[lbo-talk] Reuters: "Vuitton-clad official spouts socialism"

[John Thornton]

Eric wrote:
>> Why is it sops to the poor if their income grows disproportionately?
>> The not-so-poor are doing noticeably better but are not seeing the same
>> level of gains as the truly poor.
>> Why is that a problem? Until we bring the standard of living of the
>> poorest among us to a decent level why shouldn't the majority of gains
>> be skewed that direction?
>>     
>
> I think it's a problem in that it indicates that the income growth is 
> largely if not exclusively from an aggressive redistribution regimen, 
> perhaps along the lines of the Nordic countries. In other words, 
> there doesn't seem to be some great socialist reorganization of work, 
> life, etc., going on in Venezuela. Of course, there are worse 
> problems to have, but it also makes me wonder why the left is so 
> excited about what's happening there. It's like getting hot and 
> bothered about Sweden.

Yeah, it would suck ass to live in Sweden. Who would want to do that?

I guess criticizing Venezuelan attempts at income redistribution, 
socialization of private property, etc. just strike me as lame.
Since no one knows exactly how to get from 'here' to 'there' I offer my 
support to any attempt that doesn't grossly violate human standards of 
decency.
While not "hot and bothered" (whatever that means) I do applaud their 
effort.
If they implemented a complete severing of capitalist property relations 
overnight you can also bet US troops would be there within a month.
Maybe the Venezuelans are sharp enough to know this and you are not?

John Thornton