[justshutupandtakeit]

Apparently you are unfamiliar with the meaning of "socialism." There are many good sources to help with your misunderstanding.

[spunkets]

"Apparently you are unfamiliar with the meaning of "socialism.""

Perhaps you can give a definition of socialism that excludes the present administration's socialist acts enacted.

[massadvj]

Apparently you are unfamiliar with the meaning of "socialism."

Here is the dictionary definition for starters:

"The stage in Marxist-Leninist theory intermediate between capitalism and communism, in which collective ownership of the economy under the dictatorship of the proletariat has not yet been successfully achieved. "

What is campaign finance reform but an intermediate step? What is the prescription drug benefit? Or farm subsidies? Or out-of-control domestic spending at a rate of increase greater than the rate of inflation and economic growth combined? All of these things qualify as steps toward collective ownership of the economy.

As originally envisioned, socialism would be enacted to protect the poor and underclass. But the modern version in America protects the already rich: drug companies, well-healed seniors, incumbent politicians, agribusiness and the like. When you stop to realize that 55 percent of the wealth in this country is in the hands of people over 65, and 60 percent of federal spending targets the same group, you will find that the government is the biggest culprit when it comes to contributing to the growing disparity between rich and poor.

This is the way socialism works. In theory, it is supposed to delegitimize social class. In reality, it creates a new upper class based on political privilege. We saw this in the Soviet Union, we see it today in Europe and America. Millions of seniors living in golf course haciendas in Sun City, or plantation estates in Myrtle Beach, all on the government dole while working stiffs are deprived of upward mobility and a level playing field. That's socialism, my friend, and George Bush has been its unwavering advocate.

To get back on topic, campaign finance reform fits into the equation as a device for stifling free expression and locking in the power for incumbents, a very necessary piece if politicians wish to continue to loot the economy and delegate who the winners and losers are to be as far as sharing in the pie.