Socialism DOES Work | Robert Griffiths | Oxford Union

Robert Griffiths gives his argument that Socialism does work.

Robert Griffiths' first mentions Russian in 1917 when socialism was adopted by the country and ergo 20 years later were able to fight Nazi Germany's facist regime with their communist Red Army. He says that ""China and Cuba are beacons of social progress"" going on to list the countries services that have matched that of the richest capitalist nations.

Filmed on Thursday 28th November 2013
MOTION: This House Believes Socialism Will Not Work.
RESULT: Motion Defeated

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ABOUT ROBERT GRIFFITHS:
Leader of the British Communist Party.

ABOUT THE OXFORD UNION SOCIETY:
The Union is the world's most prestigious debating society, with an unparalleled reputation for bringing international guests and speakers to Oxford. It has been established for 190 years, aiming to promote debate and discussion not just in Oxford University, but across the globe.

[smjstevens]

"Venezuela and Bolivia are forging their own roads to socialism. Are you saying they are all doomed?"

That comment really didn't age well...

[djordjesimic]

That remark about Venezuelan progress did not age well.

[SirDamned]

"Comrades and friends..."


*Tightens seatbelt*

[madelinemanning]

The cited 1.5 Million deaths under Stalin only includes explicitly ordered executions. It does not include the substantial casualties resulting from forced collectivization, the Gulags, or purges.

[JoacimSativa]

Funny to watch this now, "The people of venezuela and bolivia are taking their own roads to socialism, are we saying they are all doomed?"
HAhahahaha

[EM-czrd]

"Chinese socialism has lifted 700M out of poverty" --- yeah, and how did they do that? By engaging in global capitalism.

[andrewwills]

Socialism does work....sorry the power went out...don't worry we were able to go down to the local community centre to pick up some bread for 80, 000 Bolivars

[WillemJanFrederik]

I don't agree with mister Griffiths remarks, especially since he ignores the fact that putting anyone in power of a socialist system will inevitably corrupt him/her. BUT, it is amazing that OxfordUnion creates these debates where both sides get equal opportunity to express their ideas and to convince the public. Thank you for this conversation!

[pallidbustofpallas]

Would this debate be allowed to take place in a socialist society? I'll bet not.

[iowaclass]

Yes, the Soviet Union was so wonderful that it’s citizens constantly tried to flee the oppressive dictatorship for decades until it finally fell due to its inability to maintain economic and political stability.

[benclark]

“Spirit of cooperation...” yeah, or death!

[ScipioatZama]

'Now the people's of Venezuela and Bolivia are taking their own roads to their own forms of socialism. Are we saying they are all doomed?'
Just over two years later: Inflation in Venezuela at 450%, 80% of the population below the poverty line, GDP dropping by 7%, the government severely in debt and the people they aim to help facing food shortages largely blamed on expropriation of farms and food-processing plants, as well as government price controls that force farmers to sell at a loss.

[Weakeyedominant]

interesting china's rise over the last 20 years came with its adoption if free market capitalism. how did it do in the first 40 years?

[ComradeRhys]

Robert Griffiths is my personal hero, he pulled me out of the far right and into the far left. He turned me from an ignorant racist into a much better person, he transformed me from a Fascist into a Communist.

[KulibinX]

I am a former Soviet citizen. Live in US. Can say the difference. It was crap.

[TheMagicLemur]

Though I have respect for anyone who believes in Communism, this chap isn't at all sensible in basing his argument around the Soviet Union 23 years after its downfall.

It's similar to defending Christianity by talking only about the Crusades. Yes - it does need defending - but it is weak ground to pitch your argument.

[Ender]

It's very interesting that he picked the case of Cuba: While those those against socialism use the comparison between East and West Germany, North and South Korea, etc., they miss the point about comparing Cuba and Haiti or the Dominican  Republic, or even Puerto Rico, for instance.

[mberoakoko]

So many holes in that arguement, oh plus Venezuela just tanked LMAO

[james]

state capitalism is not socialism as lenin himself said.

[breadonitsown]

Ingenious beginning! He says he won't rise to it, but then absolutely does by chucking a bunch of "bait" right back at them hahaha