Do you think socialism could work in America?

Question

I'm not necessarily talking about pure hammer-and-sickle socialism. What I'm referring to is social democracy: Free universal health care, free child care, etc. Social democracy already exists in Europe and in several provinces in Canada. Do you think it could happen in the United States? Why or why not?

Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

No. I honestly believe that socialism would not catch on here in America. Most of America does not want the government controlling that much of their life's. The problems with "free" things is that they always cost more than that. Problems arise from socialism that include rationing and low quality. Government mandates and bureaucratic managers who are beholden to their political affiliation instead of their work performance are going to by definition provide lower quality care at a higher price. But if the government is paying for then it is free, right? Wrong. Doctors still need to be paid, medicines cost money to make and many other thing that cost a lot of cash to cover.
The government already runs it's own hospitals, compare a veterans hospital to a commercial one and you will see why Americans will not settle for socialism.
If as much energy was spent trying to raise money for already existing free clinics in poor neighborhood as there is promoting the idea of socialism, the charitable organizations would be able to help many more people who need it.

Answer 2

No it would not work. It sounds nice in theory but you have to pay for it. Go to canada sometime, there are long lines for medical care because everyone goes for every little thing. Many canadians come to america to have surgery because they're on a waiting list. Not to mention their taxes are rediculous to try to cover everything. Do you really want at least over half the money you make to go to the government? Personally, I don't. I earned the money and they shouldn't be able to take it all away from me.

The constitution says you have the right to "Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." Nowhere does it say you have the right to "free drugs, free daycare etc." America is a place where you have the best opportunity to make the most for yourself....IF you put forth the effort. Not everyone will have an easy time, but life isn't always fair. Get out there, make something of yourself, live a happy life and don't depend on uncle sam for everything.

Answer 3

Not sure what you mean by "work" -- sure we could do it if we wanted to, but we'd be poorer for it. It would reduce consumption for other goods and services, and would reduce productivity. That would take its toll in many ways, including reduced dynamism and innovation -- which in turn would do harm to the entire world, as the US is the world's engine of innovation and invention.

It would also probably reduce the US fertility rate, and the US would then join Europe in facing a shrinking population.

It "works" in Europe in the sense that such programs exist, sure. But the Europeans pay a huge price for it, although most Europeans seem to be genetically incapable of figuring this out or admitting it. Europe is very well along the path to societal suicide -- a free, democratic western Europe will very likely no longer exist in 100 years -- in large part due to its social programs.

Answer 4

A couple of points to ponder...
1) There is no such thing as "free". All of US will be paying for your "free" one way or the other. If you think taxes are outrageous now, just wait till YOU have to pay for everybody else's "free".
2) You get what you pay for. "Free" heath care or child care will be worth exactly that. Look at the level of quality in existing "free" government programs to get an idea of what NEW "free" programs will be like.
3) The Federal Government has f**ked up every single thing it has gotten it's hands on. It can't even properly run what it presently controls. I really don't think I want the Government to screw any additional things up, especially MY health care.

Answer 5

I live in the UK and the Labour party is putting out feelers about paying for the National Health Service, really scary !
It has worked for us for about 50 years, but is now falling apart.
I guess mainly through too much red tape and jobs that dont exist. We need to get back to when the hospital matron was boss and she ran it like the military. Funding is the other problem throwing money at a problem doesn't work. Targetting !!!!
If its done correctly it can work.

Answer 6

Yes. We will eventually move to that, it may be a lot of years though. Look at our history in the US, we have been moving towards this in for quite some time. It started during the Great Depression, when new social programs were stet up by the government to make sure citizen were taken care of. Then also look at Food stamps, welfare to work programs, medicare/medicaid, etc,etc...slowly gettin' there as we work out the kinks. It may take a few more generations, but it will happen.

Answer 7

united statesa. has had some socialist kin guidelines for decades now. Social protection, Medicaid, welfare, and many different classes are all socialist. It hasn't quite grown in any respect in a efficient type of years. Socialist classes may nicely be both good and undesirable. It quite relies upon on which end you're on. if you're extremely wealthy, socialist classes are undesirable for you, because extra of you money will flow in the route of classes that you do not unavoidably choose or choose. if you're undesirable, socialist classes will often earnings you, because you'd be presented with facilities so that you are able to not often have the funds for. How did it commence? by technique of politicians vote casting in classes that they concept may staggering earnings the yankee human beings.

Answer 8

It would not work here because the number of people using the "free" services would out weigh the number of people able to pay for the services to others. Our problem with illegal aliens is a large contributor to the imbalance.

Another problem is that America is based on FREEDOM. In order to have a socialist society to have to remove those freedoms. No freedom to choice your own medical care, no freedom to go into private practice if you want to be a medical care provider.

Remember, nothing is free, someone has to pay for it. The people who pay are those that work, and you are talking about huge tax bills. Paying huge tax bills to support someone elses family takes away your freedom to live how and where you wish.

We could not be both capitalist (everyone gets paid based on their own choices of careers) and socialist at the same time. We could not grow and improve without capitalism, no socialist countries contribute to the world well being thru medical research, new technologies, etc. Those are all arrived at thru capitalism, people willing to work to get ahead.

Answer 9

Who says that socialism works anywhere?

The very computer technology and Internet you are using right now was made possible by capitalism - not socialism. No Socialist will give it up anytime soon.

Here's a comparison.
http://www.timbro.com/euvsusa/
That is not "working" to me.

Will we eventually move to socialism?
Yes.
“Few men desire liberty. The majority are satisfied with a just master.”
Gaius Sallustius Crispus (Sallust)

Your use of the word "free" makes me cringe.
.

Answer 10

LoL.. We are already living in socialism.. Think of it. Half of what you will make in your entire life will go towards the government.

I suggest you read into Milton Friedman writings.