Absolute equalitarianism became quite serious in the Red Army at
one time. Here are some examples. On the matter of allowances to wounded
soldiers, there were objections to differentiating between light and serious
cases, and the demand was raised for equal allowances for all. When officers
rode on horseback, it was regarded not as something necessary for performing
their duties but as a sign of inequality. Absolutely equal distribution of
supplies was demanded, and there was objection to somewhat larger allotments in
special cases. In the hauling of rice, the demand was made that all should
carry the same load on their backs, irrespective of age or physical condition.
Equality was demanded in the allotment of billets, and the Headquarters would
be abused for occupying larger rooms. Equality was demanded in the assignment
of fatigue duties, and there was unwillingness to do a little more than the
next man. It even went so far that when there were two wounded men but only one
stretcher, neither could be carried away because each refused to yield priority
to the other. Absolute equalitarianism, as shown in these examples, is still
very serious among officers and soldiers of the Red Army.
Absolute equalitarianism, like ultra-democracy in political
matters, is the product of a handicraft and small peasant economy--the only difference
being that the one manifests itself in material affairs, while the other
manifests itself in political affairs.
The method of correction: We should point out that, before the
abolition of capitalism, absolute equalitarianism is a mere illusion of
peasants and small proprietors, and that even under socialism there can be no
absolute equality, for material things will then be distributed on the
principle of "from each according to his ability, to each according to his
work" as well as on that of meeting the needs of the work. The
distribution of material things in the Red Army must be more or less equal, as
in the case of equal pay for officers and men, because this is required by the
present circumstances of the struggle. But absolute equalitarianism beyond
reason must be opposed because it is not required by the struggle; on the
contrary, it hinders the struggle.
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