural Revolution. North Korea might make some claims, too. But, in reality, all of these countries always have been socialistic Fascist Dictatorships. Communism/Socialism as a political reality existed mostly in the minds of educated Free Thinkers that preferred Marching to a Different Drum.
It has a tricky legal consequence, as the question 83 on the United States naturalization test is: During the “Cold War”, what was the main concern of the United States? The answer claimed as correct by the U.S. government bureaucrats is “Communism.”
With Communism/Socialism being a lofty idea, which one day might come to fruition but most likely never will - presently, Extreme Dictatorial; or Slightly More Moderate Corporate Fascism are the two only practical economic/political concepts competing for the hearts and minds of people in the U.S. or the REST of the universe. —Al (Alex-Alexander) D. Girvan
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