Why isn't the United States Socialist?

Question

As you should know, Canada, England, and France are all already socialist, and that government has been proven to have many benefits. Hence the question: Why hasn't the US switched to socialism?

I would like views from both sides, please.

Sorry, forgot to mention in first part that I am AWARE that socialist countries have a ridiculously long wait time in E.R.s and the such.

The question I really ought to be asking is:
Which is more important, that long wait, or the fact that everyone gets health care?

Answer 1

It really is socialist, or in transition. If you think it's so appealing, you might want to do a little research. I live near the Canadian border and we get a certain volume of Canadian patients at the local hospital who want to avoid the waits and uncertainty of their system. Also, try reading "The Road to Serfdom" by F A Hayek. It's an easy read, but will open your eyes. Also, "Economics on One Lesson" by Henry Hazlitt.

Answer 2

These countries are socialist? Canada's current government is led by the leader of the Conservative Party, the Brits by the Labour Party and the French by the UMP, a conservative right-wing party. Yes, Socialism has benefits but in no way can any of these countries be considered Socialist.

Added: < Which is more important, that long wait, or the fact that everyone gets health care?>>

Hubby is from Canada and got excellent, immediate and FREE care in the E.R. back there. Had to wait hours for care here in the U.S. recently, despite excellent insurance coverage, as well as pay a thousand in "co-pay" Better than going bankrupt like many other Americans are forced to do if they can't afford "excellent" health insurance, but you can't distill judgments about a system of government from this narrow view of the differences!

Answer 3

You have gone out on a limb just by your set up of your question!

Canada is NOT socialist, nor is England!

If you consider that the socialist movement is dead in Canada. where do you get your info. That they have a more comprehensive package for their people, rather than give money to the rich and military while the rest of us pay the out of control deficit does not make someone socialist.

My big issue is the word socialism as many Americans who have grown up in America with communism, some tend to use the word interchangeably.

Do we need to be Socialist.? No, but neither do we have to be Fascist!

Do we need to spend more on people, including health coverage yes! The private sector isn't doing it. They are too busy getting rich without paying their fair share for being a part of this country. The rest of us pay for the failed medical system we have in place!

Freedom does not mean that we turn a blind eye to our peoples issues. like hunger and homelessness, while 2% own the majority of the wealth, and the power!

It has always amazed me how the rest of you can't see what is festering, and how you think about the other 98%

the vast majority of the working g families earn less than $75.000 a year.

I know you don't like the poor, but you are about two paychecks, like most Americans, from it!!

Business has been allowed a free ride too long, and on other peoples backs! I don't know why a mismanaged company like General Motors should be paying a lot of people millions while they screw their employees, while paying no taxes.

Now the rich get rewarded for failure!

Answer 4

The United States government was founded on the principles of freedom and liberty to do as one pleases. In economics, this means capitalism and free enterprise (no duh). Personally, I think socialist governments are not as effective as private corporations. True, more people may be getting benefits and such, but the gains from those benefits are lost in the bureaucracy costs needed to run the state programs. State programs are also much less efficient in determining the needs of the individuals.

In other words, socialist governments use up more time and money to do stuff than companies and indiviual organizations such as churches and charities.

Answer 5

(If you are Canadian or French I apologize in advance.)

The USA was born as a free market democracy. We were allowed this because we had a little falling out with the UK about 230 years ago. Canada was slowly "released" from the UK and France...the UK's socialist ways already imbedded in their governments. France's Revolution, and the dictators that followed, (as well as their beatings in WW1 and WW2) set their path to Socialism.

Both Canada and France have grave financial problems. Their people are almost to the state of tax revolt. Quebec will leave Canada, I believe, in the next ten years. Residents of Montreal that I talked with during a recent visit said they are tired of their money going to support the rest of Canada.

The UK has the most successful socialist democracy. They have been able to bend their socialist ways when it knows it is for the good of the country and people.

The only industry that should be socialized in the USA (in my opinion) is healthcare.

Answer 6

Canada, England-capitalist
France-psuedosocialist
socialism is not a democratic principle, it preaches exact equality-through redistibution of wealth. if you think money can solve everything-then be my guest; vote socialist. But; if you understand that things like familys, fame, self esteem, emotional strength cannot be taken from one man and given to another, then vote republican. You see socialism is benificial in that that everyone is in one class, but as a nation it is not benificial; if everyone has the same wages then where is the drive to invent, or acheive? Why have goals if the end result is the same? Why WORK, if you get the same amout as if you didn't? In addition, the government can never MAKE people equal or stop crime; if one man married a man another loves, where is the equality?

So you see socialism doesn't work

Answer 7

Because we are happy with our capitalistic system. there are many problems but they can be overcomed. The US has adapted some socialistic programs that benefit our society and that's all we need, not to adopt the whole system. The US rises above all other countries when it comes to being able to rise above what you are today. Hard work usually pays off when there is not an administration like George Bush's in power. We'll be getting rid of him in 2 years. The capitalistic system works best for the US's needs.

Answer 8

Socialism doesn't work. No market competition = no innovation = economy down the tubes. Those socialist countries you mention would collapse if it weren't for the U.S. and capitalism.

Socialism does not make things "fair" or "equal" as libs would like you to think. If I work my tail off to make a living, why should I have to share it with the lazy bum next door? I shouldn't have to. The U.S. is not purely capitalist anyway, so the lazy bum next door still gets his monthly stipend to eat and survive without having to lift a finger.

Answer 9

the form of government seems to be changing all the
time. the us calls itself a democratic, government, but
it is a republic in which the populace votes on
representatives to govern in their stead. some mild
forms of socialism have been tried and did not work out
very well. the truth is that generally speaking people
do better with less government interference rather than
more.

Answer 10

Geez where do all these uneducated Americans come from? You seem to want a serious answer but you start off with such a false premise that only idiots are going to answer with trash talk.