I think cowardice is as much the basic character of Marxism as it is of 0bama.
Socialism is robbery by proxy. At least a highwayman has the guts to rob you in person and there's a chance the highwayman will have his head blown off for his troubles. A socialist is worse. He hides under the guise of do-gooder and perverts government to become the highwayman. For the citizen being robbed, it leaves few options.