[Protagoras]

But a communist? Do you sincerely believe, for example, that he would like to abolish the Constitution, end free elections, political parties, freedom of speech, etc., and formally vest all power in a one-party government? I don't.

Yes I do. I believe that because of the things I have heard him say and because of his writings, a point I made in an earlier post. Can you tell me specifically what makes you think otherwise? Have you read (or are otherwise sufficently familiar with) the papers he wrote in college and has refused to repudiate?

Nor do I believe that he wants the government to directly own the means of production, another central tenet of communism.

Again, what specifically makes you think these things?

He is content, through government regulation and taxation, to have government exercise considerable control over business, while leaving most enterprise in private hands.

That would make him a fascist. Pick your poison.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

You're asking me to prove a negative; pretty hard to do. Guess I can't prove that he isn't planning to join the Al-Quaeda tomorrow either!

All I'd say is that I've seen him appear innumerable times on TV, not only in his official capacity but as the "from the left" guy on Crossfire, and have formed the impression of him I've described. I do find it interesting that two fellow FReepers have echoed my sentiments about him.