What is Socialism?

[rdean]

The "Last Word" is on right now with a bunch of Tea Party leaders from all over the US.

Lawrence O'Donnell asked them if Social Security is socialism. They said no.

He asked if Medicare is socialism. They said no.

He asked them to name a socialistic program they want to abolish. Still waiting.

 

[Baruch Menachem]

Obviously, the study of Geography in Chicago schools is a total waste of time.

 

[MarcATL]

did u watch maher this weekend?

Salem (sp) and hoover, both CON$ were damn near livid when the CON$' tactics were called out, although not even them RW elites were able to point out any similar behaviour from the left.

Lawrence pointed out that he had 4 Teabaggers on his show this week, which I watched that show, who could not point out any socialism or give any straight answers to anything.

Anyway, to answer your question directly, its a derogatory term the RWers use to attack The Left.

Nothing more. Nothing less.

 

[rdean]

The finally named one. The department of education. Figures.

 

[MarcATL]

after being pushed and prodded...and larry actually gave it to him, by saying "would u cut the dept. of education?" then the bagger responded, "yeah, thats a good idea" then larry prodded again..."well would you?" THEN he finally said "yes, yes I would cut it...entirely."

this is all from memory, so it may not be exact quotes.

 

[rdean]

Obviously, the study of Geography in Chicago schools is a total waste of time.

I asked someone to name a country. They gave a location. That makes me an idiot? To me, it makes them seem like they didn't understand the question.

Or maybe, they just couldn't bring themselves to say this country by name?

How often does the Republican leadership say the words, "Middle Class"?

 

[loosecannon]

did u watch maher this weekend?

Salem (sp) and hoover, both CON$ were damn near livid when the CON$' tactics were called out, although not even them RW elites were able to point out any similar behaviour from the left.

Lawrence pointed out that he had 4 Teabaggers on his show this week, which I watched that show, who could not point out any socialism or give any straight answers to anything.

Anyway, to answer your question directly, its a derogatory term the RWers use to attack The Left.

Nothing more. Nothing less.

Well in all honesty yes, and no.

The right is confusing social democracy with the kind of socialism that is akin to commyism, for obvious theatrical value.

But we are morphing into a full on social democracy at a time when social democracies are failing for that very reason.

And do the research, social democracy was indeed intended as a different transition into communism than ordinary socialism:

Social democracy is a political ideology of the centre-left on the classic political spectrum. The contemporary social democratic movement seeks to reform capitalism to align it with the ethical ideals of social justice while maintaining the capitalist mode of production, as opposed to creating an alternative socialist economic system.[1] Practical modern social democratic policies include the promotion of a welfare state, and the creation of economic democracy as a means to secure workers' rights.[2]

Historically, social democracy was a form of evolutionary reformist socialism[2] that advocated the establishment of a socialist economy through class struggle. During the early 20th century, major European social democratic parties began to reject elements of Marxism, Revolutionary socialism and class struggle, taking a moderate position that socialism could be established through political reforms. The distinction between Social Democracy and Democratic Socialism had yet to fully develop at this time. The Frankfurt Declaration of the Socialist International in 1951, attended by many social democratic parties from across the world, committed adherents to oppose Bolshevik communism and Stalinism, and to promote a gradual transformation of capitalism into socialism.[3]

Social democracy, as practiced in Europe in 1951, was a socialist movement supporting gradualism; the belief that gradual democratic reforms to capitalist economies will eventually succeed in creating a socialist economy.[4] rejecting forcible imposition of socialism through revolutionary means.[4] This gradualism has resulted in various far left groups, including communists, of accusing social democracy of accepting the values of capitalist society and therefore not being a genuine form of socialism[4],instead labeling it a concession made to the working class classes by the ruling class. Social democracy rejects the Marxian principle of dictatorship of the proletariat and the creation of a socialist state, claiming that gradualist democratic reforms will improve the rights of the working class.[5]

Since the rise in popularity of the New Right and neoliberalism, a number of prominent social democratic parties have abandoned the goal of the gradual evolution of capitalism to socialism and instead support welfare state capitalism.[6] Social democracy as such has arisen as a distinct ideology from democratic socialism. In many countries, social democrats continue to exist alongside democratic socialists, who stand to the left of them on the political spectrum. The two movements sometimes operate within the same political party, such as the Brazilian Workers' Party[7] and the Socialist Party of France. In recent years, several social democratic parties (in particular, the British Labour Party) have embraced more centrist, Third Way policy positions. This development has generated considerable controversy.

The Socialist International (SI) is the main international organization of social democratic and moderate socialist parties. It affirms the following principles: first, freedom—not only individual liberties, but also freedom from discrimination and freedom from dependence on either the owners of the means of production or the holders of abusive political power; second, equality and social justice—not only before the law but also economic and socio-cultural equality as well, and equal opportunities for all including those with physical, mental, or social disabilities; and, third, solidarity—unity and a sense of compassion for the victims of injustice and inequality. These ideals are described in further detail in the SI's Declaration of Principles.[8]

Social democracy - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[u2scram]

capitalism is the private ownership of all resources and the means of production and distribution.

communism is the public ownership of all resources and the means of production and distribution.

socialism is a mixed economy with both private and public investment. but private investment must be publicly responsible to the people.

 

[Quantum Windbag]

capitalism is the private ownership of all resources and the means of production and distribution.

communism is the public ownership of all resources and the means of production and distribution.

socialism is a mixed economy with both private and public investment. but private investment must be publicly responsible to the people.

Boy, did you get that wrong.

Thanks for playing though.

 

[Revere]

Medicare and Social Security are both insolvent.

You want more where that came from?

 

[Paulie]

How are SS and medicare not socialist programs?

Could someone please elaborate while I wait with bated breath?

 

[Douger]

The Bolivarian constitution of Venezuela.Go get someone to read it to you.

 

[Sallow]

I saw that. There was only one of them that had any real serious answer..and even it was pretty weak.

But there are many things in this country that are socialist:
-The Military - Mandated by the US Constitution
-The US Postal Service - Mandated by the US Constitution
- Social Security
- Medicare
- Medicade
- Fire departments
- Police departments
- Sanitation departments
- The Prison system
- The Department of Education

I am sure everyone gets the point..because there is ALOT more.

 

[Revere]

Does the US Department of Education educate anyone?

With the exception of that, the Military, and Medicare, states and municipalities run the rest of those services, no the Federal government.

 

[Micky G. Jagger]

The "Last Word" is on right now with a bunch of Tea Party leaders from all over the US.

Lawrence O'Donnell asked them if Social Security is socialism. They said no.

He asked if Medicare is socialism. They said no.

He asked them to name a socialistic program they want to abolish. Still waiting.

Americans love many of the Working Programs advocated by the Socialists in their 1912 Platform. Here are just a few of them:

Government relief of the unemployed

Shortening the work day

A rest period of not less than a day and a half in each week for every worker

Inspection of workshops, factories and mines

The absolute freedom of press, speech and assemblage

A graduated income tax

Extension of inheritance taxes, graduated in proportion to the value of the estate

Equal suffrage for men and women
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