we can admire is that the more frustrated and estranged from the mainstream these sorts are, the more anti-democracy most become. They work it out in their minds that, for the good of society, people who don't agree with them shouldn't be able to vote their blind delusions. Yet, as you indicate, their very extremism means they couldn't possibly make what they want come about, lacking many of the competencies needed.

I once read a biography about Eugene Debbs and remember a quote from a friend that he was too good for this world. My take was that he was far too dysfunctional and what a shame the talents he did have were so badly wasted but also how fortunate for many tens of millions that they were. Helped save me from being born into one of the totalitarian socialist states of the 1950s instead of the height of New Deal era.

Maybe that last is a big part of it, but with all our faults and imperfections, I believe society is best as a collection of individuals pursing their own notions of happiness, rather than the "more" we could be if organized into group collectives.

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Hey, here's a question for anyone: Why on earth aren't those who admire socialism starting and/or working at collectively owned socialized businesses? Shouldn't there be thousands all over the nation by now? Big and small collectives, with wonderfully secure and satisfied owner-workers, serving as shining beacons that highlight the failures of dying capitalism?