| There is a big difference between socialism and communism. First, because communism is revolutionary and ideologically fanatical, as compared to socialism. Socialists generally agree to abide by democratic rules, while communists rely on the dictatorship of the proletariat. Generally, socialists are content with the socialization of major industries, leaving a degree of market activity in smaller businesses, whereas communists want to control everything. There have been many prominent anti- Communist socialists, like George Orwell, Norman Thomas, Irving Howe, and Sidney Hook. Additionally, not all socialists are Marxists, certainly not pure Marxists. The Fabians preached the gradual socialization of society, mainly through the progressive advance of the welfare state, without reference to class warfare theories. There have been Christian Socialists who thought the Gospel called for a more communitarian and egalitarian society. Bismarck's Germany introduced the first social security legislation, even though it was conservative, because of paternalism, and to head off the socialists electorally. In general, contrast the Soviet Union or the PRC with Sweden or Denmark, which are moderately socialist states. In Sweden and Denmark, there is no gulag, nor mass starvation, nor expansionist impulse...... |
