User:Fred Bauder

I am, of course, the Wikipedia editor, Wikipedia:User:Fred Bauder. I have the reputation there of being an anti-communist, as Wikipedia follows a neutral point of view policy, and, frankly, I'm not of the opinion that communism, as practiced, is the best thing since sliced bread. It is good, just not perfect, "Socialism was not perfect but capitalism is pure evil."

A communist way of life is natural to me, although I have little interest in imposing it on others. That said, I oppose exploitation of people as poorly compensated inputs to production processes. I support communist government if it is democratic, has the support of the masses, and respects civil rights. Perhaps that is a utopian position.

In terms of practical politics I was a strong supporter of the position of Mikhail Gorbachev and was disappointed that his efforts did not lead to successful reform of the political and economic system of the Soviet Union. I supported neither dissolution of the Soviet Union nor dismantling of socialism. "What were they thinking?" describes my reaction to handing over industrial assets to the oligarchs. Gorbachev was impatient and did not develop popular support either within the Communist Party or by the Soviet public for his program which is why it failed; I do not believe for a minute that the Soviet people rejected either democracy or socialism.

My father's family is from Russia, specifically from Tsebrykove, Hoffnungstal, now in Ukraine. My grandfather and great-grandfather emigrated to the United States in 1890. Many members of my family remained and, as kulaks, had many unpleasant experiences. I doubt my grandfather would have acted any differently if he had remained in Russia and might well have been shot on the steps of the Lutheran church as many of his cousins were.

I was never a member of an organized Marxist or revolutionary group in the United States other than Students for a Democratic Society; I have had some experience with labor unions and a bit in the National Lawyers Guild, but never worked in industry.

Security
I do not share secret or confidential information from any source with others. However, as I take no special security precautions, communication with me regarding confidential matters is unwise. As you should know, there is a 100% chance, if you live outside the United States that all electronic communications will be monitored, see "U.S. Confirms That It Gathers Online Data Overseas". Gosh, who knew?

I am happy to have lunch with any "capitalist" and, indeed, count a few as friends. I've learned that, however pleasant and cultured they may be, their dominant position is not negotiable; however, that is no reason to be nasty to them at a cafe.

The power of the working class
The working class earns its leading position because it is the producer of all wealth. The working class consists of everyone who produces wealth. Creativity, skill, and effort are the basis of working class power.

“I’m part of a generation that experienced ‘the common program of the left,’ We had visions for the future, and different values, but all this is forgotten. The left has completely deviated from its promises.”, Claude Dimoff, former CGT union leader.

Gorilla theater is not rocket surgery

Honor the dead; respect the living, but don't drink the Koolaid.

Internet Workers of the World

“Ordinary people want more and more every day,” he continued. “They grow smarter every day, and they are harder and harder to control.

“Today’s government officials are having a hard time.” Zheng Yanxiong
 * "Everyone is dissatisfied with the air pollution, even the Central Propaganda Department,” he said. “They have to breathe this bad air, too, after all."

"there is no detail of administration so banal that it cannot be made into an opportunity to drive a bankrupt and demeaning ideology towards crisis" Daniel Hind

"Black cat, White cat, It makes no difference so long as they both catch mice" did not contemplate giving all the mice to the pigs.