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The Naked Communist by W. Cleon Skousen (librivox.org)
submitted 3 months ago by to c/audiobooks@literature.cafe
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Published initially in 1958, the book is an ideological analysis of Communism and how it has impacted the world and is an important book, known today for his widely circulated “45 Goals of Communism” which are remarkably prescient. Skousen outlines and analyzes the political and economic systems of various Communist countries including the Soviet Union, Cuba, and China. He also highlights the tools and tactics used by the Communists to advance their goals such as subversion, infiltration, and propaganda. - Summary by Robert L. Morel

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[–] 2 points 3 months ago (2 children)

Skousen and his family are very conservative Mormons and almost everything he wrote is through that lens.

Skousen writing about communism is like having Netanyahu write about Islam.

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  • [–] [S] 1 point 3 months ago (1 child)

    Interesting — thanks for adding that context, since I just post new releases here and don’t listen to most of them. Mormons often have very exotic views on communism because they believe the membership is supposed to have “all things in common” but they just aren’t there yet, but just because their views are strange doesn’t mean they are good.

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  • [–] 2 points 3 months ago

    Yes, for a few years the church practiced what they called the "United Order" where they supposed to have all things in common. It didn't last long and was replaced by the system of tithing and offerings.

    Since then, the church has preached self-reliance, not community.

    The church is virulently anti communist and extremely conservative. One of their "prophets" - Ezra Benson - preached against communism constantly and belonged to the John Birch Society.

    Skousen is in lock step with these views.

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