X-Message-Number: 21928 Date: Sun, 08 Jun 2003 23:45:03 -0700 From: Mike Perry <> Subject: "Cooperism" Some have pointed out difficulties with cooperative systems in which means of production and such are owned in common. Yes, these difficulties are real and could prevent any large-scale implementation in the near future (though some sizable companies may be of this nature already). But if our hopes of immortalization can be realized, we should develop in wisdom and perspective as we progress beyond our present level. I think we will have to make substantial progress of this sort to best benefit, and maybe even to survive at all. We will no longer be focused on such things as "our families" but will hopefully treat all together as one family. Then a voluntary, all-encompassing society for mutual benefit may make more sense and be strong enough to endure. This kind of system, whether large-scale or small, could be called "cooperism" to indicate its voluntary, cooperative nature, for those upset by such a term as "socialism," which for some seems to require that there be coercion, though I don't see that in the original definition. Mike Perry Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=21928