Every expression of Marxism has produced totalitarianism; the oppressive nature of Marxism, socialism and its true description communism inevitably leads to a suppression of individuality.

It is here that this author's naivety is most pronounced; like all good communists he denounces capitalism on the basis of the usual worker oppression meme. But he is talking about crony capitalism, a normal expression of communism not capitalism.

Capitalism does not create Western democracies, it is a product of it. The Western model is based on individual rights and checks and balances which flow from individual rights and which constrain the executive and other sources of power. The right to set up and profit from running a business is merely an expression of that basic tenant of individual rights

In this form the Western democratic model is dynamic with the balance ebbing and flowing. But as we saw in the hideous Rudd and particularly Gillard governments, there comes from the left a continual attempt to muzzle this democratic base. We had Finkelstein, we had continual interference by Gillard and others with the Judiciary including appointments to the Judiciary, especially in the FWC, of Gillard's former lawyer partners, we had cries from such as Hamilton and Manne to suspend democracy and we have had the great cause of the left, AGW, infiltrated throughout our institutions as the agents of Gramsci’s long march implement that ideology: see:

http://theclimatescepticsparty.blogspot.com.au/2013/10/nctcs-what-party-stands-for-and-against.html

Marxism is a failed ideology; not only failed but with a heritage of millions dead because of it. The attempt by this author to establish equivalence with the 'deaths' from capitalism is ridiculous.

Bolt is right to be wary of Marxism/communism. The desire within some people to inflict their world view, their sense of righteousness and their ego on others runs deep. Marxism/communism has been the perfect form for the tyrants to express this base human attribute.

'Imajulianutter' - argues I have no criticisms of the totalitarian faux-Marxists - Then what was this passage from my article?:

"the democratic Marxists...early on perceived the danger posed by authoritarian and terroristic strategies, as well as the danger posed by 'cults of personality'."

You also argue that Marxists repress individual expression because of collectivism.

That is untrue also - As an exploration of the democratic Marxists I mentioned would reveal to you if you checked it out. Try reading my main passage on Austro-Marxism - and then reconsider your position.

Your equation of Hitler with Marxism is ridiculous and shows absolute ignorance about the content of Marx's work; and of the democratic Marxists I mentioned. Marxists in Nazi Germany ended up in concentration camps; and were involved deeply in the anti-Nazi Resistance throughout Europe in WWII.

Putting all self-proclaimed Marxists in the same category is just like saying because Pinochet was a capitalist all who profess a capitalist ideology are like Pinochet. Capitalism may have systemic tendencies towards exploitation and war - But there have always been liberal capitalists! Just as there have always been Marxists who love, defend and fight to extend liberty...

As for 'mass murders' - try World War One with TENS OF MILLIONS killed.

Interesting defence of Marxism, I'd agree that any criticism of the ideology justified by the atrocities committed in its name is pure sophistry, however I'd also agree with Pericles, Bolt is essentially a Murdoch/Coalition propagandist, whether or not he really misunderstands Marxism is irrelevant.

The Author should have left it at "Andrew Bolt doesn't understand" it would have been enough for any thinking person.
Andrew is 2GB in print nothing more.
He there to sell papers and nothing more.

Hi Tristan,

Just wondering if you sent this complaint to Andrew Bolt at the Herald-Sun before you tried your luck on OLO? If so, could you share any response you got with us?

The first impression I have is your intimate knowledge of Marxism? That in itself confirms Andrew Bolts position. Oops and well done.

You seem to have been so keen to “get the facts right” that you missed your own self harm through exposure in doing so.

After that, your use of “narrative theory” is to be commended, especially since you were able to weave this into a complex web of excuses, mitigation, socialization and the nice touch at the end of “persecution complex”.

The best part of what Andrew Bolt is doing is to discover who you are, what you are and where you are? This is called public exposure.

Your support of Andrew Bolt in this endeavor and that of your fellow travelers on OLO is much appreciated.

The Truth About Karl Marx
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKVbdCpt0tk