How is the use of a 529 plan considered "embracing socialism?"
By that logic, isn't contributing to a 401k plan the same? An IRA?
As you know, 529 plans avoid taxes for a select group, i.e., for those saving for their children's education. Government 'distributing' or 'controlling' how goods or services are used or not used is a tenant socialism. I agree that 529s may be a stretch but the fact is that government is controlling/distributing a service (education) when it benefits 529 savers over conventional non-529 savers.
The point I was trying to make is that our system is not purely capitalistic. We have many social programs. The question we are facing is whether: we will continue paying/supporting current social programs; eliminate some or all of them; or create even more social programs?