Discussions of Socialism are always amusing. What so many fail to grasp, is that there are no true socialist countries and there are no true capitalistic countries. Except for a few notable exceptions, every country's economic system is a blend of socialism and capitalism.
Many on the Right feel that any move toward socialism is wrong and is leading us toward disaster. There is a grain of truth here. If social programs are introduced to a point where the existence of free markets are seriously threaten, as was the case in the USSR, China, Cuba, & North Korea then the RightÂ’s fears would be well founded. However, the US is one of the most capitalist nations and there is little chance that US would ever do this. Yet the Right raves on constantly about the grave dangers of socialism.
Social programs such as public education, Social Security, universals healthcare, assistance for the poor have proved their worth throughout the world. As with all endeavors, some countries introduce poorly conceived and administered programs, but all and all, most countries the Right considers socialist have done pretty well. For example, the Right often chastises Sweden for itÂ’s social programs and effect on the economy. Today unemployment in Sweden is very close the US 9.5% rate. The average GDP in Sweden over the last 4 years is 2.5% beating the US rate of 2.0%. SwedenÂ’s standard of living and life expectancy are almost second to none. Sweden is a world leader in education. Swedish healthcare is consistently highly ranked. In a recent survey, more than 70 percent of the Swedes said it would be easy to find quality care at a reasonable price if a family member became ill, compared to just 51 percent of Americans. Other countries experience with social programs varies of course, but if you take off your political filtered glasses and look at the real world, good social programs can coexist with free markets, a high standard living, and a robust economy.