That's actually part of the whole point of communist states, which have never achieved true communism.
Marx proposed a 3-stage system. The first part is revolution -- overthrowing the old imperialist masters. The second part is a socialist state, where everything is distributed fairly and everyone owns everything, and it's all overseen by a ruling council representing the proletariat. Finally as society and technology advanced, the rulers would step down and the result is communism, a classless, stateless society.
As you might imagine, most 'communist' states had trouble with the whole 'stepping down' part.
Re: Can anyone explain what this is supposed to mean? i've read it so many times.
Marx proposed a 3-stage system. The first part is revolution -- overthrowing the old imperialist masters. The second part is a socialist state, where everything is distributed fairly and everyone owns everything, and it's all overseen by a ruling council representing the proletariat. Finally as society and technology advanced, the rulers would step down and the result is communism, a classless, stateless society.
As you might imagine, most 'communist' states had trouble with the whole 'stepping down' part.