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Americans in a nutshell
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Mulligrubs
lemmy.world

Mulligrubs@lemmy.world
Joined: 2025-08-11
#302 Posted: · edited   Subject: Re: Americans in a nutshell Quote Reply

We know what works and what doesn't work. We have decades of real data from all over the world.

Some aspects of communism work, others do not.

Some aspects of capitalism work, others do not.

Some aspects of fascism work, others do not.

Some aspects of socialism work, other do not.

... and so on

By "work" I mean increasing the standard of living and lifespan of citizens when compared to tribal living. The bar is pretty low, really. I think we should apply what works the best, regardless of the source, but nobody listens to me.

The USA definitely abused the term "communism" into the ground for almost a century; since the creation of the CIA communism has been our enemy number one, and we've spread a lot of misinformation purposefully and with full knowledge.

But, we do know some things for a fact, and should work off of that. For example, standard of living was much higher in Western than Eastern Germany. But... that doesn't mean that Eastern Germany didn't have any benefit to its people. Just less benefit. Why? That's the rub.

Pardon my rambling incoherent thoughts on a comic.

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Napster153
lemmy.world
Napster153@lemmy.world
Joined: 2026-03-31
#303 Posted:   Subject: Re: Americans in a nutshell Quote Reply

There's 8+ billion people and these governments are decades to millenia old. We definitely have the ability to test and see if we wanted. Most of the time though we let society run on pure unadulterated emotions without any care for outcomes.
[deleted]
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Napster153
lemmy.world
Napster153@lemmy.world
Joined: 2026-03-31
#304 Posted:   Subject: Re: Americans in a nutshell Quote Reply

There's 8+ billion people and these governments are decades to millenia old. We definitely have the ability to test and see if we wanted. Most of the time though we let society run on pure unadulterated emotions without any care for outcomes.

why I can't see the current iteration of Democracy to be of value for the future. Humans value knee jerk responses too much even if iys to the dentriment of the ir foot flying off.

An educated society is just too improbable when the IQ of the average person is on a range tather than a fixed variable.__

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Mulligrubs
lemmy.world

Mulligrubs@lemmy.world
Joined: 2025-08-11
#305 Posted:   Subject: Re: Americans in a nutshell Quote Reply

Haha, they do it to themselves.

Haha no it's mods modding to your benefit, mods did it.

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EmmiLime
lemmy.ml
EmmiLime@lemmy.ml
Joined: 2026-03-12
#306 Posted:   Subject: Re: Americans in a nutshell Quote Reply

Pretty sure you're lying or at the very least mischaracterizing what I said.

No I am not, this is not the first time I see this behaviour.

2
HCSOThrowaway
lemmy.world

HCSOThrowaway@lemmy.world
Joined: 2024-10-04
#307 Posted:   Subject: Re: Americans in a nutshell Quote Reply

No I am not, this is not the first time I see this behaviour.

Onus probandi incumbit ei qui dicit, non ei qui negat – the burden of proof lies with the one who speaks, not the one who denies.

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NotAnOtter
lemmus.org
NotAnOtter@lemmus.org
Joined: 2026-09-26
#308 Posted: · edited   Subject: Re: Americans in a nutshell Quote Reply

Haha no it's mods modding to your benefit, mods did it.

I would need to see their comments before celebrating because nah nah, naaaaaaaaaaaaaah, we're not just going to celebrate mods mass-banning opinions they don't like.

Unless it was actually hateful or filthy in some way. "Communism is good actually" does not count as hateful.

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Jentu
lemmy.ml
Jentu@lemmy.ml
Joined: 2024-10-27
#309 Posted:   Subject: Re: Americans in a nutshell Quote Reply

We know what works and what doesn't work. We have decades of real data from all over the world. Some aspects of communism work, others do not. Some aspects of capitalism work, others do not. Some aspects of fascism work, others do not. Some aspects of socialism work, other do not. ... and so on By "work" I mean increasing the standard of living and lifespan of citizens when compared to tribal l...

Comment from @Cowbee on the east/west germany differences below

Comparing west and east Germany, eastern Germans enjoyed more secure lives with better safety nets, and were strapped for luxuries because the Soviet Union sought reparations for World War II. The western side was not de-Nazified like the eastern side was, and was flooded with cash and NATO armaments from the US Empire to serve as a foothold against the socialist bloc.

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chloroken
lemmy.ml
chloroken@lemmy.ml
Joined: 2024-11-15
#310 Posted:   Subject: Re: Americans in a nutshell Quote Reply

Haha no it's mods modding to your benefit, mods did it.

Not just to his benefit, but to the benefit of workers across the globe.

When reactionaries spit anticommunist propaganda, shutting them down is a service to womankind.

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Cowbee [he/they]
lemmy.ml

Cowbee@lemmy.ml
Joined: 2023-12-31
#311 Posted:   Subject: Re: Americans in a nutshell Quote Reply

Haha no it's mods modding to your benefit, mods did it.

Do you think that if the mods did not ban people, that I would not still be more supported than not? Why do you think it's to my personal benefit?

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EmmiLime
lemmy.ml
EmmiLime@lemmy.ml
Joined: 2026-03-12
#312 Posted:   Subject: Re: Americans in a nutshell Quote Reply

We know what works and what doesn't work. We have decades of real data from all over the world. Some aspects of communism work, others do not. Some aspects of capitalism work, others do not. Some aspects of fascism work, others do not. Some aspects of socialism work, other do not. ... and so on By "work" I mean increasing the standard of living and lifespan of citizens when compared to tribal l...

ETA mods are mean, good Lord now I have to go through eight steps to find the good stuff that they deleted. Lame

ETA 2- Mods have translated “be civil” rule into “I do what I want” why bother to post rules just do what you want

Quit your crying over racist shit being removed

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EmmiLime
lemmy.ml
EmmiLime@lemmy.ml
Joined: 2026-03-12
#313 Posted:   Subject: Re: Americans in a nutshell Quote Reply

Haha no it's mods modding to your benefit, mods did it.

removing reactionary racist shit is to the benefit of marginalized people, not to the benefit of white people

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EmmiLime
lemmy.ml
EmmiLime@lemmy.ml
Joined: 2026-03-12
#314 Posted:   Subject: Re: Americans in a nutshell Quote Reply

Onus probandi incumbit ei qui dicit, non ei qui negat – the burden of proof lies with the one who speaks, not the one who denies.

OK, I don't care because you've already had accusations that were proven wrong despite you refusing to bring any proof yourself. And instead you just backtrack and double down.

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HCSOThrowaway
lemmy.world

HCSOThrowaway@lemmy.world
Joined: 2024-10-04
#315 Posted:   Subject: Re: Americans in a nutshell Quote Reply

OK, I don't care because you've already had accusations that were proven wrong despite you refusing to bring any proof yourself. And instead you just backtrack and double down.

I asked if you wanted me to prove it and a moderator removed it for "trolling," but not before you responded "Lol. Have a good evening, man."

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EmmiLime
lemmy.ml
EmmiLime@lemmy.ml
Joined: 2026-03-12
#316 Posted:   Subject: Re: Americans in a nutshell Quote Reply

I asked if you wanted me to prove it and a moderator removed it for "trolling," but not before you responded "Lol. Have a good evening, man."

but not before you responded “Lol. Have a good evening, man.”

You are confusing me with another.

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ZombiFrancis
sh.itjust.works
ZombiFrancis@sh.itjust.works
Joined: 2023-06-24
#317 Posted:   Subject: Re: Americans in a nutshell Quote Reply

We know what works and what doesn't work. We have decades of real data from all over the world. Some aspects of communism work, others do not. Some aspects of capitalism work, others do not. Some aspects of fascism work, others do not. Some aspects of socialism work, other do not. ... and so on By "work" I mean increasing the standard of living and lifespan of citizens when compared to tribal l...

Some aspects of fascism work, others do not.

Hmm.

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HCSOThrowaway
lemmy.world

HCSOThrowaway@lemmy.world
Joined: 2024-10-04
#318 Posted: · edited   Subject: Re: Americans in a nutshell Quote Reply

but not before you responded “Lol. Have a good evening, man.” You are confusing me with another.

True, but a bit pedantic; you have your reason why I can't prove it.

The good news is it's publicly available for you to dig around in.

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Zephyr
sh.itjust.works
Zephyr@sh.itjust.works
Joined: 2026-06-11
#319 Posted:   Subject: Re: Americans in a nutshell Quote Reply

That is the basis of marxism in a nutshell. It is a scientific framework to observe society and derive conclusions. it is not a set in stone fixed ideology. All real existing socialist projects were and are quite different in practice. And there is a ton of disagreements among leftists about the details. The fundamental common idea is just to create a society that works in the interest of the 9...

Can you link to any primary materials ideally from Marx outlining the use of the scientific method for political means? There's all sorts of a minority controlling a majority that aren't capitalistic, monarchy being the classic alongside dictatorships and oligarchies with varying economic structures.

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EmmiLime
lemmy.ml
EmmiLime@lemmy.ml
Joined: 2026-03-12
#320 Posted:   Subject: Re: Americans in a nutshell Quote Reply

Some aspects of fascism work, others do not. Hmm.

lmfao

Then you check their modlog and then you start to understand why they are being such a pissbaby over moderation.

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EmmiLime
lemmy.ml
EmmiLime@lemmy.ml
Joined: 2026-03-12
#321 Posted:   Subject: Re: Americans in a nutshell Quote Reply

True, but a bit pedantic; you have your reason why I can't prove it. The good news is it's publicly available for you to dig around in.

The good news is it’s publicly available for you to dig around in.

I know, I don't care. Your posts here and before is already more than enough proof of why people were right to be hostile towards you.

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HCSOThrowaway
lemmy.world

HCSOThrowaway@lemmy.world
Joined: 2024-10-04
#322 Posted: · edited   Subject: Re: Americans in a nutshell Quote Reply

The good news is it’s publicly available for you to dig around in. I know, I don't care. Your posts here and before is already more than enough proof of why people were right to be hostile towards you.

I expect it is pretty irritating when someone politely disagrees if you're used to doormats and mods removing dissent.

Ah well, enjoy your echo chamber. Sorry your bad faith arguments didn't convince me.

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EmmiLime
lemmy.ml
EmmiLime@lemmy.ml
Joined: 2026-03-12
#323 Posted:   Subject: Re: Americans in a nutshell Quote Reply

I expect it is pretty irritating when someone politely disagrees if you're used to doormats and mods removing dissent. Ah well, enjoy your echo chamber. Sorry your bad faith arguments didn't convince me.

ok go back to reddit

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HCSOThrowaway
lemmy.world

HCSOThrowaway@lemmy.world
Joined: 2024-10-04
#324 Posted:   Subject: Re: Americans in a nutshell Quote Reply

ok go back to reddit

Nah, Reddit is too corporate and fascist friendly.

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Cowbee [he/they]
lemmy.ml

Cowbee@lemmy.ml
Joined: 2023-12-31
#325 Posted:   Subject: Re: Americans in a nutshell Quote Reply

Can you link to any primary materials ideally from Marx outlining the use of the scientific method for political means? There's all sorts of a minority controlling a majority that aren't capitalistic, monarchy being the classic alongside dictatorships and oligarchies with varying economic structures.

Engels' Socialism: Utopian and Scientific is enormously helpful for this.

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BrainInABox
lemmy.ml
BrainInABox@lemmy.ml
Joined: 2024-12-11
#326 Posted:   Subject: Re: Americans in a nutshell Quote Reply

does it have billionaires yes - It is capitalist no - it may be communist or socialist

Love to have my definitions be dependant on the current value of the USD.

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BrainInABox
lemmy.ml
BrainInABox@lemmy.ml
Joined: 2024-12-11
#327 Posted:   Subject: Re: Americans in a nutshell Quote Reply

If you have billionaires, whatever policies you have implemented are defunct and flawed

So if the dollar were to undergo enough inflation, policies in other countries would suddenly become capitalist.

I wish you people would actually think about what you say even a little

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BrainInABox
lemmy.ml
BrainInABox@lemmy.ml
Joined: 2024-12-11
#328 Posted:   Subject: Re: Americans in a nutshell Quote Reply

The thing is: has Communism ever produced a good example in any country or historical period? Most religions are also based on some very good principles, but I can't think of a country where a theocracy produced a good place for people to live. So, I don't know.... there might be a fundamental disconnect between how good the principles are and how badly they adapt to human nature? Not a critiqu...

The thing is: has Communism ever produced a good example in any country or historical period?

Yes

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wpb
lemmy.world
wpb@lemmy.world
Joined: 2024-08-17
#329 Posted:   Subject: Re: Americans in a nutshell Quote Reply

So you're just going to side-step the question? I guess I'll continue to soap-box for those who are still reading and not hostile (none, by the looks of the votes) then: I used to think "communism" was not the same as "socialism" until I was told by a communist (I think on lemmy.ml? Maybe it was Twitch?) that Karl Marx and other communist or socialist academics technically never made an academi...

I don't know what "flavor" you're looking for. Apparently you have some kind of set of related but different ideas that in your head form the notion of communism. And apparently this notion leads you to think that Bernie or AOC are in favor of communism. But neither of them is in favor of anything that even remotely resembles any commonly accepted definition of communism.

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EmmiLime
lemmy.ml
EmmiLime@lemmy.ml
Joined: 2026-03-12
#330 Posted:   Subject: Re: Americans in a nutshell Quote Reply

Marx made the distinction between "lower-stage" and "higher-stage" communism. Marxists since Marx have clarified this lower stage to be socialism, and that this stage itself has stages. Here's a diagram by Cheng Enfu: Communism in the Marxist conception and anarchism are in essense polar opposites, communism is a fully collectivized global system while anarchism is a fully communalized decentra...

lol they have responded to everyone EXCEPT this one

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Cowbee [he/they]
lemmy.ml

Cowbee@lemmy.ml
Joined: 2023-12-31
#331 Posted:   Subject: Re: Americans in a nutshell Quote Reply

lol they have responded to everyone EXCEPT this one

Being charitable, they may have nothing to add and may agree with me, or they may be busy and/or sleeping.

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EmmiLime
lemmy.ml
EmmiLime@lemmy.ml
Joined: 2026-03-12
#332 Posted:   Subject: Re: Americans in a nutshell Quote Reply

Being charitable, they may have nothing to add and may agree with me, or they may be busy and/or sleeping.

sadly, doubt it. If you've seen their other posts.

1
Cowbee [he/they]
lemmy.ml

Cowbee@lemmy.ml
Joined: 2023-12-31
#333 Posted:   Subject: Re: Americans in a nutshell Quote Reply

sadly, doubt it. If you've seen their other posts.

Still helps to be charitable, the worst that happens is I get ignored or insulted for trying, which just makes it clearer for anyone viewing that I was the only one actually taking it seriously.

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EmmiLime
lemmy.ml
EmmiLime@lemmy.ml
Joined: 2026-03-12
#334 Posted:   Subject: Re: Americans in a nutshell Quote Reply

Still helps to be charitable, the worst that happens is I get ignored or insulted for trying, which just makes it clearer for anyone viewing that I was the only one actually taking it seriously.

I am envious of your patience!

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Cowbee [he/they]
lemmy.ml

Cowbee@lemmy.ml
Joined: 2023-12-31
#335 Posted:   Subject: Re: Americans in a nutshell Quote Reply

I am envious of your patience!

I see it more as pragmatism, but thank you!

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HCSOThrowaway
lemmy.world

HCSOThrowaway@lemmy.world
Joined: 2024-10-04
#336 Posted: · edited   Subject: Re: Americans in a nutshell Quote Reply

I don't know what "flavor" you're looking for. Apparently you have some kind of set of related but different ideas that in your head form the notion of communism. And apparently this notion leads you to think that Bernie or AOC are in favor of communism. But neither of them is in favor of anything that even remotely resembles any commonly accepted definition of communism.

I don’t know what “flavor” you’re looking for.

I thought that was clear, and made abundantly so by my soapbox you just replied to (that it seems like you didn't read).

Let me be as blunt as possible so you don't miss it again:

What does (the person behind) lemmy.world/u/wpb believe "communism" and "socialism" are?

Both can have radically different forms and definitions, throughout history and between people. Debating whether or not anyone in the US is in favor of either obviously highly depends on what form we're talking about.

Mamdani is opening government-run grocery stores. That's socialism - wouldn't you agree?

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RiverRock
lemmy.ml
RiverRock@lemmy.ml
Joined: 2025-11-23
#337 Posted:   Subject: Re: Americans in a nutshell Quote Reply

Communism is socialism without the socially liberal aspects… go ahead and vote for your strongdaddy because he’ll subsidize your house, but watch out when you try to complain that the river was polluted by the state electrical company.

Ask an anticommunist to describe communism...

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RiverRock
lemmy.ml
RiverRock@lemmy.ml
Joined: 2025-11-23
#338 Posted:   Subject: Re: Americans in a nutshell Quote Reply

I don't think it's a fallacy, Lenin did not carry out with a communist state and they got Stalin.

they got Stalin.

whom western liberals will never, ever forgive for beating up their friends in 1945

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RiverRock
lemmy.ml
RiverRock@lemmy.ml
Joined: 2025-11-23
#339 Posted:   Subject: Re: Americans in a nutshell Quote Reply

I expect it is pretty irritating when someone politely disagrees if you're used to doormats and mods removing dissent. Ah well, enjoy your echo chamber. Sorry your bad faith arguments didn't convince me.

Oh, you're the "I was banned simply for having a difference of opinion" type of nazi. How boring

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HCSOThrowaway
lemmy.world

HCSOThrowaway@lemmy.world
Joined: 2024-10-04
#340 Posted:   Subject: Re: Americans in a nutshell Quote Reply

Oh, you're the "I was banned simply for having a difference of opinion" type of nazi. How boring

It would be a rather extreme stretch of the imagination to paint me as a nazi, given I hate nazis, but obviously I can't stop you from making stuff up to please yourself.

-1
RiverRock
lemmy.ml
RiverRock@lemmy.ml
Joined: 2025-11-23
#341 Posted:   Subject: Re: Americans in a nutshell Quote Reply

It would be a rather extreme stretch of the imagination to paint me as a nazi, given I hate nazis, but obviously I can't stop you from making stuff up to please yourself.

I think you're making up reasons to be here to please yourself

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HCSOThrowaway
lemmy.world

HCSOThrowaway@lemmy.world
Joined: 2024-10-04
#342 Posted:   Subject: Re: Americans in a nutshell Quote Reply

I think you're making up reasons to be here to please yourself

Nah, I like learning from socialists - they've got a wealth of great ideas.

Unfortunately some communities of them are quite hostile, as I'm finding out via Lemmy.

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Goodlucksil
lemmy.dbzer0.com
Goodlucksil@lemmy.dbzer0.com
Joined: 2025-08-15
#343 Posted:   Subject: Re: Americans in a nutshell Quote Reply

they got Stalin. whom western liberals will never, ever forgive for beating up their friends in 1945

Please don't tell me you don't believe in the Graeat Purge and the consequent mass deportations carried by the NKVD.

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RiverRock
lemmy.ml
RiverRock@lemmy.ml
Joined: 2025-11-23
#344 Posted: · edited   Subject: Re: Americans in a nutshell Quote Reply

Nah, I like learning from socialists - they've got a wealth of great ideas. Unfortunately some communities of them are quite hostile, as I'm finding out via Lemmy.

Okay, best of luck breaking your inexplicable pattern of negative interactions with communists

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RiverRock
lemmy.ml
RiverRock@lemmy.ml
Joined: 2025-11-23
#345 Posted: · edited   Subject: Re: Americans in a nutshell Quote Reply

Please don't tell me you don't believe in the Graeat Purge and the consequent mass deportations carried by the NKVD.

"Believe in"? Like, as an article of faith?

Please don't tell me you believe in the liberation of Auschwitz and the toppling of Nazi Germany, I guess?

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Goodlucksil
lemmy.dbzer0.com
Goodlucksil@lemmy.dbzer0.com
Joined: 2025-08-15
#346 Posted:   Subject: Re: Americans in a nutshell Quote Reply

"Believe in"? Like, as an article of faith? Please don't tell me you believe in the liberation of Auschwitz and the toppling of Nazi Germany, I guess?

"believe in" as "think something is true" or "recognizing the veracity of something"

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RiverRock
lemmy.ml
RiverRock@lemmy.ml
Joined: 2025-11-23
#347 Posted:   Subject: Re: Americans in a nutshell Quote Reply

"believe in" as "think something is true" or "recognizing the veracity of something"

Purge yes, you're gonna have to be more specific on the rest. But what is your point, is my question?

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HCSOThrowaway
lemmy.world

HCSOThrowaway@lemmy.world
Joined: 2024-10-04
#348 Posted:   Subject: Re: Americans in a nutshell Quote Reply

Okay, best of luck breaking your inexplicable pattern of negative interactions with communists

I know that was probably sarcastic, but in case it wasn't:

Thank you.

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Goodlucksil
lemmy.dbzer0.com
Goodlucksil@lemmy.dbzer0.com
Joined: 2025-08-15
#349 Posted:   Subject: Re: Americans in a nutshell Quote Reply

Purge yes, you're gonna have to be more specific on the rest. But what is your point, is my question?

My point is you think I'm arguing stalin is bad because of the cold war

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