[rzeznikj at stout]

Clearly, Socialism is a different animal (or car model) from Communism

Socialism is different from what most of us think of when we hear socialism-- the latter is what you refer to. Thus confusion typically exists--even among scholars. Hence, let us differentiate Socialism and socialism. Common socialism is what we usually think of when we hear socialism. Socialism is the greater encompassment.

Having said that, Common socialism and Communism are different car models and Marxism leading to common socialism and ultimately Communism are both correct. But since Communism is Socialism, they are not two separate things--Communism is merely a specific kind of Socialism. Just like the American Left is another specific kind of Socialism.

[GeorgefromGeorgia]

Are you differentiating between political Socialism and cultural/ethical socialism?

[GeorgefromGeorgia]

Are you differentiating between political Socialism and cultural/ethical socialism?

[Californiajones]

Socialism is a spirit.

It puts the State on the throne as God.

Sometimes, dictators like Stalin and Hitler want to put themselves on that throne in the name of Statist socialism.

Once you make the State into your God, you turn into weird socialists like Hillary and Ted Kennedy. And these types of personalities will attempt to use socialism's apparent altruism to actually put themselves on the throne. All Freepers know that Hilllary is Mao in a silk turquoise pantsuit.

In Biblical terms, it's the sin of idolatry that these "politicians" are committing, because once they get people to think that the State and politics can solve all their problems and take care of them cradle to grave, they then -- take over.