In a message dated 8/7/99 1:15:35 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:

> Has the level of discussion really fallen to this point? Socialism is a
>  system where the means of production are socially, i.e., democratically,
>  owned. Capitalism is a different system.

I found it quite odd that someone actually refrained from referring to
socialism in a definitive manner.  But, one problem I find with the
definitions of socialism as 'ownership" is the problem of competence.  If the
workers are to own the means of production, then they need to be competent
enough to work it.  The glaring problem with socialism is the lack of
competence, the lack of a political-ethical disposition.

Fred W,