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Why Communism failed

  Why Communism failed   At the outset, let me just say that unchecked Capitalism does not work, leading to monopolies and oligarchies and extreme inequality. It is incumbent on the government to ensure that the economic benefits are distributed fairly and flows (not trickle) to all sections of the population. This needs to be done thru what I call as Welfare Capitalism. Some may call it democratic socialism, but I prefer not to use the word socialism, as many people fear the word Socialism due to constant fear mongering by powerful media and due to varying interpretations. Welfare Capitalism would entail a market economy with: Progressive taxation – the more you earn, higher the tax rate Wealth tax on extreme wealth and Inheritance tax Ensure affordable food, education, housing and healthcare for all. Subsidize as needed Protect workers rights in terms of reasonable work hours, liveable wages etc. Protect environment, consumer rights etc.   Now to the ...
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Jawaharlal Nehru - A tribute

Jawaharlal Nehru Jawaharlal Nehru was a freedom fighter, prolific author, philosopher, influential speaker, visionary leader, the first Prime Minister of independent India, the architect of modern democratic India and my favourite leader. Nehru is also fondly remembered as "Chacha Nehru" (Uncle Nehru) due to his immense affection for children, whose birthday (November 14th) is celebrated as Children's Day in India. This is a small tribute to honour the life and work of a truly remarkable leader, and to celebrate his many achievements in the Freedom struggle and in nation building. Freedom Struggle: Active Participation in Freedom struggle:  He actively participated in all major movements for independence from British rule, including the: Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922) Salt March (Satyagraha) (1930) o    Quit India Movement (1942) Advocacy for "Purna Swaraj:  As President of the Indian N...
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Climate Change

Global warming and climate change Is climate change a hoax? Some thoughts... Lobbyists against climate action use a variety of arguments to sow doubt and influence policy to protect the interests of their clients - the fossil fuel industry. Lobbyist argument Counter point Climate change is natural and cyclical - long term trends show cooling and warming of the planet While the Earth's climate has changed naturally over millennia, the current warming trend is happening at a rate unprecedented in human history. Climate models are unreliable - The computer models cannot be trusted because they have failed to accurately predict past climate features and have sometimes exaggerated the rate of warming. Uncertainty is a normal part of all science, but the fundamental findings related to climate change are not in doubt. Uncertainty does not justify inaction; instead, it indicates a risk that must be...
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Capitalism or Socialism?

Capitalism or Socialism?   Liberals and left leaning folks are often accused of being a Communist, Socialist or Marxist. Before responding to the accusation, let us look at the definitions first: Marxism :   Political, economic, and social principles advocated by Karl Marx, for a class struggle, with the ultimate goal of achieving a classless, communist society. Communism - economic and political theory that advocated the elimination of private property, and the common sharing of all resources among a group of people. Socialism - is an economic system advocating for collective or governmental ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods. These are not perfect definitions but more or less convey the idea. They have overlapping themes, but one common thread is “ No private property ”. Looking at this definition, I am sure NOBODY in the world wants it now.   What most liberals / lefties want is welfare of society, in te...
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