Why do conservatives equate socialism with "anti-Americanism"?

Question

After all, America is a democracy, and a democracy can elect socialist leaders any time it wants to.

Jason, in a democracy, the best interests of the country are determined by the voters.

espreses, I'm not we would need to change the constitution, but in any event, there is a democratic way to do that too.

Answer 1

Because they have no idea what Socialism is. They're likely to associate Socialism with the far right wing facism of the Nazi "Socialist Party" which was socialist in name ONLY. Or with Chavez who is Communist not Socialist. Many Conservatives, moderates, and even some Democrats in the US see titles, names and react just like they've been told to respond.
Truthiness, doublespeak is working. No Child Left behind means children are indeed left behind, pension reform mean people will lose their pension guarantee...it goes on and on.

SOCIALISM IS NOT COMMUNISM.

Please compare two democracies. Venzuela with Chavez-says he's socialist but has decidedly Communist policies. Chile, with Socialist President Michelle Bachelet, very moderate, encourages free markets(that's where we get fruit in the winter) but they have 2 universal style healthcare systems, one you pay for, one you don't.

You have to read past the headline...

Answer 2

Most conservatives don't understand the differences between social liberalism (which is America's legacy), social democracy (Europe) and communism. Social liberalism is the principle of enhancing liberty via progressive policies -- that is, freedom from tyranny coming not only government, but also large entities like corporations. Social liberals also believe in striking a balance between public and private ownership: public ownership should be limited to ubiquitous resources such as parks, roads, medical care, electricity, water, etc. Capitalism is far better for taking care of the non-resource aspects of the economy, as in housing, groceries, manufacturing, etc. You'll find that most "socialist" Americans are actually more of this category. Social liberals believe that individual rights come before all else, and that laws stem from the need to protect the individual from others who would do harm to those natural rights.

Social democracy is a bit different, and has more of the "nanny state" connotation with it. Social democracies tend to limit individual freedoms far more than Social liberal governments. For example, Social liberals tend to support firearms rights, whereas Social democrats tend to favor banning them. Social liberals support private health care with socialized insurance providing the universal coverage, whereas Social democrats would prefer to nationalize the entire health industry.

Communism is the state ownership of all resources and methods of production. Needless to say, it's rather inefficient and lacks methodology for sustained growth because there are few incentives for innovation. There are some things that government does well, and many things that it does not. If a universal standard is not required for a resource, it's better left to the private marketplace. This is why communism is infeasible as a system.

Conservatism has seen an influx of the laissez-faire school of economics, which is the traditional stalwart of the ultra-wealthy. The message has been: if the top gets heavier, then they have to spend that money somewhere. Thus everyone else gets a benefit from that "trickle down". Unfortunately, it never works that way, but it certainly doesn't stop the spread of propaganda for this flawed economic system.

There's nothing wrong with capitalism if it is properly regulated as to keep competition thriving and prevent monopolies. The problem is, with unchecked wealth and power, robber barons can usurp power and change the laws in their favor, which is what has happened in the last 30 years in America. Our two & three job families are a direct result of this, where one income used to support the entire family.

Answer 3

It's not just conservatives that do that...

I don't consider socialism "anti-American" any more than I consider French Fries "anti-American."

Why I dislike Socialism is for the plain and simple fact that it is not as effective a governing style for our country. Socialist agencies in a free market society have a place- like universal healthcare and public education.

If we became Socialist, we'd end up like France.

Starting a business or getting a job in France is a bureaucratic nightmare. 70% of your salary goes to the government. If our last president is any indication as to the efficiency and competance of our government, I want as few taxes going to it as possible.

In fact, I'd wager to say by trimming the already bloated (and ironically vaguely communist) current bureaucracy of the United States, we could implement those institutions AND cut taxes. We just have to convince Washington D.C. to stop buying $40,000 toilet seats.

Answer 4

Socilaism is citizen and government owned business enterprise and has no longer something to do with wages of workers till its a state owned business enterprise like China has... because of the fact of this many oppose socialism ( administration and possession of business enterprise by ability of government). strikes have no longer something to do with socialism. In a socialistic and communistic society, strikes does no longer be allowed.. I truthfully have by no ability heard a strike being referred to as socialism by ability of all people different than right here... I truthfully have been a conservative and am an american worker and admire what workers have executed for this united states of america. Your remark approximately conservatives hating American workers is a fabrication of the Democratic occasion which you will locate confusing to have self assurance considering the fact which you have been brainwashed by ability of this liberal BS.. Be an American first, study greater , and make up your guy or woman concepts rather of listening and beleiving this liberal fantasy...

Answer 5

Because socialism has usually been a precursor to communism or a cousin to national socialism. In turn it's seen as the opposite of capitalism which is kind of a mainstay of America's persona. And there are somethings that socialism clashes with the Constitution.

Answer 6

"Why do conservatives equate socialism with "anti-Americanism"?"

They don't know why. They don't understand Democracy or Socialism.

The reason that almost all of them give for rejecting socialism, or social democracy, are canned reasons. They're just parroting some common fallacies about socialism, and most of those fallacies date back to WW II and the McCarthy era.

Answer 7

Because socialism is UNAMERICAN! This country wasn't founded on communism where everybody works the same hours for the same wages so that everything can be dividied up among everybody. This is AMERICA! Where you can either go to school, get a good job, earn decent money, and afford all the things in life you desire. OR you can be a loaf, do nothing, and be a loser. It's YOUR choice! Funny.........only the hippies with no jobs and broken down cars who live with 10 of their friends in 2 bedroom apartments are the one's who think socialism and communism is the way to go. That way they won't actually be held accountable for anything!

Answer 8

Ummmmmmm, remember the Cold War? and Communism? There is only a very small difference, if any, between Socialism and Communism, and these aren't just economic theories; they want everyone to be the same in every way, intelligence, etc, so if you show more intelligence than the average, you are suppressed. Don't believe me? Read up.

Answer 9

That opinion is not limited to conservatives. Moderates see socialism as UnAmerican as well.
The American way is the American way because most Americans like it that way. Socialism is a great system for a country whose populace are under-achievers. America is a country built by and for achievers.

Answer 10

Because it is true. Yes we could elect socialist leaders and have in the past, but in order to have a socialist state we would have to change the constitution and doing so would certainly be anti-American