does anyone agree with socialism?

Question

do you think there would be less poverty if we lived in a society of socialism

Answer 1

Socialism in the form of social democracy has worked to create more egalitarian, free, democratic and prosperous societies in places like Scandinavia, Germany and to a more limited degree Canada.
It is currently suffering from a lack of popularity that has come largely as a result of post-cold war triumphalism, but as the inherent contradictions of capitalism become evident (lack of solution to cyclical recessions/depression, lack of wealth distribution to lower classes despite the rhetoric of trickle down and rising tides, lack of solutions to environmental and health delivery problems, etc.), then socialism will once again become attractive as it presents its real world and not ideologically driven solutions to societal problems.

Answer 2

I believe greatly in socialism, but it should not be confused with state capitalism. Let's look at state capitalism this way. Using the USSR as an example, we see a system where there is a state controlling the aspects of production. The state decides what will be made, how, and who will receive it (command economy). The state is responsible for the manufacture of products, distribution of wages to employees, distribution of products to the areas of the country, and supervision of the workers. This can be likened to a corporate conglomerate, which also controls the production of many different types of products, distribution of wages, distribution of products, supervision, ect. The only difference is the state takes the role of the individual capitalist, and basically owns a monopoly. The production is still for profit. Under a real socialist/communist system (other than one that is just communist in name, like the USSR, China, Cuba, ect) the people have democratic control of industry, there are no wages (free-access society), production is for need, rather than profit, and there is no competition between people because everyone works together. Some say this system causes people to be lazy and not work, but it can also be argued that if people are able to do what they like and set their own hours, they will be much happier and more willing to do it, seeing as how it would be more like a hobby than a job. Socialism would reduce poverty, seeing as how there is no monetary unit (money) under a socialist system. I remember seeing a link on here from another poster for the World Socialist Movement's website, and it should be of some help to your question.

EDIT: I forgot to mention, there is no true state under a socialist system.

Answer 3

Here's the problem with socialism: Socialism involves the wholesale redistribution of wealth by the state. There are two problems with this: (1) In a capitalist system, people who work hard, take risks, and come up with products that people want to buy are rewarded for their efforts. Not so in a socialist system. There is no reward for working harder or coming up with new innovations, so there is no incentive to do any more than the minimum that is required of you -- that's exactly what happened in the Soviet economy, and that's one of the main reasons their economy collapsed in the 1980's. (2) Socialist redistribution of wealth relies on the presupposition that those in positions of authority will have integrity and will make decisions that always have the best interests of the masses at heart. Again, as we saw in the former Soviet Union, the leaders were corrupted by power and did for themselves while ignoring the most basic needs of the Russian people. The end result was there was no middle class -- over 90% of Russians lived in poverty under the Soviet regime, while those in power were sitting fat and happy.

The best system of government is one that has limited power and is based on the guarantee of rights as opposed to the denial of rights. The American system of government, while not perfect, is STILL the best in the world.

Answer 4

I think socialism is an evil concept. I believe socialism ruins societies.

Socialism is a utopian dream world first put forth by Karl Marx in the 1840's. It has been tried all over the world in its various forms including communism, fascism and nazism. In each and every one of those experiments has failed, completely and utterly. The rich got poorer and the poor got poorer all at the hands of the politicians who did get more power and most likely rich.

How anyone can think it is a viable concept today after 160 years of failed experiments is beyond me. It is a completely divisive philosophy meant rend asunder a peaceful and somewhat effective working politic for the advantage of a few. Sort of like the nazi big lie theory, it benefits the politicians and EVRYONE else gets screwed.

If you are interesting in expanding your understanding of this failed ideology you are going to have to read things that you would consider dissenting points of view, in other words you are not going to agree because it appears you believe socialism is a good thing. Reading dissenting views helps you increase your knowledge for if you only read things that you agree with, well it would be like all of us being exactly the same, now wouldn't that be rediculous, sort of like how socialism tries to make all of us the same.

Answer 5

No. Socialism=Communism=Poverty

Answer 6

Millions of Americans agree with socialism, that's why they vote for social programs like Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, Welfare, etc.

No, it will not decrease poverty. None of these programs have changed the level of poverty in America. Look at Europe. They are almost all socialist, and they have higher levels of poverty and unemployement than us.

Answer 7

Socialism itself has a number of positive qualities, if run democratically. The main drawback is the quashing of individual incentive.

That's what some people don't get. They think that free-market capitalism like what supposedly exists in the US is the ideal role model for every nation and it just isn't so. Not every nation has the resources, or the military might to exploit other weaker countries like we do.

Answer 8

I agree with Socialism, too bad that just a few people really understand what it is.
Please read a few articles of the below website.

Answer 9

No. Socialism forces everyone to be poor. Read up on the Soviet Union.

Answer 10

Liberals do.all socialism does is spread the misery equally.