> > In fact, I'd fight _against_ it; I think it would be far worse than
>> what we have now. And I'm a socialist: if you can't persuade me, your
>> arguments will be lost on a skeptic.
>
>This is a perfect example of what the concept of a coordinator class can help explain. You and most other members of the coordinator class would not support such a thing since it goes against your class interests. Market Socialism and centralized planning are both basically coordinator class visions of socialism.
I don't think this is actually true. As near as I can tell, his opposition is based on his notion of human nature. Justin believes that people will behave unsocially unless they are subject to stern authority. Which has an element of truth to it of course. Where I differ is that I believe this is not innate human nature, but adaption to circumstances. I am assuming that co-operation is natural human nature, and that it is only the fact of a society which constantly rewards unnatural behaviour which has created what Justin sees as the normal and natural behaviour.
I can't see how it goes against his objective class interests. Even supposing that he enjoyed real power over other people, he is also subject to the control of others. To argue that it is contrary to his best interests give up his own power to be free himself, is like arguing that it is against the interests of the trustee inmate to be freed from the prison, because it goes against his interests to relinquish his power over others.
Bill Bartlett Bracknell Tas