Utopia: An Eighth Similarity between Communism and Democracy

Written by Frank Li

So far, I have identified seven similarities between communism and democracy as follows:

1. Destruction of capitalism
2. Brainwashing
3. Ideology
4. Kleptocracy
5. ‘You Didn’t Build That’
6. Stupidity
7. Patriotism.

In this post, I will identify utopia as the eighth and the last!

1. What is utopia?

Here is an excerpt from Wikipedia – Utopia:

A utopia (/juËˈtoÊŠpiÉ™/ yoo-TOH-pee-É™) is a community or society possessing highly desirable or near perfect qualities. The word was coined by Sir Thomas More in Greek for his 1516 book Utopia (in Latin), describing a fictional island society in the Atlantic Ocean. The term has been used to describe both intentional communities that attempt to create an ideal society, and imagined societies portrayed in fiction. It has spawned other concepts, most prominently dystopia.

2. Utopia in communism

Communism in China (as well as the USSR) championed one simple Marxism theory: “From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs“, thus creating a dream-world utopian society, as illustrated below.

Unfortunately, the reality turned out to be very different from the theory. Why? Because the theory is against human nature – most people always want more but give less!

What a misery living in communist China – been there, seen that, and escaped from it in 1982!

3. Utopia in democracy

After WWII, America created unprecedented prosperity in human history. By 1991, when the Cold War ended, America did indeed look like a utopian society, with (1) a huge middle class (American Middle Class), and (2) many real problems (e.g. race and public-sector unions) covered up!

After 1991, America evolved further into a more utopian society in which even work has become optional for many (The Answer Is Work; The Question Is Why) and foreign war is perpetual (America: A Culture of War)! Here is an extreme example of Democratic Socialism: Thanks to Federal Assistance, Low-Income Americans Live in Luxury Apartments in Chicago. Here is an excerpt:

One luxury building used by voucher holders, 500 North Lake Shore Drive, qualifies as the most expensive apartment building in downtown Chicago, according to Chicago Real Estate Daily. Rents for a one-bedroom approach $3,000 … The units subsidized by federal Section 8 vouchers in this building and others are unaffordable for the vast majority of U.S. taxpayers.

What a great life of “pay without work” for some in America!

The harsh reality is that America has started a steep decline since the turn of the 21st century! Four examples:

1. The middle class is no longer America’s economic majority.
2. Food stamp use at all-time high.
3. Labor Market Participation Rate Continues to Slump.
4. The American Dream is out of reach.

Why such a harsh reality? Two informative readings:

1. American Dreams: Over Sold and Over Bought!
2. Equality in America: Oversold and Overbought!

4. Discussion

Communism has proven to be a total failure for one key reason: denial of private property ownership! The ability to personally benefit from the fruits of your own labors is the primary reason for the success of capitalism, the archrival of communism. Capitalism, by promoting private ownership, recognizes and elevates human nature. Of course, it also allows the worst of human nature, unbridled greed!

How to keep capitalism in check – Democracy?

Democracy is a proven failure throughout human history without a single example of lasting success. Democracy appeared to have worked in America for one simple reason: America could afford it, thanks to its superb capitalism. Democracy does not work in America anymore, because other countries (e.g. China) have vigorously pursued capitalism, even as it is being forsaken and demonized in America. The image below highlights the key differences between China and America today.

In summary,

1. Democracy, by definition, is akin to communism, in being the archrival of capitalism. Specifically, communism robs the rich by force, while democracy robs the rich by tax in the name of equality and fairness! The outcome is the same: destroying capitalism!
2. The best system available appears to be “state capitalism”. For more, read: Towards an Ideal Form of Government.

5. Closing

Democracy in America is destined for failure for the same reason democracy has failed everywhere it’s been tried: debt!

Still wondering where America’s utopian society in the 20th century went? Watch this video!