| | Everyone:
I am truly apologetic for not getting back here earlier to update you on how the event went. I have been away from the internet for the last few days doing some work. I'm not going to lie... it was kinda nice to do some work without it. ;o)
Next... I don't think I ever would have skipped this debate to avoid giving them a platform. People should be "out" as Capitalists and show that we do exist, and that we were proud of it. I know that if we did not show up, the Commies wouldn't think it would be because we were not trying to give them a platform... they would think that it was because we were admitting defeat. Besides, I'm not afraid of a little hostile territory. I live in it everyday! Clarence: We know what we believe about Communism, but not everyone has had that "Anthem" moment. It is good for others to see how easily a Communist's arguments can be ground into the dirt. I went not only for myself, but also for the 10 or so of my hallmates that went along. They would not have if I did not bring it up to them. Seeing their reactions, and knowing what learning experience they went through would have been worth it by itself. They have never heard Capitalism presented in this way! I went also because of that. I didn't go because I thought I'd change the Commie's mind. That would be irrational. No doubt you're right in that observation. I prefer to find the rational things that I could do in order to respond to his irrational ideas. It's wrong to give evil like that a pass.
Anywho... let me try and give you an overview of the evening. First of all, the small auditorium where the event was held was packed. I mean, people were overflowing into the aisles and sitting in the stairways. I thought that was pretty great. As I predicted, the air was electric with anticipation. Good grief... how often does one get to see a Commie? (Or at least one who's "out of the closet" and upfront with their beliefs. At least he was that.)
First of all, there was an introduction by the leader of the Phi Kappa literary society as to the background of the event. (I covered that in my original post... it is a very interesting story.) The USA Communist party leader (Halabi) was to speak first. His speciality within the party is Economics. As a personal observation, Halabi's voice was weak and shaky. He was quite an old man, and although he seemed very convinced of his beliefs, he seemed to be absent of any life force. That is what struck me most about the man as I heard him speak. He quoted tables that showed how much the U.S. influences poverty, how we let our own starve, how so many in the world live off of $1 a day or less... how so many are harmed by Capitalism... basically, he gave all of the sob stories that any good Marxist would spew in this situation. He even spoke of the Delta stewardesses on the flight here and how they were being hurt by Delta because their pensions were being lessoned. It was mostly Marxist rhetoric, some sob stories about the poor starving children, how it was all caused by greed, and there were a ton of statistics. *yawn*. Heard it all before. His ending point was that human society would not exist if not for "cooperation", and that we should start a revolution for our "brothers and sisters". Couldn't wait for the UGA Economics professor to speak.
Dwight Little is a professor that I have never had. But judging from the applause he got from the crowd, he's a popular guy in the business department. What struck me most about this man was his sense of life. He was full of humor, and was totally sure of every word he said. I was worried that the defender of Capitalism in this debate would be light on it, and not extol it's virtues in the best way... but he said, and I quote: "I don't think the problem in the Third World is too much Capitalism... the problem is, there's not enough!" He spoke of corrupt governments being at fault for poverty because they do not allow free markets to "work their miracles." (Yes! He called it a miracle! As if it was good or something! It's just not something one would be used to hearing on this campus. ;o) He spoke of how the USSR could not distribute its own resources because it is almost impossible to satisfy human need without free markets. He even chastised the U.S. for its agri-subsidies. I think he did make both a moral and a practical case for Capitalism. I was thinking about Ayn Rand the whole time. He might as well have been right out of "Atlas Shrugged." I don't think I can give someone much higher praise than that. I am not exaggerating. He ripped Mr. Commie to shreds. And he ended his speech to roaring applause... and a few catcalls! ;o)
During the question and answer portion (my question was not chosen... damn it. My only complaint.) there were some idiotic questions (How do you reconcile companies laying off so many people? Isn't Capitalism just a culture of greed? Shouldn't we all just work together? Little answered them perfectly.) but there was one question that sticks out to me still. Halabi was asked, "What would have to happen in order to start a Communist revolution?" His stammering and incoherent answer was a cover for the fact that not even he could tell this room full of potential extraordinary human beings that Marx thought that people should be violently killed in an uprising against the producers... most of whom are our own parents, and one day us. Yeah... that was pretty great.
Let's just say... by the end, I was grinning ear-to-ear. And I think any aspiring Commies in the audience had something to think about as they walked home that night.
I am sorry that this response came so late! I hope it gives you what you wanted to hear! Let me know if you want any specifics. They spoke of many interesting issues.
And Jason... if I had known about it any earlier, I would have told you in a second! It did not show up in the paper until the day of. They need a new marketing department. I am shamed! ;o) Next time they do something like it (which judging by its success... they will) I shall let you know.
I was also happy to read all of the discussion that has followed my post. Thanks ya'll! Good luck to everyone who is reading Marx for the first time. You'll need a good shower after every paragraph. Ick.
~Nicki T.
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