Why does the US constantly spread the myth that Europe is 'socialist' (more)?

Question

...and automatically attach negative connotations to that? I am beginning to think that many people no longer know what socialism means. All the countries of Europe have a capitalist economy.

Lilian: where must I look exactly?

Jeff - There are social programmes in the US, does that make it socialist?

Pete - Socialism is an economic theory, not a political one. Both capitalism and socialism have a degree of governmental influence.

Pete - Socialism is an economic theory, not a political one. Both capitalism and socialism have a degree of governmental influence.

Ricardus - You are patently talking nonsense. The governments do not own any major businesses. If they did they might be able to get their own way more often. Many American senators either own or are CEOs of giant corporations, is that socialism too?

Locutus - Which country put satellites into space that can map and follow the earth to pinpoint accuracy? Which was it again....?

Answer 1

Then if we can't agree to call them socialist, can we at least agree that some European countries provide services at such levels and implement restrictions and requirements that would at least appear to be motivated by the goal of providing more social services and support by the government rather than the individual or private concerns?

Is there a tipping point where a country is defined as socialist? If so, what is the exact criteria? I don't think there is an exact answer that applies well to all countries when I agree, every major country in the world has a capitalistic economy. Many countries, to different degrees, use the resources generated by this economy differently to achieve different results.

Perhaps it would help your debate to provide your definition of socialism since others out here can't seem to understand it as well as you.

My view is that I tend to think capitalism is the engine that drives the world economy while socialism is like the anti-pollution devices required for reducing emissions. We all can appreciate the need for certain amounts of that up to a point. Having no pollution control would be irresponsible, but so would having a car that looks good on paper but costs so much and moves so slowly that no one is willling to buy it.

Answer 2

We do not believe that all countries in Europe are socialistic. Despite the fact that all countries in Europe have a capitalistic economy, that does not mean that some are, by general definition, socialistic. That term refers to a system of govt. where many services are supplied by the state rather than purchased by the individual - not just that all property is owned by the govt., and economic activity is planned and controlled by the govt. Hope this clears up a few things.

Answer 3

Well, maybe because they are. And if you'd ever lived in a socialist or strongly socialist leaning country, you'd know why. Let me share with you. I've lived in Germany and Australia, as well as a few other places. But those two tend to be the socialist model you're talking about. Taxes in Australia are around 60 to 65%. Every Aussie has 'free' medical care, but the country is having such a hard time funding that, even with the taxes, that the government is 'encouraging'..and just short of forcing...those who can afford private insurance, to buy it and use private hospitals. Mind you, they still have to pay for the 'social' program that they are 'encouraged' not to use. And the hospitals? The care? Well, head on down to your favorite inner city hospital. It's crowded, it's run down, it's poorly supplied and underfunded. That's your Aussie health care system. That's just the major program. (NOTE: Aussie medical professionals are incredible people. The problem is in no way with them. It's with the overly bureaucratic, underfunded, undersupplied and over used socialized system.)

And yeah, we do have some 'social' programs in the United States, such as our educational system. But the cost of education in America is literally pennys compared to the costs of medical care in this country. Absolutely no comparison.

So that's the reason I'm fighting as hard as I can against the liberal's glossy marketing touting the fantasy of 'free' quality medical care for all. Because it's a fantasy. That is a fact. It's a fact that can be witnessed in every socialist nation in the world. And the problem with programs such as this is also the fact that once 'implemented', they NEVER go away. Governments just keep dumping more and more money into it thinking that that will fix the problems that WILL result. The government NEVER drops a program. EVER. You want to live with the mistake? You want to hand over 60% of your income to a fat white elephant? Go for it. But I've seen that elephant and America can do better.

(By the way, note the constant double digit unemployment in France and Germany, among others, that these government's socialist agenda saps out of the 'capitalist' economies.)

Answer 4

This bonehead above me is generalising from two countries with a thick layer of ideology on top.
America's healthcare system is well provided for in terms of equipment etc, but not everybody can afford access to it. In a money talks healthcare system, people suffer. I am European, but I have lived in the US and in England, and Britain's NHS is far better than the US.
Some things work better with private funding, but fundamental services should not be based on an ability to pay.

Like a lot of folks here have written, anything without the republican stamp of approval is communism to them.

Answer 5

Truthfully most european countries are in some form a mixed economic structure, partly capitalist and partly socialist.
Even the USA is to some degree. Its which components are in the socialist segment and to what degree that people are generally talking about.

Answer 6

Well, our government is bound to show we the people that our form of governing is the only way. Why would you be honest to the people so they can come to the realistic conclusion that it is better elsewhere and have all those tax dollars pack up and leave their citizenship behind, that is lost revenue to our dear old uncle Sam's entourage. Fewer bombs, less fear, more world citizens with open minds living in environments that nurture and foster instead of separate and breed fear, ignorance and complacancy.

Answer 7

I have to admit, they do the same with Canada.

The conservatives are just so terrified of socialism taking over. Because in a completely socialist society, only the dictator is allowed to be rich.

Answer 8

Your question is excellent and insightful.

It is true that most Americans do not understand what socialism is, especially when there are people in the US who are constantly saying that the Democrats are a "socialist" or "communist" political party, or have supporters who are of those two political persuasions.

The Democrats are a right-wing conservative political party that supports capitalism with only minor differences from the Republicans who are even more conservative and right-wing with many of its supporters from the KKK, the John Birch Society or the Nazi Party.

Answer 9

so which is it?..are you a proud or persecuted generalized socialist?

all European Countries have Socialist Parties from what I have read..in my estimation any country that takes more than the citizens freely want to submit as taxes is socialist

I read about poor medicine and better than 50% tax rates..hey..those are your issues..

we fight hard to keep gov't out of deciding things like the amount of vacation one gets..like in France where a Journalist gets twice as much as a Baker

Answer 10

Both the US and Europe is a mixture of capitalist and socialist elements.