Big

Democrats vs Republicans, Conservative vs Liberals, Muslims vs Christians are all divisions that favor capitalism. Why? Because when people are divided they dislike each other and don't feel bad when they get ahead at the expense of their rivals.

In socialism or communism one necessary condition is people understanding each other, caring about each other and feeling unity about each other. In this environment more things are done for the benefit of the community.

The portion in bold is what J.S Mill writes.

matclone

I've always liked division, and enjoy doing it in my head when I can.

Oh, you weren't talking about that type of division.

Big, Because when people are divided they dislike each other and don't feel bad when they get ahead at the expense of their rivals.

You hit it on the head. Why don't more people recognize this? Is it easier to hate than to reason? I see some want Lou Dobbs to be President.

As for Mill, did he look favorably upon socialism? If not, I think you're misquoting him or at least quoting out of context.

Big

In many instances Mill simply describes what happens in capitalism and in communism. He then discusses the positives and the negatives of both.

In the end Mill feels communism/socialism is a better system overall but capitalism is a better system right now because people are not educated enough or the right way to understand that caring about the community would eventually achieve a better environment than ruthless competition.

Mill feels in order for communism to work people would have to be educated differently right from birth. He feels this will happen eventually but not until people realize it as a good system by going through many hardships of capitalism. Mill feels people will accept communism only if/when something terribly bad happens due to capitalist principles

matclone

That's funny because classical liberals, libertarians, neo-liberals, neo-cons and other laissez-faire types (all found in the modern Republican party) often cite On Liberty as supporting their views.

It appears Mill modified some of his views in his lifetime--favoring more socialist ideas later in life.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Stuart_Mill

Big

Sure matclone. Mill is very liberal with stating the negatives of communism. Perhaps the Republicans simply take those points and omit the rest.

Big

Mill also describes how the negatives can be remedied through education and specific safeguards. He especially likes Fourier's ideas. I doubt Republicans would care too much about that though.

matclone

As with Adam Smith, they apparently take what they want from Mill and leave the rest. And ignore Marx.

Big

Yeah, Adam Smith essentially said the market forces will regulate the poor because when the economy is bad more of their kids will die from hunger and disease.

matclone

From what I've read, Smith isn't the big laissez-fairest they make him out to be.

Big

Smith also lived like 400 years ago when high rates of poor kids dying was accepted occurence.