Do americans have any clue what socialism really is?

Question

The americans on this forum pounce upon anyone who uses the term socialist, and also throw it around like some curseword / namecalling that's suppose to end every debate, because it's somehow inherently negative.

Can you comprehend the difference between socialism and communism?
Do any of you have any clue what socialism actually entails?
Do you realize that nearly every country in the modern world is socialist?
Did you know that Jesus was a socialist?
Do you realize that the "huminitarianism" and "morals" preached by every major religion including Christianity is heavily socialist?
Did you also know that some of the richest countries in the world are among the most socialistic ones?
Do americans realize at all, how screwed and brainwashed they are getting by special interest groups and corporate lobbies to think anything remotely socialist is inherently negative?

Answer 1

I do realize that all modern countries in the world have socialist aspects.



By GINI coefficient.. (it measures income equality)

0=complete equality

1=complete inequality



The U.S. is currently aroung 0.408... Mexico is 0.46. We are about as unequal as this corrupt government down south we always talk about with disdain. The richest 20% of Americans own 50% of the wealth in this country.



Our GINI index has been declining since the 1960s. We are the only developed country that has a significantly high GINI coefficient. The rest of developed nations (and even some in the Middle East) have higher income equality.





Americans don't realize that you have to invest in society to have a decent life. It is beneficial for me to have my neighbor educated and knowledgable in general areas. It benefits us by making us more competitive in world job markets. A healthier society benefits us too..... healthy workers are happy workers.



It is the major sidetrack of the century.. Russia and China (who now owns our debt ironically) gave the U.S. a reason to create a massive hatred towards it.... why would they want to do it? Invest in the public more?... I am not talking about welfare. I'm talking about education, opportunity, and chances.



So yes.. I realize all the above you have listed.. and it is with sad regret that I wish the worst for this country to wake some of these people up. Unfortunately I think it will end up being poorer people with less quality of life and still saying "I love America!"



I welcome the downfall... it doesn't deserve the things that other generations have earned for it in the past anymore.



FYI for those who care to learn more:

Countries with GINIs similar to ours.

Ghana (african country) .408

Turkmenistan .408

Georgia .404

Sri Lanka .402

Mali .401

Cambodia .417

Thailand 0.42

Burundi .424 (The poorest nation per capita in the world)

Answer 2

"Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel or envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery."

-Winston Churchill



Socialism may work in a small country like Sweden, but would not work in the United States. The economy of the United States is too large to be socialist, and there are too many people in this society. Socialism would work if all humans were not greedy people, but that is not realistic.



The United States is never going to be a socialist country, so trying to convince Americans to become socialists is definitely a lost cause. Jesus was not a socialist, and that is left-wing BS if I ever heard any.



Capitalism is the right type of economy for America.

Answer 3

First off, don't stereotype. All Americans are not the same.



Anyway, there is tons of examples of socialism in the U.S. You just have to know where to look, and it isn't really the same examples as there are across the pond.



Things like roads, the post office, utilities, and standards for things like airplanes and cars. Most for consumer/safety quality issues. There isn't really a "free market" for these types of things. They're set and built/taken care of by the government. There aren't different companies out there who bid to build roads that are of different specifications or of different natures.

Answer 4

Yes, I do know the difference because it is part of the syllabus I teach every year to educate my students about the differences so, they are not easily duped into supporting either one.



The governments of these countries may be rich but, the people are so overtaxed they would hardly qualify for middle class in the U.S.



I take offense to your calling Jesus and Christianity Socialist..he was not anything but, the Son of God come to Earth to give the ultimate sacrifice for mankind.



"Give a man a fish and he can eat for a day...teach a man to fish and he can eat for a lifetime."

Answer 5

America works best as a capitalist country. We work even better when we temper the capitalism with a little socialism.



And you will find someone to pounce on anything on this forum.

Answer 6

Yes, educated people do.



North Korea is the "Perfect Socialist Society."



North Korea is the Goal of all Socialists.



(You don't know anything about Socialism. You are having a little childish rant.)



Your attitude will change when you grow up and get a job.

I guarantee it.

Answer 7

"Do you realize that nearly every country in the modern world is socialist?"



I guess that's why everyone wants to come here



Gof Bless America

Answer 8

Actually, YOU don't have a clue as to what socialism really is.



I'm guessing you don't fully support yourself financially. Hence the naive and immature outlook of the world

Answer 9

Sure we do. That is what them there liberal democraps want all of us to be. They wants to come and take one half of my money and give it to them there people who refuse to go to work like decent god fearing folks are supposed to do. Jesus weren't no commie. He was a good republican. :)

Answer 10

Yes...something that we don't want SO MUCH, that it is not worth the effort to study, and try against all odds of coming up with a way of successfully implementing it.

Answer 11

Rune, you just wouldn't understand.



Some of us just like to work hard, play hard, and be rewarded for our efforts. But hey, enjoy your apartment, and public transportation and free health care.



I take personal freedom.

Answer 12

Really now? Please list some of these "richest countries in the world" in which the means of production and distribution is controlled via collective ownership.

Answer 13

Socialist policies=Expensive failures. I understand socialism well. Thanks for asking.