Is financial relief for the unemployed an example of socialism?

[Micky G. Jagger]

Is financial relief for the unemployed an example of socialism?

 

[Bern80]

Is financial relief for the unemployed an example of socialism?

Techncially speaking, no.

 

[editec]

Is financial relief for the unemployed an example of socialism?

Any and EVERYTHING that a government does can be THOUGHT TO BE socialism if that's how you define socialism.

Using the ignorant anti-political science that some of you folks use to define SOCIALISM:

Homeland security? socialism
Fighting terrorists at home or abroad? socialism
The entire military? socialism

However, if we use the word the way it was originally meant, then socialism is the state of affairs where the government OWNS the means of production.

That's what socialism is.

It's NOT welfare, or the military or the cournts or public roads, it's not education, or intelligence agencies, it's NOT even when the government bails out the banks.

Those things are POLCIES that any KIND of government is apt to do.

They are not socialISM.

They are, however socialisTIC, given that society elected to do them.

 

[hortysir]

It doesn't start out as socialism/welfare as there is money paid in, by employers, to a fund to pay the unemployment compensation.
With all the extensions that have been tacked on states no longer have the money in their respective funds to pay the compensation.
As a result the Fed has had to pick up the tab.
Now, the Fed doesn't have an unemployment compensation fund so they can only reach into the tax jar.

Yay!!! More unfunded liabilities to explode our debt!!

 

[Cuyo]

I _THINK_ we all agree that it's 'Socialism...' But the 'Socialism' argument has become quite convoluted, and frankly, silly in the last 3 years or so. Socialism has been conflated with Communism. While Socialism is present in Communism, the presence of Socialism does not suggest the presence of Communism.

 

[uscitizen]

The extended unemployment benefits could Be construed as socialism by some I suppose.

Our tax payer funded education system is definately socialism.
Medciad is definately socialism.
Our road system is socialism.
Heck even our penal system could be called socialism.

But this is not to be confused with the old USSR's form of socialism.

Lets do away with all socialism.
No money /ins and hurt or sick you just die.
Parents cannnot afford the thousands per year cost of school? You remain ignorant.
Make every highway in america a private toll road?
Make prisoners pay for their own food in prison or they starve?

etc etc etc

 

[Barb]

It doesn't start out as socialism/welfare as there is money paid in, by employers, to a fund to pay the unemployment compensation.
With all the extensions that have been tacked on states no longer have the money in their respective funds to pay the compensation.
As a result the Fed has had to pick up the tab.
Now, the Fed doesn't have an unemployment compensation fund so they can only reach into the tax jar.

Yay!!! More unfunded liabilities to explode our debt!!

"explode" is hyperbole.
Photo - Spending Pie Chart - National Political Buzz | Examiner.com

It wasn't the common laborer, skilled worker, or professional who is ASS OUT of any hope for A JOB that created the clusterfuck that tanked our economy, it was the captains of industry and commerce that did that by deregulating, downsizing, outsourcing, raping, pillaging, and skull fucking anything that moved. They were shortsighted (and continue to be), grasping (and continue to be), piss poor planners that (rather than who) have no idea how to build sustainability of a consumer base (their MARKET) into any business plan. Big fucking surprise, people without a job can't pay their bills, wages that don't keep up with the cost of living lead people to spend less, people spending less costs industries money in lost revenue, leading to more downsizing, outsourcing (because they just don't LEARN), raping, pillaging, and skull fucking of anything left breathing.

And at this point, they blame the government that (rather than who) is structured to help them by helping people at least meet the basic standards of survival (rent, electric, food, medical; these are also industries) and prevent a further slide downward which, of course, the captains of industry and commerce would take as a signal to downsize, outsource, rape, pillage, and skullfuck anything and anyone left standing, including itself.

They found its tail, and ate it. It then expected the government to pay for reconstructive surgery. It immediately blamed the government for providing it.

But hey, blame the poor bastard who's ASS OUT of any hope for meaningful employment.

 

[Claudette]

Well I have friends down her in Florida who are on unemployment. Believe me. They are in no hurry to look for work.

They are overjoyed that the unemployment gravy train will keep on chugging along. These folks have no intention of actually looking for a job until the free ride comes to a halt.

I wonder how many across America are thinking the same way???

Of course there are folks out there who are actually looking for work.+

Perhaps now that business knows the Bush tax cuts are in place for 2 years they will start expand and hire. I certainly hope so.

The only question now is how hard Obamacare is gonna hit business?? All those waivers are starting to tell a story.

 

[thereisnospoon]

It doesn't start out as socialism/welfare as there is money paid in, by employers, to a fund to pay the unemployment compensation.
With all the extensions that have been tacked on states no longer have the money in their respective funds to pay the compensation.
As a result the Fed has had to pick up the tab.
Now, the Fed doesn't have an unemployment compensation fund so they can only reach into the tax jar.

Yay!!! More unfunded liabilities to explode our debt!!

Correct. A very astute observation!

 

[uscitizen]

Lets not forget that several/many states reduced the unemployment ins rates on employers a few years ago thinking that everything was going to be fine forever. Here in KY they still have not reset the ins rates back up to where they were.

 

[thereisnospoon]

It doesn't start out as socialism/welfare as there is money paid in, by employers, to a fund to pay the unemployment compensation.
With all the extensions that have been tacked on states no longer have the money in their respective funds to pay the compensation.
As a result the Fed has had to pick up the tab.
Now, the Fed doesn't have an unemployment compensation fund so they can only reach into the tax jar.

Yay!!! More unfunded liabilities to explode our debt!!

"explode" is hyperbole.
Photo - Spending Pie Chart - National Political Buzz | Examiner.com

It wasn't the common laborer, skilled worker, or professional who is ASS OUT of any hope for A JOB that created the clusterfuck that tanked our economy, it was the captains of industry and commerce that did that by deregulating, downsizing, outsourcing, raping, pillaging, and skull fucking anything that moved. They were shortsighted (and continue to be), grasping (and continue to be), piss poor planners that (rather than who) have no idea how to build sustainability of a consumer base (their MARKET) into any business plan. Big fucking surprise, people without a job can't pay their bills, wages that don't keep up with the cost of living lead people to spend less, people spending less costs industries money in lost revenue, leading to more downsizing, outsourcing (because they just don't LEARN), raping, pillaging, and skull fucking of anything left breathing.

And at this point, they blame the government that (rather than who) is structured to help them by helping people at least meet the basic standards of survival (rent, electric, food, medical; these are also industries) and prevent a further slide downward which, of course, the captains of industry and commerce would take as a signal to downsize, outsource, rape, pillage, and skullfuck anything and anyone left standing, including itself.

They found its tail, and ate it. It then expected the government to pay for reconstructive surgery. It immediately blamed the government for providing it.

But hey, blame the poor bastard who's ASS OUT of any hope for meaningful employment.

Anger.. Yes, another individual that looks upon them self as a perpetual victim.
Do you really think that every business owner, every board member of every corporation rolls out of bed in the morning with the monolithic goal of screwing as many people as humanly possible? REALLY?
DO you think that this country would be in better shape if we...now i want to make sure I have this correct, protectionist trade policies, no foreign competition, high tariffs on imports, virtual 100% job security in manufacturing, 100% union representation of all workers, an isolationist world view and a host of other ideas I see from the frustrated and angry in perpetuity?
Hey, bring it on. Let's see it.
BTW, I am not going to defend free trade agreements because I oppose free trade where the trading partner is not equal. I support "Fair" trade.

 

[Barb]

It doesn't start out as socialism/welfare as there is money paid in, by employers, to a fund to pay the unemployment compensation.
With all the extensions that have been tacked on states no longer have the money in their respective funds to pay the compensation.
As a result the Fed has had to pick up the tab.
Now, the Fed doesn't have an unemployment compensation fund so they can only reach into the tax jar.

Yay!!! More unfunded liabilities to explode our debt!!

"explode" is hyperbole.
Photo - Spending Pie Chart - National Political Buzz | Examiner.com

It wasn't the common laborer, skilled worker, or professional who is ASS OUT of any hope for A JOB that created the clusterfuck that tanked our economy, it was the captains of industry and commerce that did that by deregulating, downsizing, outsourcing, raping, pillaging, and skull fucking anything that moved. They were shortsighted (and continue to be), grasping (and continue to be), piss poor planners that (rather than who) have no idea how to build sustainability of a consumer base (their MARKET) into any business plan. Big fucking surprise, people without a job can't pay their bills, wages that don't keep up with the cost of living lead people to spend less, people spending less costs industries money in lost revenue, leading to more downsizing, outsourcing (because they just don't LEARN), raping, pillaging, and skull fucking of anything left breathing.

And at this point, they blame the government that (rather than who) is structured to help them by helping people at least meet the basic standards of survival (rent, electric, food, medical; these are also industries) and prevent a further slide downward which, of course, the captains of industry and commerce would take as a signal to downsize, outsource, rape, pillage, and skullfuck anything and anyone left standing, including itself.

They found its tail, and ate it. It then expected the government to pay for reconstructive surgery. It immediately blamed the government for providing it.

But hey, blame the poor bastard who's ASS OUT of any hope for meaningful employment.

Anger.. Yes, another individual that looks upon them self as a perpetual victim.
Do you really think that every business owner, every board member of every corporation rolls out of bed in the morning with the monolithic goal of screwing as many people as humanly possible? REALLY?
DO you think that this country would be in better shape if we...now i want to make sure I have this correct, protectionist trade policies, no foreign competition, high tariffs on imports, virtual 100% job security in manufacturing, 100% union representation of all workers, an isolationist world view and a host of other ideas I see from the frustrated and angry in perpetuity?
Hey, bring it on. Let's see it.
BTW, I am not going to defend free trade agreements because I oppose free trade where the trading partner is not equal. I support "Fair" trade.

1) I'm working. Fail
2) BIG business drives, corporate interests are represented. My father was a small business man. Fail X 2
3) BIG business already HAS protectionist trade policies. If not, hemp AND cannabis would be legal and taxed, for just those two (connected) examples. Fail X 3
4) Unions have been in bed with capital at least since the late 50's. Fail X 4

I agree with fair trade. Its better for everybody.

 

[PLYMCO_PILGRIM]

Is financial relief for the unemployed an example of socialism?

I dont see an acceptable option in your poll.

Do you pay unemployment taxes while you are working?
Does your employer pay unemployment fees while you are collecting?
Did you have to initially hold a job for a period of time before you can be eligible for unemployment?


The unemployment extentions are a form of socialism but the initial 26 weeks of unemployment, which was paid for by your employer and your own taxes, is not.

 

[ScreamingEagle]

Technically it may not be, and of course at first the company pays for it.....however....

if socialism is defined as when government OWNS the means of production......i'd say the extended unemployment PAID FOR for by the government means that the government pretty much OWNS labor....since they are paying for it....or you could just call it welfare...which is also socialism...

The real question.....

WHY do you think the Left wants to pay for extra unemployment welfare....because they CARE for the poor souls out of a job?.......hahaha......lemme show you a bridge for sale.....

 

[Old Rocks]

Well I have friends down her in Florida who are on unemployment. Believe me. They are in no hurry to look for work.

They are overjoyed that the unemployment gravy train will keep on chugging along. These folks have no intention of actually looking for a job until the free ride comes to a halt.

I wonder how many across America are thinking the same way???

Of course there are folks out there who are actually looking for work.+

Perhaps now that business knows the Bush tax cuts are in place for 2 years they will start expand and hire. I certainly hope so.

The only question now is how hard Obamacare is gonna hit business?? All those waivers are starting to tell a story.

And I know people that have lost their jobs, and have been pounding pavement for over a year looking for work.

Delta had 1000 opening for flight attendants, they received 100,000 applications. A school announced that there is a janitorial opening, and recieved 500 applications. Look in any paper, and you see the same kind of thing.

I really think that you are making up the your story, and are one hard hearted Conservative.

 

[Full-Auto]

Well I have friends down her in Florida who are on unemployment. Believe me. They are in no hurry to look for work.

They are overjoyed that the unemployment gravy train will keep on chugging along. These folks have no intention of actually looking for a job until the free ride comes to a halt.

I wonder how many across America are thinking the same way???

Of course there are folks out there who are actually looking for work.+

Perhaps now that business knows the Bush tax cuts are in place for 2 years they will start expand and hire. I certainly hope so.

The only question now is how hard Obamacare is gonna hit business?? All those waivers are starting to tell a story.

And I know people that have lost their jobs, and have been pounding pavement for over a year looking for work.

Delta had 1000 opening for flight attendants, they received 100,000 applications. A school announced that there is a janitorial opening, and recieved 500 applications. Look in any paper, and you see the same kind of thing.

I really think that you are making up the your story, and are one hard hearted Conservative.

Lets add to your remarks.

Boeings just hired 150 people, 250k applied.

 

[Old Rocks]

Between 2001 and 2009, there were 42,000 factories in the US shut down and the jobs outsourced overseas. We actually gave tax breaks to the companies doing this. And lost over 500 jobs per factory. But the wealthy made a killing off of this. So now we are to throw people out of work because of Republican policies off of unemployment.

So how do they and their children eat? Even when they are living in a car, they still have to eat. But that is irrelevant. Much more important that the very wealthy get their tax break. Even though they pay a much lower percentage of income in taxes than do middle class earners such as myself.

The morality represented by the present Republican Party is despicable.

 

[Full-Auto]

Between 2001 and 2009, there were 42,000 factories in the US shut down and the jobs outsourced overseas. We actually gave tax breaks to the companies doing this. And lost over 500 jobs per factory. But the wealthy made a killing off of this. So now we are to throw people out of work because of Republican policies off of unemployment.

So how do they and their children eat? Even when they are living in a car, they still have to eat. But that is irrelevant. Much more important that the very wealthy get their tax break. Even though they pay a much lower percentage of income in taxes than do middle class earners such as myself.

The morality represented by the present Republican Party is despicable.

So your solution is to give a free pass to your party.

Its the richs fault.

LOONEY TUNES.

 

[Old Rocks]

Well I have friends down her in Florida who are on unemployment. Believe me. They are in no hurry to look for work.

They are overjoyed that the unemployment gravy train will keep on chugging along. These folks have no intention of actually looking for a job until the free ride comes to a halt.

I wonder how many across America are thinking the same way???

Of course there are folks out there who are actually looking for work.+

Perhaps now that business knows the Bush tax cuts are in place for 2 years they will start expand and hire. I certainly hope so.

The only question now is how hard Obamacare is gonna hit business?? All those waivers are starting to tell a story.

And I know people that have lost their jobs, and have been pounding pavement for over a year looking for work.

Delta had 1000 opening for flight attendants, they received 100,000 applications. A school announced that there is a janitorial opening, and recieved 500 applications. Look in any paper, and you see the same kind of thing.

I really think that you are making up the your story, and are one hard hearted Conservative.

Lets add to your remarks.

Boeings just hired 150 people, 250k applied.

Yes, figures like that are in every paper. Yet these people still insist that the people out of work are just lazy. My grandfathers told me that the attitude of this kind of person was the same in the Great Depression.

 

[Old Rocks]

Between 2001 and 2009, there were 42,000 factories in the US shut down and the jobs outsourced overseas. We actually gave tax breaks to the companies doing this. And lost over 500 jobs per factory. But the wealthy made a killing off of this. So now we are to throw people out of work because of Republican policies off of unemployment.

So how do they and their children eat? Even when they are living in a car, they still have to eat. But that is irrelevant. Much more important that the very wealthy get their tax break. Even though they pay a much lower percentage of income in taxes than do middle class earners such as myself.

The morality represented by the present Republican Party is despicable.

So your solution is to give a free pass to your party.

Its the richs fault.

LOONEY TUNES.

Bullshit. The very people that created this debacle walked away with tens of millions in bonuses. Don't have time now to provide links, but anyone that has lived through the last ten years knows that.