Thanks for sharing your perspective. I appreciate the opportunity to engage in a thoughtful conversation about the nuances of economic systems, even though the Mods here at hacker new flagged the article, it shows them we can have civil discourse around this subject.

It's important to clarify that Democratic Socialism doesn't advocate for complete state control or collective ownership of the means of production. It seeks to strike a balance between capitalism and socialism, with a mixed economy that includes both private and public ownership.

> Who speaks for the collective?

Democratic Socialism emphasizes a robust democratic process, so ideally, decision-making power is distributed among the people. While it's true that some individuals may hold more influence than others in any group, this is not unique to Democratic Socialism. The key is to ensure that systems are in place to prevent the undue concentration of power and to promote transparency and accountability.

> Collective decision making is a myth that hides the actual source of power vested in specific individuals within that collective.

In any democratic system, there will always be challenges to achieving true collective decision-making. However, the goal of Democratic Socialism is to maximize the involvement of ordinary people in the political and economic decision-making process, making it more inclusive and equitable.

> Since communism is inherently less efficient, it must be universal or non communist feedback loops of technocapital will accelerate and devour the sheep.

As I mentioned earlier, Democratic Socialism is not communism; it is a mixed economy that seeks to harness the best aspects of capitalism and socialism. It does not require a complete rejection of capitalism or the pursuit of a purely communist system. Democratic Socialism focuses on reducing income inequality, providing essential social services, and protecting workers' rights while maintaining a market-based economy.

Regarding the concern about efficiency, it's important to recognize that efficiency is not the only measure of a successful system. Democratic Socialism aims to create a more equitable society, and sometimes that means sacrificing a degree of efficiency in the pursuit of greater equality and social justice. It's about striking a balance between efficiency and the well-being of all members of society.

> What’s “good” in a material sense is a process which is able to continue to exist within matter while a “bad” process is one that self destructs.

While it's important to consider the material aspects of an economic system, it's also crucial to factor in the well-being of the people within that system. Democratic Socialism aims to create a society where resources and opportunities are more fairly distributed, and where everyone has a chance to thrive. This might involve some trade-offs in terms of pure material efficiency, but the ultimate goal is to build a more just and humane society.

In summary, Democratic Socialism is not communism, and it does not advocate for the complete control of the means of production by laborers. Instead, it seeks a balanced approach that combines the best aspects of mArket and planned economies to create a more equitable, democratic, and inclusive society.