Posted on 11/22/2008 7:31:23 PM PST by FocusNexus
It seems many people are afraid of socialism. But following the outcome of the election, I've found many are ill-informed about what socialism is, so I'd like to clear things up and show people there is nothing to fear.
Socialism is a social organization in which the government owns and operates the means of production.
Its opposite is capitalism, where private companies and individuals control the economy.
Socialism contends that capitalist societies unjustly concentrate wealth and power within a small group; thus, socialism is an attempt to create a more equal society to live in.
That's the technical definition. For the United States it would mean the government controlling more institutions than it does now. America is one of the least socialist of the developed nations, but expanding the government's influence in society may prove helpful.
President-elect Barack Obama will not make America completely socialist, and it is important to remember the socialist institutions we already have, such as police, fire departments and public education. These are some of our most needed and treasured institutions.
The biggest socialist institution America needs is universal healthcare. We are the only industrialized nation not to guarantee healthcare to its citizens.
(Excerpt) Read more at uecrescent.org ...
What does this twit mean; we have nothing to fear? What bs.
This is why women shouldn’t be a allowed to vote.
Well now it can be openly admitted by the left that “some socialism is good”. That didn’t take long, to go from a republic to a socialist state. We’ve only existed as a nation for some over two hundred years. If they’re already
admitting to some, they must think full-fledged socialism is now acceptable to
a majority of voters. Once amnesty is granted, it’s all over with.
See my tagline.
Just what I wanted an elitist whos never had to live in the real world telling me about how grat socialism is. I know enough to know that those on the bottom will be rewarded while those of us who have earned something will be expected to pay for it. What a moron!
“Socialism contends that capitalist societies unjustly concentrate wealth and power within a small group...”
And, there can be no valid conclusion out of an argument that starts on such a flawed premise...
It is the very success so decried by the socialists that creates the OPPORTUNITIES for individuals to be EQUALLY as successful.
Socialism appeals to the lowest common denominator across the spectrum of society. It punishes success, and rewards mediocrity (at best), while encouraging acquiescence in governmental control of not only the means of production but the entire support structure of the broader community.
No...socialism is not a proper model of government of free people. The only equality requiring government support is equality of opportunity. Any and all attempts to assure equality of outcome are affronts to freedom.
Don’t you just yearn to have the government own everything, “take care” of you, and tell you what you are allowed to do or not? (/sarc)
Socialism is UNAMERICAN. What made America great is the free enterprise system and freedom for individuals to pursue happiness their own way, with no government interference.
Socialism is the government controlling everything, including and especially the people, it kills all incentives, and makes people PRISONERS of the government.
Just ask anyone who lived under communism.
Those nations don't guarantee healthcare, they promise healthcare. More often than not, those promises are broken.
Not Scrappleface? Seriously?
If government health care is so excellent, why do British and Canadian people (at least those who can afford it) fly to the United States to have surgery and cancer treatment? Why are so many people dying in British hospitals from simple post-operative infections, that could be easily prevented and easily cured?
"Free" health care will mean one of two things, possibly both:
(1) Sub-standard health care; or
(2) An enormous tax increase.
Which is why socialist governments correct this "defect" by concentrating wealth and power among an even smaller group - socialist government functionaries.
Exactly.
This is the most pathetic attempt to sugar coat a failed ideology I've seen in a long time. But... thanks to the NEA and the local public schools, 57% of Americans will soon agree. Better to be a slave with a hot bowl of gruel than a starving freeman.
I’m offended, but I know a lot of women who think this is okay. I would go straight to land owners for voting, not gender or racial based.
Second, fear the National Razor. When conservatives regain power...
That’s why I don’t donate to my Alma mater.
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