Why are so many people on here afraid of socialism?

Question

Socialism appears to be a terribly misunderstood term here. Many countries, including Canada, live in a moderately socialistic society. There is still a capitalistic spirit...but there are social programs to support ALL citizens. There is no ceiling on what you can earn, but you will pay higher taxes. There is no oppression, and it is still a free and democratic society. Why, then, does everyone assume that socialism = communism?

Well, I guess I got my answer...people are afraid out of ignorance. Sad, that Americans know so little about the economic situation in the country they border to the north. I guess y'all think that we live in igloos and have dog sleds to get to work too...sigh.

Amazing that you can think of yourselves as the greatest nation in the world, and you care so very little about your fellow countrymen. As long as it doesn't affect you, it musn't be broken...

Answer 1

Personally, I believe the insurance/pharmaceutical/big business medical fraud should be eliminated so that a universal health care system can be put into practice. If you want to call that socialized medicine, then so be it. I think medical care must be a basic human right - perhaps not breast implants (except for cancer survivors) - but medical care which will help you get through life as a human being. Right now, a lot of doctors are running a conveyor belt scam. They charge $100-200 for 5 minutes of their time or less, they don't spend any time trying to take the medical history of the patient on most visits. They claim their high costs are driven by insurance, litigation, etc. Wellness should not be available only to the wealthy.
A lot of people on here are very scared of all kinds of things. They are just mouthing off about whatever pops into their heads. Some are paid to go on here to disrupt free conversation.
Every intelligent and minimally educated person knows that Communism was a failed experiment that went wrong because of the corruption of human beings.
Couldn't you argue that our public school system is a form of socialism? Why is the right to life and health any less important than the right to education?
Should the government own all real estate and intrude into every aspect of people's lives the way it does in Communistic societies? No! Never!
I am sure that Democracy is the right system for the US. Capitalism is not a political system, it is a way of thought. Let's be careful not to mix the two, because a Democratic system MUST provide for honest and open dialogue and exchange of information, but a Capitalistic system doesn't necessarily have to. The Capitalist enclaves sprouting up in China are a good example of that.

Answer 2

Yes socialsm is a misunderstood concept. But the parts people see are the ones that do not work well. Most countries with socialized medicine pay way higher taxes than in the US (yep, that includes Canda). And most socialized health care systems have problems with waiting and access to care.

So, one gets high costs and less access/service. No thank you.

The US already has plenty of socialized/socialist types of programs.

And as somebody above mentioned, those who make more shoulder most of the costs. while those who make less get a free or cheaper ride. Those may also use the majority of the services too.

Our system has problems, but socialized medicine is not the answer.

Answer 3

I'm not afraid of Socialism. I think we can learn a lot from Socialism. However, I think in some ways-- ways that are often overlooked-- our society is "leaps and bounds" ahead of other countries. I think, in general, a socialist society is more interested in the well-being of EVERYONE rather than the well-being of the few or of individuals. America's obsession with individuality is a problem--- i.e. buying buying buying-- but at the same time, it brings about change. Women's rights, civil rights, disability rights--- these are a result of a country-- OUR country-- that values the individual. Maybe I'm wrong, but in a socialist country, individuals are often swept under the rug for the betterment of the general population. Try reading "April Witch" by Majgul Axelsson.

Answer 4

Socialism is evil, it rewards the lazy and corrupt and takes away from the working.

Socialism can not point to a successful society that was socialist, examples include Cambodia, Russia, Viet nam, Cuba, and China. These societies were only successful when they embraced pure capitalism.

Why take away higher taxes from the hard working successful people and give it to the poor?

It all comes down to freedom: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Property (wealth).

Socialism/communism is evil.

Answer 5

People are afraid of it because of fear of not coping up with standards of higher society.Since you can differentiate between a middle class family and a billionaire, the inferiority complex does come in between and also if the history of country would be based on different castes and religion one cannot stop a capitalistic approach towards the society.

Answer 6

socialism is not our politics even though libs want it to be. It goes against the grain of democracy and is anti-freedom in actuality. It and communism walk hand in hand down the road of history and don't acknowledge the areas it has been cast out of. Our Constitution and Bill of Rights are democratic and reject socialism with the spirit of freedom, REAL freedom. One that does not take half of our wages.
A very wise man once said "Democracy is not the best form of government, until you compare it to all the rest."

Answer 7

When this country wants to promote "social programs to ALL citizens" then maybe more citizens would be on board. But right now it seems that the only people that are offered benefits from social programs are the "underprivileged" and the "privileged" have to pay the bill.

Answer 8

it has been stigmatized by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. this is an example of misuse of terms that is like the Bush Regime does now. change the name of something to make it seem better. ( or worse)

EX: estate tax got changed to "death" tax
right to life is called "pro-abortion"
I am sure our members can recite thousands of other examples. I have no time to do it all but invite other answerers to give further examples on this semantic game.

Answer 9

Are you afraid of getting mugged and your wallet taken? Thats the same thing as socialism, except the mugger is the government.

I carry a pistol for use against the muggers, but when you have socialism there is no defense, you just get robbed.

Answer 10

Not all socialist countries are as free as you think. Also, while the gov provides health care, etc.. the quality is not as good.

Socialism does not equal communism in my mind as communism is an impossible situation.