[orthodoc]

Thanks, Dana, your post is very helpful. I misunderstood your earlier, shorter post; because it stated the Marxist view without comment I thought it implied that you are in favor of a communist system, not a democratic one. While I may not agree with your particular political views, I definitely agree on the importance of becoming active and informed within a democracy, and of working to further the values you hold.

I still contend that a government with the power to decide each person's appropriate contribution (which would cover education, activities, career choice, and offspring - number, sex, and parents thereof, along with finances) and needs (again, broad categories) would have far too much power and would stifle (at best), or kill (more likely) the population and economy. I would/will always work against that.