The truth of the matter is that we'll never know if the socialist experiment would have ever worked.

What happened in Eastern Europe and the rest of the "Soviet Empire" had little to do with socialism. Quite simply it was Russian Imperialism that sucked out the lifeblood in every corner of the Republicks. The State had little use for the proletariate except as cheap labour for whatever scheme they needed them to play. Collective farms produced goods primarily for Moscow, Leningrad and other cities/places where Politburo members and the "aparachniks" resided and little remained for the workers. In fact, the little plots of land that people planted themselves privately, produced close to 30% of ALL agricultural products delaying a total collapse for decades. Proper State controlled newspapers informed the masses with appropriate propaganda how wonderful everything was and the agents of the KGB were there to make sure that everyone understood it, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera.

Neither side has it right. At one time corporations in this country paid close to 75% of Federal Income taxes, now it's reversed, with you and me Joe Sixpack footing the bills, making sure that the likes of Exxon-Mobile are safe and secure.

Enough. It's very late and my mind is numb with figs dancing in my head.

jb



burunduks@usa.com