I know most of you will bash communism, but I felt like doing a debate anyway. Also, if you don't agree please say why, i want to know.

I'll start, I don't like capitalism because it is based on big inequality and greed. It focuses on profit above anything. I don't like how Capitalists, especially in America try to brainwash their citizens, with few facts about how bad communism is, it should be up to the citizen which they perfer. It is a bad system, when the environment is concerned, as profit is top dog, you can see this with oil companies who want to drill oil from the Arctic (Arseholes!) 

But, capitalism is good for choice in life, as you can get rich if you are lucky, although few people can. I would say democratic values too, but that can be in either system, communism just hasn't shown it yet.

Communism is bad as they have tended to be corrupt dictatorships so far, who terrorise their citizens to do what they want them to do, as there is a lack of freedom in these countries. Also, the economy seems to struggle if it's completely public owned. 

But communism can be good, as it tries to bridge the gap in inequality, unemployment doesn't exist (even though jobs are dumbed down to achieve this!), there is universal healthcare and education. While the economy tries to work for everyone, instead of the few at the top.

All extreme ideologies are bad.
There is something to be learned from every 'ism' though.

I agree with Kung. Pure economic systems are destined to fail.

The capitalistic market of the United States is fraught with regulations and restrictions attempting to create a healthy market which is environmentally conscious and fiscally sound.

Communism is really about everyone being equal, which seems quite boring to me. And I certainly do not relish the idea of government intervening in every facet of my life.

I like the idea that if I work hard or come up with something innovative that I can be compensated in a manner the market sees fit versus the same innovation or hard work paying off equally to the guy who goofs off all day long.

Without compensation, you kill innovation. You create an entire "why bother" society. Bust my ass or sit on my ass = no difference.

Communism has quite a few drawbacks, but it is no where near as bad as America tries to tell me it is, I agree.

Though I would still choose Capitalism, by a smallish margin.

Communism is a beautiful idea, but it can't work because of the way humans work...

Communism states that all men (as in human) are equal.. but the problem is when someone thinks they are better than someone else, witch is bound to happen if you don't like someone...

"all men are equal, but some are more equal than others"

With the death count of citizens of communist countries at the hands of there government, I don't see how anyone can vote for communism ...

In my personal opinion, in order for capitalism to function it needs a large portion of the population to demonstrate some of the 7 deadly sins; lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, envy, wrath and pride. At the same time for communism to work you need all of your citizens to demonstrate all of the 7 cardinal virtues; chastity, temperance, charity, diligence, patience, kindness, and humility. The net result of this is that capitalism is set up to be highly successful while communism is doomed to failure.

With that said, you can see the differences in these economic systems by seeing the core health problems that occur in both systems. In Capitalism food is so readily available, inexpensive and there are so many tasty options that obesity is a seriously health problem; while the basic dietary needs of people within communist states are rarely met so people within these states face malnutrition and starvation.

In theory, communism would be a wonderful thing. Unfortunately, it has never been exploited as such in practice. That sucks but if I were asked to pick based on theory alone, I would pick communism.

I prefer communism because I think capitalism creates unhealthy behavior. People that create things have their ideas stolen and companies quickly place ownership on people and their innovations (the man who invented pong for example getting absolutely no money because he was, 'owned' by the government) causing many upon many hard working people to be shafted of their rightful praise and earnings. Besides, regulations on capitalism are a form of communism as well as proper taxing of higher-earning members of society.

While I have already seen thee argument of, "why bother" in a communist society, I will always believe people will bother (as they always have) because they care. A man invents the cure for polio and does not charge or make millions off of it, he gives it away because he cares. And I believe the world needs people like that instead of people that do things for profit first, and humanity second. That mentality is what has my homeland (America) is the terrible shape it is in.

There is a lot to be said of both sides, positive and negative. But I want a certain type of people in my company and the people that I most enjoy have this idea of equality being exactly that and not a pipe dream (or cool catch phrase). I am not a hater of capitalism, however. I think there are positive and negatives to both camps, but if I were to choose, I would definitely pick communism (in theory).

Also, Jesus was a communist.

Communism in it's pure form can never be achieved. People are hard wired to want better than they have. Communism tells gives everyone the same regardless of how hard they work. The hard workers will want more than those they think work less.

Capitalism may not be perfect, but at least if you work hard and are successful you can reap the rewards. You don't have to be rich to enjoy capitalism. A comfortable income and a job you don't hate is enough to live a happy life with a big TV and a nice car.

Communism is a fine idea when applied to small groups of closely interconnected people who are all like-minded.

It is a horrible idea on a national level and results in a complete lack of production and innovation and requires police state to enforce.

Communism on the macro scale is too incompatible with human nature. People want to feel like if they are specially skilled, work hard to become good at something, or have innovative ideas, they will be rewarded for them.

This is the basis of capitalism. I can strive to improve my life by working hard. In doing so, I create, produce and innovate. Were I not to have the rewards for my labor, what motivates me to do these things? The well-being of someone I do not know and will never meet? How do I know that they are doing the same? Eventually all production is reduced to "the least I can get away with doing"

For example. Say I am an intelligent individual who works hard and becomes a doctor. Why should that hard work not be rewarded? Why should the below average intelligence, lazy person down the street enjoy the same standard of living as I when I am saving peoples' lives and he is scrubbing toilets. I now no longer have any motivation to do more difficult work. I might as well scrub toilets.

Also, you seem to have a misunderstanding of how capitalism is supposed to work. Capitalism relies on market pressures, and profit motivation is a good thing. The market should dictate how things proceed. If the market(ie, the people) does not care about the environment, for example, then they will suffer the consequences of those actions. If they DO care about the environment, then they will only support companies that comply with their wishes, and companies that do not will not be able to compete.

What should dictate policy if not the will and desires of the people.

In communism on a macro scale, you are talking about a handful of people dictating the policy they determine to be best.

Capitalism, however, has a flaw in that it can be inherently self destructive. Profit margins can be maximized by leveraging an ignorant, poorly informed populace. Because of this, business has no motivation to educate beyond what is required of its employees, as education will create competition, a more discerning consumer, and decreased profit margin. In this scenario, unless the people force themselves to be educated and well informed in a anarchist-capitalist society, they will not be. This results in market self-regulation to be near-impossible.

This is why I am a capitalist who supports strong government investment in education. The market improves (as a whole) as the education of the population improves.

I will admit though, the average American has no idea what communism is. We have this knee-jerk reaction in this country because of the cold war, when really its just a different economic policy.