Letter: Without conflict?

Dear Comrades,

An article in the January Socialist Standard concludes: “Socialism . . . will be a society . . . without conflict.” I fear that may play into the hands of those who accuse us of planning to construct a “perfect society.”

Though of course Socialism will eliminate economic and military conflict, the word “conflict” does have a broader usage. Socialism will not, for instance, abolish conflict of opinions, tastes or personalities.

Yours for Socialism,
D. R. Steele
(Birmingham Branch)