Communism vs. Democracy: 10 Strengths of Each System

[00:00:05][music] Hello everyone. Welcome to Ted Vang's news talk. Topic [music] today it's about communism and democracy.

[00:00:15]What I'd like to share today with you is the 10 strengths of each system.

[00:00:22][clears throat] How they work and why they are good and some are bad. But at least let's balance it out and why so many countries are still believing in the system of communism and for many democracy is the way to go.

[00:00:41]This is not about saying one system is perfect or one is completely bad. Every political and economic system has strengths and weaknesses. Different countries have had different experiences depending on their leaders, culture and institution. Today let exam 10 strings commonly associate with communism system and 10 strings commonly associate with democratic system.

[00:01:11]Let's start with communist system. One less income inequality.

[00:01:18]One goal of the communism is to reduce the gap between rich and poor. In theory, everyone should have similar opportunity and living standard.

[00:01:31]Number two, universal health care. Many communist countries provide health care funded by the government. Citizens usually don't worry about enormous medical bill.

[00:01:45]Three, free or lowcost education.

[00:01:50]Education is generally provided by or at a little to no cost to its citizen. The objective is to ensure everyone has access to learning. Four, job security.

[00:02:06]Historically, communist system aimed to guarantee employment for citizens. While the jobs may not always have been ideal, unemployment was often kept low. Number five, affordability and program.

[00:02:21]Government often build housing and subsidize rent to help citizen obtain homes. Six, strong and long-term planning. Without election cycle, government can sometime pursue infrastructure and industrial project over decades. Example, including railways, dams, a large manufacturing initiatives.

[00:02:48]Number seven, rapid mobilization.

[00:02:52]During emergency, government can direct national resources quickly because major industries are under the state control.

[00:03:02]Number eight, focus on basic needs. The emphasis is often to ensuring food, shelter, education, health care, and employment for it population.

[00:03:16]Nine, large infrastructure.

[00:03:20]Several communist government invested heavily in highway, public transportation, electricity and industrial development.

[00:03:29]10.

[00:03:30]National unity toward common goals.

[00:03:34]Central planning can allow governments to focus the nation on major objectives such as literacy, industrialization, and infrastructure.

[00:03:46]Those are some of the intent and strengths of commonly associated with communist system. Now let's take a look at democracy.

[00:03:57]Democracy one, freedom of speech. People can express opinions, criticize leaders, and debate policy without government approval in many democratic societies.

[00:04:12]Two, free elections. Citizens choose their leaders through regular elections.

[00:04:20]If people are dissatisfied, they can vote for change.

[00:04:25]Three, freedom of religion. Individuals are generally free to practice or not practice the religion of their choice.

[00:04:37]Four, private property rights. People can own home, businesses, farms, and investment.

[00:04:46]These rights are generally protected by law.

[00:04:50]Five, free market economy.

[00:04:54]Competition encourages a business to innovate, improve quality, and create new products and services.

[00:05:04]Six, entrepreneurship.

[00:05:07]Anyone can start a business and pursue new ideas.

[00:05:12]Many successful company began with small entrepreneurs.

[00:05:17]Number seven, independent courts. Courts are designed to interpret laws independently of elected official providing check on balance of government power.

[00:05:32]Number eight, freedom of the press.

[00:05:35]Journalists can investigate and report on government actions. A free press help inform the public and hold institution accountable.

[00:05:47]Number nine, innovation.

[00:05:50]Countries with democratic institution have often produced significant advance in technology, medicine, science and entrepreneurship.

[00:06:01]Number 10, individual freedom. People generally have broad freedom to choose where they live, work, study, travel, and what career they pursue. When we compare this two system, one thing become clear.

[00:06:17]Both aim to improve society but they emphasize different priorities.

[00:06:24]Communist system often prioritize equality, government planning and social services while democratic system often emphasize individual liberty, political participation, private enterprise and check on government power.

[00:06:41]In practice, no country follow a perfect version of either model. Many nations combine element of both. For example, some democratic provide universal health care and strong social program while other country like communist government also allow varying degree of private businesses and market activity.

[00:07:04]Ultimately the success of the nation depend not only on the political system but also on good leadership respect for the rule of laws, economic opportunity, education and engagement of the population.

[00:07:20]As citizen one most important thing we can do is continue learning, asking question and discuss the ideas respectfully.