• Question: Do you believe in socialism??

    Asked by Katy to Dave, Ed, Guido, Hugh, Stef on 12 Mar 2015.
    • Photo: Ed Rial

      Ed Rial answered on 12 Mar 2015:

      Hi Katy

      Yes I do.

      There are some things in the world that are so very useful but undervalued, for instance people working in social care, whereas there are some things in the world that are perhaps less useful and very overvalued (*cough* footballers *cough*). Did you know that Diamond, a cutting edge scientific facility designed to help people create medicines, solve the energy crisis and make new discoveries cost 1/3rd of the price of Wembley Stadium, which is a … field.

      I also think the role of luck is underplayed in today’s world. If you are lucky enough to be born into a stable, loving, relatively well off family you are much more likely to do better than if you are born into a family who is always struggling to pay the bills and put food on the table. I think that is wrong, so I think a bit of redistribution so every child can have a fair shot at life is a good idea.

      As a scientist at Diamond I spend a lot of my time working toward the common good when with my skillset I could work in something like finance and make a lot of money without improving the world one bit. I like to think that I practice what I preach.

      Hope that wasn’t too heavy an answer!

    • Photo: Dave Bond

      Dave Bond answered on 12 Mar 2015:

      In a way yes. I think people should work and get the rewards of their own work. Not just waiting to get handed money.

      If capatilism you get bigger divides between rich and poor, and socialism you are making everyone more equal by spreading wealth then socialism is better. Though everyone is still not equal.

      Maybe a non corrupt communism is better as everyone is equal. Though human nature destroys this as there is normally a corrupt person leading it. Who has all the power and wealth, leaving the nation poorer as a result.

    • Photo: Hugh Harvey

      Hugh Harvey answered on 13 Mar 2015:

      The NHS is a good example of a socialised system – and it’s really really good at looking after everyone for free! (as long as everyone pays their taxes, unlike bankers!)

Comments