The Path to Socialism: Obedient Workers and Elite Oligarchy

The question of whether the left is pushing for a society where workers are uniformly poor and obedient to an elite oligarchy has been a subject of debate among political theorists and historians. When socialism is taken to its ultimate form, the outcome can be striking. This article explores the historical context, current trends, and potential future scenarios in light of these concepts.

Theoretical Foundations and Historical Precedents

The advocates of early socialist ideology, such as DeLeon and Engels, envisioned a system where workers would own and control their workplaces directly. While this concept has not been fully realized on a national scale, it is interesting to note that some enterprises already exhibit this principle. For example, a plumber who operates independently could be seen as a small-scale socialist enterprise because he is not subject to external oversight and ownership. Similarly, Blackstone Tire Co. in Mexico is a fascinating case study, where workers from janitors to the elected CEO own and operate the company together.

These examples suggest that the principles of socialism can indeed be applied in practice, albeit in limited and fragmented forms. However, maintaining such a system at a national scale has proven challenging. The United States came close when it was founded, with a significant portion of the population engaging in independent labor such as farming, craftsmanship, and small-scale trade. Would an independent plumber's business be considered a socialist enterprise, where he operates without constraints and for the benefit of the community?

The Evolution of Socialism

When socialism is pushed to its extreme, the consequences can be profound. Some argue that this can lead to an authoritarian society, where political elites define laws and enforce compliance through any means necessary. This form of governance has historical precedents, as seen in the aftermath of crises. Throughout history, periods of hardship and suffering have often led to the concentration of power and the erosion of individual freedoms.

For instance, crises such as wars, economic depressions, or even pandemics can create an environment where citizens are willing to cede power to leaders who can promise to restore stability and order. However, the extent to which the left adheres to this vision of authoritarianism is debatable. Many argue that the welfare and social programs of the past 90 years have helped stabilize the workforce and mitigate the risks of revolutionary upheavals.

As an example, one of the author's college professors, a self-proclaimed Marxist, once dared to suggest that modern welfare and food stamp programs were designed to maintain a class of workers who would remain available for low-income jobs. While this perspective provides a critical view, it does not imply that eliminating these programs would lead to a utopian society. The author's own experience in the old AFDC and food stamp programs suggests that such systems have their merits, even if they are not without flaws.

Current Political Dynamics in the U.S.

In the United States, President Biden has been using his executive powers to implement reforms that he believes will benefit the country. However, the ideologies of the extreme left and right have been pushing towards their own agendas, often creating a polarized political landscape. The right wing advocates for right-wing rule, while the extreme left calls for anarchy. This tussle between opposing ideologies often results in a shift towards authoritarianism, as seen in the rise of charismatic leaders.

The concept of an authoritarian rule under a charismatic leader, such as Adolf Hitler, is a tragic historical example. Vladimir Putin, with his strategic approach and social engineering, has also played a significant role in shaping political dynamics. The author suggests that movements like QAnon share some characteristics with Putin's political tactics, creating a complex web of power and influence.

The Quest for Utopia

Ultimately, the path to a utopian society does not lie in pushing individuals towards goodness or obedience. Rather, it involves maximizing our inherent goodness and happiness, harnessing the full potential of our intelligence. The framework of EGMi (Experiencing Goodness, Maximizing Intelligence) seeks to create a system where individuals can thrive without external coercion. This approach recognizes that the human capacity for goodness and fulfillment exists within us, and the challenge is to create an environment that nurtures these qualities rather than suppressing them.

EGMi politics, as described in a video, emphasizes the importance of maximizing welfare and intelligence without the need for authoritarian measures. The goal is to create a society where individuals can experience happiness and fulfillment, leveraging their full cognitive potential. This is how a utopia can be achieved, not through strict regulations or obedience to an elite class.

In conclusion, while the idea of a socialist society where workers are uniformly poor and obedient to an elite class is ideological, the pursuit of a better society does not inevitably lead to authoritarianism. Instead, it involves creating a system that maximizes human potential and promotes genuine happiness and fulfillment. This is the true path to utopia, one that respects and nurtures the inherent goodness in individuals.

Keywords: communism, socialism, elite oligarchy