Socialism - Harmful?

Question

The question's title says it all, really. Would a socialist government be harmful in the long run? In its base principles, there is nothing harmful to find. And don't we want equality, which is the most important principle in socialism?

Answer 1

Socialism works very well every where it is used. That's why there has been a constant stream of propaganda in America for almost 100 years now, demonizing socialist ideas. So, we get the funny sight of millions of people voting the interest of the ruling class, and against their own interests. (Of course, the silly ruling class doesn't realize they would benefit much more from a society where everyone's basic needs were met.)

Answer 2

Socialism was tried in the former Soviet Union and it didn't work. Here's why: Socialism is based on the idea that every human being on the planet is good, and that they will always put the good of society above their own selfish wants and needs. You don't need to look any further than Capitol Hill to realize that our elected leaders are more concerned about themselves than they are about what's best for America. Also, the Socialist system of labor doesn't reward anyone for working harder or coming up with better ways of doing things or developing new products that will benefit the rest of society. An excellent representation of this can be found right here in the USA -- the United Auto Workers. Promotions at the Big Three are based entirely on seniority, so it doesn't matter if you're a hard worker or can think outside the box or can streamline processes when it comes to promotions. What's the ultimate result? The most motivated worker works no harder than the laziest worker because there's no reward for doing so. Apply that across the board to our entire society, and you would bring everyone down to the lowest common denominator (true "dumbing down.") Does this help you see why socialism really is harmful?

Answer 3

I don't think people understand!!! When they want to increase the life of many people, they turn to government!!!! The worst mistake one can make! You have to force humans into competitive markets. Politics are too easily corrupted and if you notice, the people who plead for more social government intervention are the same people who have never picked up a book on economics!!! The quality of government help is autorocious and at the same time the competitive free market has been known to build the best efficiencies ever created! The private sector builds and the government pulls down! I am not saying that people like Hillary are evil, I am just saying they are brainwashed into thinking that the government will be the end all solution to the worlds problems!!! This is not and never will be viable! Instead of people preaching government intervention they should be educating the children to be self responsible, helping them understand economic freedom, and also leading by example! If people stopped and researched the goods and bads of over subsidization, we would have no economic liberals! You cannot overpay for goods and services and expect more technological and medicinal advances! Socialism doesn't work and every nation that goes through this process has paid more dearly than those who have not! America is not on free market healthcare anymore! This is one of the reasons why 35% of people can't afford insurance! It's not that there is too little government, but that there is too much government already! This double headed snake has to be tackled at the root! The addition of branches just makes it strong reducing the hope and strength the people have! I truly believe and would die to make the world a better place. The funny thing is, we shouldn't have to die for it! Human nature builds the best worlds, fighting this nature is actually fighting human nature! As long as conservatives and liberals thirst for control of others, we will never be able to have the best lives! It is sad but true! Competitve markets, not high taxes and big government build the greatest nations, highest average life expectancy, lowest amounts of child labor, lowest unemployment, more goods and services, better efficiency, lower adult literacy rates, lower infant death rates, as well as the greatest growth of income per capita! The problem is nobody ever researches these things! They always look at a politician and do whatever they say should be done! There is a reason that America doesn't have France's debt and 10.2% unemployment rate. There are reasons why France and Sweden's healthcare are starting to decrease in services rendered! There are reasons why Cuba, Venezuela, Africa, and many other socialist type countries are beginning to decrease in almost every category addressed above! Without knowledge these people are left to opinions, bad opinions. When I reject a government intervention they look at me as a devil even though I know I am doing the best thing for the future of society! It is sad to know that people are so bad that we can't even count on government! Many European countries were very rich before becoming socialist and now they are being drained more and more everyday! The downfall of society is not because of greedy people in the private sector, it is because of uneducated voters that pick a side without research! This cycle of life will never stop and there is nothing the few educated people can do to stop it! World socialism is beginning and it will cause more deaths than communism's 100 million murders! The broken window fallacy is applied in almost every case in this example but many will disregard it! It is sad that so many people care, but that very few of those people understand the best way to help! Teach self reliability to your children, help them understand philanthropy! Help them understand why human nature needs to be placed into competitive markets and why governments destroy growth and prosperity, especially for the poor! Help them understand the truth and lies from the politicians words! It is sad but in todays world, many people do not understand how things just have to be! Heaven on earth is not attainable! Never will be! Economic freedom such as Hong Kong will be exactly what is needed to spread religion peacefully as well as giving the best lives possible to the most people! Give freedom to all ~ Libertarian

Answer 4

I don't want equality with the guy working at Burger King. I didn't work my way through school and work my *** off to make the same money as someone who is uneducated and unambitious. I'll tell you right now, that if there were no incentives for working hard, I certainly wouldn't have done it. The only people that benefit from socialism are those that want to squeak by on the backs of others. As far as I can see, the "most important principle in socialism" is harmful.

Answer 5

In an ideal world socialism certainly isn't harmful. But, unfortunately we're not living in an ideal world. We've had Socialist governments in the past of course, those elected in 1945 and1964 spring immediately to mind. They did a lot of good socially (national health service, workers rights, welfare state, e.t.c) , but generally were pretty bad for the economy (unfettered inflation, Britain in debt to the IMF e.t.c). I tend to think a certain amount of socialism can be very good for the country, but a balance must be struck between social justice and sensible, prudent economics.

Answer 6

It is impossible for us all to be equal. As far as our rights - yes we are equal, we don't need a socialist government for that - we have the Constitution. A socialist government is harmful - we as the human race are different - our drive to succeed is different some are happy to live paycheck to paycheck - others strive to succeed & better themselves to the best of their abilities - why should we treat the ones that stay on welfare with no drive the same as the ones that work 70 hours a week?

Answer 7

I believe equality of opportunity is what is important. Now if you waste your opportunity why should I share anything with you.

There are a couple of good quotes on socialism by Churchill but the one I like most is "Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery. "

BTW socialism is just one opposition from communism, if you oppose our socialism we will takeover your country by revolution. If you go back since Roosevelt you will find that the democrats in congress have followed almost to the letter the tenets of communism.

So let me ask this is communism harmful?

Answer 8

Absolutely. Unlike ina free market, socialism evens everybody out to the same level, whether you are lazy or a hard worker. In the curret system smart, educated, business savvy individuals who work hard will become rich, lazy people who smoke crack will be poor and become liberals. In socialism everyone is rewarded the same, this works well under dictatorships with oppressed people like venezuela but not in the U.S..

Like if we have everything nationalized (like healthcare) everyone will have it but instead of paying good money for good medical care or not being able to afford good healthcare, all parties will get mediocre healthcare with service similar to the DMV. When companies dont have to fight for business and work for customer loyalty, they lose all aspects of customer service, quality product etc...

This is why we vote republican and not for Hilary, despite what anyone believes about the war, socialism is bad and has not worked well in any nation taht is similar in size and politics to the US.

Answer 9

im a socialist... equality and ownership of the means of production, and the creation of the social security system, and national health service... these rae the milestones and wonders of socialism...

the downside is nutters like red robbo and militancy... which are self serving and ultimately destructive...

in principle we are a socialist country... we all pay taxes, and the govt is supposed to ensure our standards of life, education and physical wellbeing...

and new labour.. well aneurin bevan will be screaming.. old conservatism if you ask me...

this country is great... its leaders are misguided... misinformed and pish poor at doing the job they were elected to do..

we need strong policies and a strong government...instead weve got tony blair... may god help us.

Answer 10

Democratic socialism would be good in the long run (in my opinion) but socialism that gets rid of capitalism and free enterprise completely would have negative effects. Its like Soviet Russia, it started off with good intentions of ruling by the people but turned against that completely.