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Why Communism Is a Dead End: Lessons From Communist Romania
The American Spectator ^ | 8 Nov. 2026 | Adrian Bejan

Posted on 11/11/2026 5:53:58 AM PST by MtnClimber

Growing up behind the Iron Curtain, I learned that human history advances through freedom and innovation — not the forced collectivism promised by communist ideology.

As a child in school, I discovered that communism is a dead end. In 1950s Romania, the propaganda was pasted and sung everywhere: “Communism is the ideal society.” “We are all devoted to constructing communism.” And then there was Lenin’s slogan: “Always forward!”

The reality that bread was on rations and meat stores were empty was justified by the promise: “We are not there yet. We are still on the pre-communism step, called socialism.”

Education in Romania was serious, thanks to historical interaction with neighbors from the West. The education system had been founded long before communism. The study of language and mathematics drew heavily on French traditions, physics on British scholarship, technology on German advances, and language and music on Italian influences. Underlying all these disciplines was the Greco-Roman intellectual and cultural heritage that laid the foundations for modern science and art.

Because the teaching of history was systematic, an animated drawing appeared in my mind. “Systematic” means that I was taught world history in two cycles — middle school (grades 5th – 7th) and high school (grades 8th – 11th). Each cycle covered the evolution of society the same way, chronologically and geographically. The high school cycle was an in-depth repetition of the middle school cycle, and it reinforced the movie of history in my mind.

The first cycle began with communal life, hunting, gathering, and sharing. There was no geography, just a narrative about society. The miserable life, hungry and short, was not mentioned. Images were not in the textbook. Communal life was a challenge to a child’s imagination.

The cycle continued with antiquity. That was inspiring. Geography and chronology brought together

(Excerpt) Read more at spectator.org ...


TOPICS: Business/Economy; Society
KEYWORDS: communism

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1 posted on 11/11/2026 5:53:58 AM PST by MtnClimber
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I bet that no one in DSA grew up in a communist country.


2 posted on 11/11/2026 5:54:50 AM PST by MtnClimber (For photos of scenery, wildlife and climbing, click on my screen name for my FR home page.)
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To: MtnClimber

Dead end. I’d rather it be dead.


3 posted on 11/11/2026 5:55:47 AM PST by DIRTYSECRET
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To: MtnClimber

Those who voted for this BS affordability notion are those who see the dems evolving into a StarTrek society where all is free without knowing that will only happen with a Borg like collective running things.

My assimilation may be futile but it will go down with all phasers blazing.


4 posted on 11/11/2026 7:07:17 AM PST by Mouton (There is a new sheriff and deputy in town now!)
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To: Mouton

5 posted on 11/11/2026 7:11:48 AM PST by dfwgator ("I am Charlie Kirk!")
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To: MtnClimber

Certainly was a dead end for the Ceaușescus.

I wonder if our current poster boys (and girls) will some day meet the same fate??


6 posted on 11/11/2026 7:17:39 AM PST by utax
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To: MtnClimber

The DSA punks grew up in a prosperous and wealthy USA.

Now they want to wreck it all and rule over the ashes.

These people do not live in reality.

They should study up what happens to the revolutionaries and the useful idiots. It doesn’t end well for them.


7 posted on 11/11/2026 7:18:38 AM PST by Texas resident ( We finally have an American President again)
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To: utax

There is a great movie out there which can be found on YouTube titled, Chuck Norris vs Communism. I recommend it for anyone interested in an inside Look at Romania during the Ceausescu era. It is a fascinating documentary with subtitles.


8 posted on 11/11/2026 7:27:30 AM PST by Desparado
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To: MtnClimber
On the other hand, Islam -- horrible as it is -- has proven staying power.

The Commies in Iran helped overthrow the Shah and their reward was extermination.

The Islamic Republic regime was thoroughly successful in eradicating them.

9 posted on 11/11/2026 7:45:09 AM PST by Salman (Trump is just a speedbump on the road to Hell. )
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