[iDC] The New Socialism

[john sobol]

On 20-Jun-09, at 12:02 PM, Kevin Lim wrote:

> Please don't miss Lessig's response to KK's New Socialism:
> http://www.lessig.org/blog/2009/05/et_tu_kk_aka_no_kevin_this_is.html
>

And if you do, don't overlook the comments, in which many readers  
take him to task for his prejudiced definition of 'socialism' as  
being always characterized by state coercion. There are also some  
good exchanges between Lessig and Kelly in the comments. In my  
opinion the Kelly-Lessig arguments play out more or less as a draw.  
Each has a useful perspective (neither of which I personally agree  
with.) Living in Canada though, where we are used to the idea that we  
are at least somewhat socialist (notably in our much-cherished health- 
care system), Lessig's desperation to not be associated with  
socialism seems a little childish, reflecting the childishness of  
American politics, where name-calling appears to be one of the main  
activities.

John