Mark,

Alex probably had it pretty good in the Soviet Union. Teachers and scientists enjoyed pretty good living standards compared to others in society. It was, for many, a good life - otherwise there wouldn't be those who wished it was back.

Although, I am puzzled by those like Alex who live in the United States with much more wealth and freedom than they probably ever enjoyed in their life, only to wish for a 'better' life in a repressive regime. I think this is due to the unhappiness that material rewards can bring when life seems hollow and shallow.

What I mean is that although the Soviet Union was an atheist regime, it had purpose it had bonding of comrades that gave more purpose to the repressive nature of the regime. When this was lifted perhaps some people who were students or scientists had better economic prospects, but gone was the bond of comrades and the sense of purpose that the old regime had to offer. Without that, life becomes economically better, but spiritually more depraved.

I sense that a number of people living in the United States who have lived in strict regimes (whether that be political, religious, military, etc and not necessarily foreigners) suffer from this emotional pain of material success combined with a mental sense of abandonment. This crowd could be people who migrated from a strict religious upbringing, or people like Alex who have no previous religious upbringing (at least in his adult years while in the cog of the educational system).

I'm not saying this profile fits Alex (maybe far from it), but I think it does explain a great deal of the 'hate' that is out there for economic success - especially by those who are enjoying it.

Warm regards, Harv

• To understand communism, you have to start with its roots. - alexander - October 30, 2001 - 20:37 UTC
  • Should we start with Karl Marx? - harvey1 - October 30, 2001 - 21:26 UTC
    • Marx was not bad, people who implemented it were. - alexander - October 31, 2001 - 02:24 UTC
• To Harvey about life uner communism. - alexander - October 30, 2001 - 21:40 UTC
  • Well, we're glad to have you - harvey1 - October 30, 2001 - 21:59 UTC
    • Is it possible to combine freedom with protection? - alexander - October 31, 2001 - 00:54 UTC
      • Unfortunately... - harvey1 - October 31, 2001 - 03:58 UTC
        • No, it is heavy control in SE Asia, which lowers crime rate. - alexander - October 31, 2001 - 04:13 UTC
          • The point is - harvey1 - October 31, 2001 - 05:36 UTC
            • Still, what to do with our bad genes (greed, etc.)? - alexander - October 31, 2001 - 17:34 UTC
              • The state has no cure - harvey1 - October 31, 2001 - 17:57 UTC
                • So, do you deny existence of "bad" genes - alexander - October 31, 2001 - 18:47 UTC
                  • The US is an ideal society - thom_cl - October 31, 2001 - 19:32 UTC
                    • Where did you get wrong impression? - alexander - October 31, 2001 - 22:13 UTC
              • re: Evolutionary psychology - harvey1 - October 31, 2001 - 19:31 UTC
                • Skewed points of view - thom_cl - October 31, 2001 - 19:46 UTC
                  • Not skewed - harvey1 - October 31, 2001 - 20:45 UTC
                    • do you speak English? - thom_cl - October 31, 2001 - 22:16 UTC
                      • Yes - harvey1 - October 31, 2001 - 22:36 UTC
                        • Just a couple of cents. - alexander - November 2, 2001 - 17:30 UTC
                          • LOL - smartguy - November 2, 2001 - 19:33 UTC