So You Hate Socialism.......

[Mertex]

Getting Social Security is NOT socialism, you earned it by contributing your share for 50+ years.

I totally agree with you on that one.

 

[Ringel05]

Big problem? How is dealing with people making wrong assumptions (and being nasty about it) a big problem.......?

You're not able to deal with it, that's the big problem. Comprehension is another one.

You truly have gone nutter!!!!

Yeah....that's what most nutters do.....project. Go take your Hapinex....

And what's even funnier is you honestly believe the crap your spewing right now!!!!

(Hint: the old Mertex wouldn't have been so stupid........)

Wow! The REAL Ringel105 finally showed up......thanks for proving my point....and I won't be wasting any more time responding to your inane comments.....obviously you're pretty butt hurt and you obviously can't hold back your repressed anger.....is it the lack of luster from the Clowns that has you upset, or the fact they're so amusing with their food fights in everyone of their debates, or the fact that your hero T-Chump is losing to Carson?

Don't bother answering the last question.......it's probably a combination of all, and like I said, I won't be wasting any more time with you.

Have a good day, Sad Sack.

If you want, one day I'll tell you why your complete interaction with me here was based on a mis-assumption on your part but more importantly based on your copping an attitude right off the bat. If you hadn't have done that I would not have let you continue to make an ass (and a fool) out of yourself.

 

[Ringel05]

So we hear so many Americans claim they hate socialism and don't think Bernie Sanders would have a chance to win if he were selected as the Democratic candidate. I wonder how many truly understand socialism and are even enjoying socialism without even realizing it.

The one that really surprises me is the military......conservatives claim they love the military and don't mind the bulk of our tax-payer money going toward maintaining it....the military, it's the closest to socialism of the many programs we support.


Socialism.

There is nothing more feared and hated in America.

The word alone sends shivers down the spine of the American people.

Those three syllables conger up images of Big Brother Government ruling over us all, telling us what to eat, wear, buy, and think. Our children in national uniform being indoctrinated with propaganda in government education camps that use to be schools, turning them into little slaves. While their parents work twelve hour shifts in the concentration camp that slaughters rich successful billionaires, as the poor and needy get a million dollars a month in welfare. A murderous government waging a war against freedom and liberty to gain complete control over everyone and everything.
They imagine the USSR and how Democrats are turning America into it because our government will give money to poor people so they don't starve to death. (Giving money to billion dollar corporations is NOT socialism somehow. You would be a communist and a hippie to think otherwise.)

This is scary stuff!

And it's about to get scarier, because I have some terrifying news for you....

Socialism is alive and well in America and it has been here for a very long time!

Oh, that's not all. it gets much worse! I hope your sitting down...

As it turns out, You love socialism and you use it everyday, and you may not even know it! It may have even saved your life. I know, this is bad...


1. The Military/Defense - The United States military is the largest and most funded socialist program in the world. It operates thanks to our taxpayer dollars and protects the country as a whole. From the richest citizens to the homeless who sleep under the bridge. We are all protected by our military whether we pay taxes or not. This is complete socialism.

2. Highways/Roads - Those roads and highways you drive on every single day are completely taxpayer funded. Your tax dollars are used to maintain, expand, and preserve our highways and roads for every one's use. President Eisenhower was inspired by Germany's autobahn and implemented the idea right here in America. That's right, a republican president created our taxpayer funded, national highway system. This was a different time, before the republican party came down with a vicious case of rabies that never went away.

3. Public Libraries - Yes. That place where you go to check out books from conservative authors telling you how horrible socialism is, is in fact socialism. Libraries are taxpayer funded. You pay a few bucks to get a library card and you can read books for free for the rest of your life.

4. Police - Ever had a situation where you had to call the police? Then you have used a taxpayer funded socialist program. Anyone can call the police whether they pay taxes or not. They are there to protect and serve the community, not individuals. This is complete socialism on a state level, but still socialism all the same. Would you rather have to swipe your credit card before the police will help you?

5. Fire Dept. - Hopefully you have never had a fire in your home. But if you have, you probably called your local taxpayer-funded fire department to put the fire out. Like police, this is state socialism. You tax dollars are used to rescue your entire community in case of a fire. It use to be set up where you would pay a fee every month to the fire dept. for their service. If you didn't pay, they let your house burn down. Sadly, a man from Tennessee had this exact situation happen to him in 2011 because he didn't pay his $75.00 fee. I guess that small town in Tennessee would rather let people's houses burn down that resort to evil socialism. So don't take for granted the fact that you have a 24/7 fire dept. to put out your burning home thanks to socialism.

6. Postal Service - Like having mail delivered directly to your front door and paying next to nothing to send mail anywhere you want? Well it's all made possible by socialism.

7. Student Loans and Grants - Did you go to College? If you did, you family might not have been rich enough to pay your way through. So you got your education anyway through student loans and grants from the federal government at taxpayer expense. Of course you have to pay back the loans, but if not the government, did you know anyone else who was going to lend you tens of thousands of dollars? Probably not. So the taxpayers lent you the money and you paid it back with slight interest. The government grants you accepted were gifts from the taxpayer and the federal government that you did not have to pay back. Socialism got you through school.

(and 68 more..............)
75 Ways Socialism Has Improved America

In my opinion, people that accuse Vets of enjoying the benefits of socialism, should be ass raped in a gun free zone.

but that's just an opinion, and according to leftist, like **** for all, it's ok to have a violent desire if it's stated as an opinion.

Not enjoying socialism but the VA is by loose definition socialized medicine. I should know, it's what I have..........

If you get something that you earned, it is NOT socialism.

You earned your VA benefits by doing your service for your country.

When you lack self-respect and take something you have not earned it is socialism.

Getting Social Security is NOT socialism, you earned it by contributing your share for 50+ years.

Earning it has nothing to do with it, it's still taxpayer funded whether earned or not and it's government controlled......... Obviously you have some very misinformed ideas of what constitutes socialism (it does take many forms.........).

 

[FJO]

I was "less fortunate" when I immigrated as a seventeen year old to a new country, not knowing the language, yet in the 59 years since then I never relied on someone else paying my rent, food, phone, education, entertainment, car, mortgage, medical care, or any other stuff that is paid for hopeless slugs by robbing a large chunk out of my well earned pension.

So your take is the same as so many conservatives.......everyone on welfare is lazy and no good. Just because you were able to make it, everyone else should....regardless of their situation?

20 Things The Poor Really Do Every Day

Maybe you're not a Christian, but it amazes me that the majority of Republicans are Christian and they spew the same nonsense you just did. Why do conservatives hate poor people? Especially the ones that call themselves Christian?

In my earlier life I did most of the 20 things your link lists. I skipped meals. I lived in hovels. I smoked and drank less than others. I avoided having kids until I was married.

And your point? That parents in that predicament should suck it up and let their children skip meals? Many already live in hovels and I'm not a bit surprised by your overtly greedy "conservative" response.

Some of those on your list are completely contrived, and nothing but fillers to make your list of woes up to 20.

You know this because you have investigated every single poor person in the US, right?

I am a Christian by my deeds, not like a liberal who only parrots empty words of compassion while being supremely intolerant.

Your deeds, bemoaning the small amount of your paycheck that goes to welfare, is not Christian at all. And, your accusation that liberals only parrot empty words is laughable, since we're the ones supporting Planned Parenthood, which provides valuable services to women all over the US that can't afford it, who support SNAPs which provides food for children and the elderly and many other programs you stingy conservatives want to do away with while promoting more loopholes and tax breaks for the wealthy?

My deeds were sweating in 98 degree heat in Homestead, FL volunteering with Habitat for Humanity between 1993 and 2004, one week each year, building homes for - surprise - black people, none of whom ever called me racist or a redneck.

If you are are proud of supporting Planned Parenthood, you must be proud of all those drown their babies in the bath tub, shake them to death, beat their heads in, because the main and primary obligation and purpose in life of Planned Parenthood is ABORTION and that is nothing less than infanticide. So, be proud. Besides, with the glorious success of Obamacare, health care is provided, so why need Planned Parenthood?

I can be critical of SNAP, because I never needed it. Better, still, I never would have wanted it. I managed to curb my hornyness and never had a child I did not want, and could not keep fed. Moreover I am elderly now, I still do not want or need support I did not EARN.

 

[Mertex]

I was "less fortunate" when I immigrated as a seventeen year old to a new country, not knowing the language, yet in the 59 years since then I never relied on someone else paying my rent, food, phone, education, entertainment, car, mortgage, medical care, or any other stuff that is paid for hopeless slugs by robbing a large chunk out of my well earned pension.

So your take is the same as so many conservatives.......everyone on welfare is lazy and no good. Just because you were able to make it, everyone else should....regardless of their situation?

20 Things The Poor Really Do Every Day

Maybe you're not a Christian, but it amazes me that the majority of Republicans are Christian and they spew the same nonsense you just did. Why do conservatives hate poor people? Especially the ones that call themselves Christian?

In my earlier life I did most of the 20 things your link lists. I skipped meals. I lived in hovels. I smoked and drank less than others. I avoided having kids until I was married.

And your point? That parents in that predicament should suck it up and let their children skip meals? Many already live in hovels and I'm not a bit surprised by your overtly greedy "conservative" response.

Some of those on your list are completely contrived, and nothing but fillers to make your list of woes up to 20.

You know this because you have investigated every single poor person in the US, right?

I am a Christian by my deeds, not like a liberal who only parrots empty words of compassion while being supremely intolerant.

Your deeds, bemoaning the small amount of your paycheck that goes to welfare, is not Christian at all. And, your accusation that liberals only parrot empty words is laughable, since we're the ones supporting Planned Parenthood, which provides valuable services to women all over the US that can't afford it, who support SNAPs which provides food for children and the elderly and many other programs you stingy conservatives want to do away with while promoting more loopholes and tax breaks for the wealthy?

My deeds were sweating in 98 degree heat in Homestead, FL volunteering with Habitat for Humanity between 1993 and 2004, one week each year, building homes for - surprise - black people, none of whom ever called me racist or a redneck.

Many of us do good deeds.......but they don't undo the hurt and pain that is caused when funds to some of these programs are mercilessly slashed, and all by so called mean-well Republicans. To the extent they are willing to shut down the government, and hurt even more people.

http://www.newrepublic.com/article/...se-budget-proposal-would-cut-snap-food-stamps
The Republican Playbook for Cutting Anti-Poverty Programs
No Courage

If you are are proud of supporting Planned Parenthood, you must be proud of all those drown their babies in the bath tub, shake them to death, beat their heads in, because the main and primary obligation and purpose in life of Planned Parenthood is ABORTION and that is nothing less than infanticide. So, be proud. Besides, with the glorious success of Obamacare, health care is provided, so why need Planned Parenthood?

That is a made-up story made up by the anti-abortion groups who claim they are so pro-life but don't mind cutting programs that help poor families, which includes many babies and young children. You should be so proud. And, FYI, many of the people on Welfare can't afford Obamacare...and my state Texas, run by Republicans didn't extend Medicaid....so millions could end up dying....another thing you can be proud of. I guess if they die after they are "birthed" it doesn't count as a death to conservatives?

Rick Perry's Refusal to Expand Texas' Medicaid Program Could Result In Thousands of Deaths - The Texas Observer

I can be critical of SNAP, because I never needed it. Better, still, I never would have wanted it. I managed to curb my hornyness and never had a child I did not want, and could not keep fed. Moreover I am elderly now, I still do not want or need support I did not EARN.

Well whoopee for you.....pat yourself on the back. That's the problem with most conservatives, they think that if they made it, then everyone else should, too. I bet you're white and don't even consider the discrimination that many hispanics and blacks have to put up with since they don't have the "white privileges" that some of us do.

 

[SAYIT]

I was "less fortunate" when I immigrated as a seventeen year old to a new country, not knowing the language, yet in the 59 years since then I never relied on someone else paying my rent, food, phone, education, entertainment, car, mortgage, medical care, or any other stuff that is paid for hopeless slugs by robbing a large chunk out of my well earned pension.

So your take is the same as so many conservatives.......everyone on welfare is lazy and no good. Just because you were able to make it, everyone else should....regardless of their situation?

20 Things The Poor Really Do Every Day

Maybe you're not a Christian, but it amazes me that the majority of Republicans are Christian and they spew the same nonsense you just did. Why do conservatives hate poor people? Especially the ones that call themselves Christian?

FJO had the temerity to explain why he believes so many who should be helping to carry the load for those who truly can't instead CHOOSE not only to eschew that responsibility but to add themselves to the ranks of those who benefit from the confiscated wealth of others.

I've read the entire thread and dozens more with a similar theme and have noticed virtually no one promoting abandonment of those who truly need our help and no one who hates "poor people." I have, however, seen much disdain for those who, through their own poor CHOICES, are a burden on the rest of us.

That lack of social responsibility and creeping (and creepy) sense of entitlement is a slippery slope that makes it too easy to for too many to believe they have no duty to the needy and are somehow entitled to the fruit of others' labor.

Your sentiments, while seemingly noble, merely encourages their irresponsibility and wrapping yourself in a cloak of Christianity is disingenuous at best.

Your "give the hungry a fish" mentality serves neither the providers nor the receivers but rather gives you a smug sense of satisfaction while sentencing the poor to generational poverty.

FJO described how he - thanks to the success he's enjoyed and his sense of social responsibility - personally has given back to the less fortunate in their time of need.

WTF have you done besides put yourself on a "Good Christian" pedestal?

 

[Mertex]

I was "less fortunate" when I immigrated as a seventeen year old to a new country, not knowing the language, yet in the 59 years since then I never relied on someone else paying my rent, food, phone, education, entertainment, car, mortgage, medical care, or any other stuff that is paid for hopeless slugs by robbing a large chunk out of my well earned pension.

So your take is the same as so many conservatives.......everyone on welfare is lazy and no good. Just because you were able to make it, everyone else should....regardless of their situation?

20 Things The Poor Really Do Every Day

Maybe you're not a Christian, but it amazes me that the majority of Republicans are Christian and they spew the same nonsense you just did. Why do conservatives hate poor people? Especially the ones that call themselves Christian?

I've read the entire thread and dozens more with a similar theme and have noticed virtually no one promoting abandonment of those who truly need our help and no one who hates "poor people." I have, however, seen much disdain for those who, through their own poor CHOICES, are a burden on the rest of us.

Really? Many responses on this forum and many promises from wannabe President Republican candidates suggesting doing away with Obamacare, Planned Parenthood, slashing welfare and SNAPS plus the ingrained conservative belief that all the people on welfare are just lazy and drive around in a Cadillacs buying beer and cigarrettes, and you want to say that you have noticed no one promoting abandonment of those who truly need our help and no one hates poor people? Voting and supporting a party that promises to cut food stamp and welfare funding throwing many into poverty, and defunding PP and Medicaid doesn't appear as a "loving" gesture to the poor.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/20/u...bill-cutting-40-billion-from-food-stamps.html
Ted Cruz Vows To Defund Planned Parenthood, Prosecute Criminal Violations - Breitbart
Rick Perry's Refusal to Expand Texas' Medicaid Program Could Result In Thousands of Deaths - The Texas Observer

That lack of social responsibility and creeping (and creepy) sense of entitlement is a slippery slope that makes it too easy to for too many to believe they have no duty to the needy and are somehow entitled to the fruit of others' labor.

How about passing bills to better enforce the rules in place instead of just doing away with the programs? And anybody that lives in America and enjoys the benefits provided by our tax dollars is not exempt from doing their fair share. Providing for the needy benefits everyone, so why should anyone that isn't avaricious or greedy feel they have no duty?

Your sentiments, while seemingly noble, merely encourages their irresponsibility and wrapping yourself in a cloak of Christianity is disingenuous at best.

Yeah, because the sentiments of those on the right just make the handicap jump up and scurry to find a job. And the children can just depend on the schools to feed them, and go hungry on weekends......that will surely make that single parent think about getting a second or third job, for sure.
My sentiments have nothing to do with my Christianity, I would be the same even if I wasn't, but it amazes me that those who want to call themselves Christian, are so proud to air their anti-Christian sentiments.

Your "give the hungry a fish" mentality serves neither the providers nor the receivers but rather gives you a smug sense of satisfaction while sentencing the poor to generational poverty.

Your "teach them to fish" - if I could truly believe you would even want to do that, is a wonderful theory, but only causes them to starve while learning to fish. And you're just as inane as FJO assuming that everyone on welfare is just temporarily out of a job and can work but don't want to.

FJO described how he - thanks to the success he's enjoyed and his sense of social responsibility - personally has given back to the less fortunate in their time of need.

Whoopeeee.....so have I and many others, and although that helps and is appreciated, it in no way satisfies the many needs that we have in this country. Supporting bills and policies that benefit only the wealthy just continues to play a part in many more becoming needy and in need of welfare.

WTF have you done besides put yourself on a "Good Christian" pedestal?

Well, let's just say that I don't support a party that promises to hurt the poor in every way possible, for starters. I also don't whine for having to pay taxes, as so many psuedo Christian conservatives, who claim they rely on God to provide for them, and ignore Jesus' command for us to pay our taxes. I also contribute to many charities that are not funded by the government and I don't buy into the belief that everyone that is on welfare is just lazy and doesn't want to take care of themselves like so many psuedo Christians do, to ease their greedy conscience.

 

[sealybobo]

So we hear so many Americans claim they hate socialism and don't think Bernie Sanders would have a chance to win if he were selected as the Democratic candidate. I wonder how many truly understand socialism and are even enjoying socialism without even realizing it.

The one that really surprises me is the military......conservatives claim they love the military and don't mind the bulk of our tax-payer money going toward maintaining it....the military, it's the closest to socialism of the many programs we support.


Socialism.

There is nothing more feared and hated in America.

The word alone sends shivers down the spine of the American people.

Those three syllables conger up images of Big Brother Government ruling over us all, telling us what to eat, wear, buy, and think. Our children in national uniform being indoctrinated with propaganda in government education camps that use to be schools, turning them into little slaves. While their parents work twelve hour shifts in the concentration camp that slaughters rich successful billionaires, as the poor and needy get a million dollars a month in welfare. A murderous government waging a war against freedom and liberty to gain complete control over everyone and everything.
They imagine the USSR and how Democrats are turning America into it because our government will give money to poor people so they don't starve to death. (Giving money to billion dollar corporations is NOT socialism somehow. You would be a communist and a hippie to think otherwise.)

This is scary stuff!

And it's about to get scarier, because I have some terrifying news for you....

Socialism is alive and well in America and it has been here for a very long time!

Oh, that's not all. it gets much worse! I hope your sitting down...

As it turns out, You love socialism and you use it everyday, and you may not even know it! It may have even saved your life. I know, this is bad...


1. The Military/Defense - The United States military is the largest and most funded socialist program in the world. It operates thanks to our taxpayer dollars and protects the country as a whole. From the richest citizens to the homeless who sleep under the bridge. We are all protected by our military whether we pay taxes or not. This is complete socialism.

2. Highways/Roads - Those roads and highways you drive on every single day are completely taxpayer funded. Your tax dollars are used to maintain, expand, and preserve our highways and roads for every one's use. President Eisenhower was inspired by Germany's autobahn and implemented the idea right here in America. That's right, a republican president created our taxpayer funded, national highway system. This was a different time, before the republican party came down with a vicious case of rabies that never went away.

3. Public Libraries - Yes. That place where you go to check out books from conservative authors telling you how horrible socialism is, is in fact socialism. Libraries are taxpayer funded. You pay a few bucks to get a library card and you can read books for free for the rest of your life.

4. Police - Ever had a situation where you had to call the police? Then you have used a taxpayer funded socialist program. Anyone can call the police whether they pay taxes or not. They are there to protect and serve the community, not individuals. This is complete socialism on a state level, but still socialism all the same. Would you rather have to swipe your credit card before the police will help you?

5. Fire Dept. - Hopefully you have never had a fire in your home. But if you have, you probably called your local taxpayer-funded fire department to put the fire out. Like police, this is state socialism. You tax dollars are used to rescue your entire community in case of a fire. It use to be set up where you would pay a fee every month to the fire dept. for their service. If you didn't pay, they let your house burn down. Sadly, a man from Tennessee had this exact situation happen to him in 2011 because he didn't pay his $75.00 fee. I guess that small town in Tennessee would rather let people's houses burn down that resort to evil socialism. So don't take for granted the fact that you have a 24/7 fire dept. to put out your burning home thanks to socialism.

6. Postal Service - Like having mail delivered directly to your front door and paying next to nothing to send mail anywhere you want? Well it's all made possible by socialism.

7. Student Loans and Grants - Did you go to College? If you did, you family might not have been rich enough to pay your way through. So you got your education anyway through student loans and grants from the federal government at taxpayer expense. Of course you have to pay back the loans, but if not the government, did you know anyone else who was going to lend you tens of thousands of dollars? Probably not. So the taxpayers lent you the money and you paid it back with slight interest. The government grants you accepted were gifts from the taxpayer and the federal government that you did not have to pay back. Socialism got you through school.

(and 68 more..............)
75 Ways Socialism Has Improved America

And if socialized medicine is so bad, why does the rest of the world have it? Everyone sees how America does it and no one else wants to try it our way.

And Canada and Germany were number 1&3 on the best countries in the world list, so they can't say "America is the best" because we aren't anymore.

This is a huge social safety net. Americans can save for retirement and have it all wiped away in a day if you get sick.

Two other things that shouldn't be privatized but are in America. Prisons and our elections. We trust corporations too much.

Corporations are not our enemy but never forget they aren't our friends.

 

[Iceweasel]

Corporations are not our enemy but never forget they aren't our friends.

Why would they be? Go join a support group if you need friends. But you had to respond with this wisdom to an October post?

 

[Mac1958]

The "isms" exist on a spectrum, and the Right leaves itself wide open when it is so binary about socialism.

The question shouldn't be whether there are any socialist aspects to a society, it should be to what degree.

I can't imagine why that isn't obvious.
.

 

[Iceweasel]

The "isms" exist on a spectrum, and the Right leaves itself wide open when it is so binary about socialism.

The question shouldn't be whether there are any socialist aspects to a society, it should be to what degree.

I can't imagine why that isn't obvious.

Aren't you guilty of binary thought? There's nothing in capitalism that dictates those in need shouldn't be helped. Capitalism is portrayed as a uncaring monster that must be reigned in.

Socialism
Socialism
An economic and social theory that seeks to maximize wealth and opportunity for all people through public ownership and control of industries and social services.

Where do we have that? How can you have partial socialism if private industry still exists? We clearly are moving in that direction and many want it now. The capitalists amongst don't because we KNOW government fucks up everything it touches.

 

[Mac1958]

The "isms" exist on a spectrum, and the Right leaves itself wide open when it is so binary about socialism.

The question shouldn't be whether there are any socialist aspects to a society, it should be to what degree.

I can't imagine why that isn't obvious.

Aren't you guilty of binary thought? There's nothing in capitalism that dictates those in need shouldn't be helped. Capitalism is portrayed as a uncaring monster that must be reigned in.

Socialism
Socialism
An economic and social theory that seeks to maximize wealth and opportunity for all people through public ownership and control of industries and social services.

Where do we have that? How can you have partial socialism if private industry still exists? We clearly are moving in that direction and many want it now. The capitalists amongst don't because we KNOW government fucks up everything it touches.

The OP covered this pretty clearly.
.

 

[Iceweasel]

The "isms" exist on a spectrum, and the Right leaves itself wide open when it is so binary about socialism.

The question shouldn't be whether there are any socialist aspects to a society, it should be to what degree.

I can't imagine why that isn't obvious.

Aren't you guilty of binary thought? There's nothing in capitalism that dictates those in need shouldn't be helped. Capitalism is portrayed as a uncaring monster that must be reigned in.

Socialism
Socialism
An economic and social theory that seeks to maximize wealth and opportunity for all people through public ownership and control of industries and social services.

Where do we have that? How can you have partial socialism if private industry still exists? We clearly are moving in that direction and many want it now. The capitalists amongst don't because we KNOW government fucks up everything it touches.

The OP covered this pretty clearly.
.

I just covered it more concisely with actual English definitions.

 

[Mac1958]

The "isms" exist on a spectrum, and the Right leaves itself wide open when it is so binary about socialism.

The question shouldn't be whether there are any socialist aspects to a society, it should be to what degree.

I can't imagine why that isn't obvious.

Aren't you guilty of binary thought? There's nothing in capitalism that dictates those in need shouldn't be helped. Capitalism is portrayed as a uncaring monster that must be reigned in.

Socialism
Socialism
An economic and social theory that seeks to maximize wealth and opportunity for all people through public ownership and control of industries and social services.

Where do we have that? How can you have partial socialism if private industry still exists? We clearly are moving in that direction and many want it now. The capitalists amongst don't because we KNOW government fucks up everything it touches.

The OP covered this pretty clearly.
.

I just covered it more concisely with actual English definitions.

Okay, I'll try again: Are you disagreeing with my point that government involvement exists on a continuum?
.

 

[Iceweasel]

The "isms" exist on a spectrum, and the Right leaves itself wide open when it is so binary about socialism.

The question shouldn't be whether there are any socialist aspects to a society, it should be to what degree.

I can't imagine why that isn't obvious.

Aren't you guilty of binary thought? There's nothing in capitalism that dictates those in need shouldn't be helped. Capitalism is portrayed as a uncaring monster that must be reigned in.

Socialism
Socialism
An economic and social theory that seeks to maximize wealth and opportunity for all people through public ownership and control of industries and social services.

Where do we have that? How can you have partial socialism if private industry still exists? We clearly are moving in that direction and many want it now. The capitalists amongst don't because we KNOW government fucks up everything it touches.

The OP covered this pretty clearly.
.

I just covered it more concisely with actual English definitions.

Okay, I'll try again: Are you disagreeing with my point that government involvement exists on a continuum?
.

That's a non point. If you have government, laws and private business obviously government is involved to some degree. More here, less there. But that isn't socialism. Yet.

 

[Mac1958]

The "isms" exist on a spectrum, and the Right leaves itself wide open when it is so binary about socialism.

The question shouldn't be whether there are any socialist aspects to a society, it should be to what degree.

I can't imagine why that isn't obvious.

Aren't you guilty of binary thought? There's nothing in capitalism that dictates those in need shouldn't be helped. Capitalism is portrayed as a uncaring monster that must be reigned in.

Socialism
Socialism
An economic and social theory that seeks to maximize wealth and opportunity for all people through public ownership and control of industries and social services.

Where do we have that? How can you have partial socialism if private industry still exists? We clearly are moving in that direction and many want it now. The capitalists amongst don't because we KNOW government fucks up everything it touches.

The OP covered this pretty clearly.
.

I just covered it more concisely with actual English definitions.

Okay, I'll try again: Are you disagreeing with my point that government involvement exists on a continuum?
.

That's a non point. If you have government, laws and private business obviously government is involved to some degree. More here, less there. But that isn't socialism. Yet.

That's my point. "To some degree".
.

 

[Wry Catcher]

Daily Kos???? Really?

Rebuttal is not just a word, try it sometime ES.

 

[Godboy]

So we hear so many Americans claim they hate socialism and don't think Bernie Sanders would have a chance to win if he were selected as the Democratic candidate. I wonder how many truly understand socialism and are even enjoying socialism without even realizing it.

The one that really surprises me is the military......conservatives claim they love the military and don't mind the bulk of our tax-payer money going toward maintaining it....the military, it's the closest to socialism of the many programs we support.


Socialism.

There is nothing more feared and hated in America.

The word alone sends shivers down the spine of the American people.

Those three syllables conger up images of Big Brother Government ruling over us all, telling us what to eat, wear, buy, and think. Our children in national uniform being indoctrinated with propaganda in government education camps that use to be schools, turning them into little slaves. While their parents work twelve hour shifts in the concentration camp that slaughters rich successful billionaires, as the poor and needy get a million dollars a month in welfare. A murderous government waging a war against freedom and liberty to gain complete control over everyone and everything.
They imagine the USSR and how Democrats are turning America into it because our government will give money to poor people so they don't starve to death. (Giving money to billion dollar corporations is NOT socialism somehow. You would be a communist and a hippie to think otherwise.)

This is scary stuff!

And it's about to get scarier, because I have some terrifying news for you....

Socialism is alive and well in America and it has been here for a very long time!

Oh, that's not all. it gets much worse! I hope your sitting down...

As it turns out, You love socialism and you use it everyday, and you may not even know it! It may have even saved your life. I know, this is bad...


1. The Military/Defense - The United States military is the largest and most funded socialist program in the world. It operates thanks to our taxpayer dollars and protects the country as a whole. From the richest citizens to the homeless who sleep under the bridge. We are all protected by our military whether we pay taxes or not. This is complete socialism.

2. Highways/Roads - Those roads and highways you drive on every single day are completely taxpayer funded. Your tax dollars are used to maintain, expand, and preserve our highways and roads for every one's use. President Eisenhower was inspired by Germany's autobahn and implemented the idea right here in America. That's right, a republican president created our taxpayer funded, national highway system. This was a different time, before the republican party came down with a vicious case of rabies that never went away.

3. Public Libraries - Yes. That place where you go to check out books from conservative authors telling you how horrible socialism is, is in fact socialism. Libraries are taxpayer funded. You pay a few bucks to get a library card and you can read books for free for the rest of your life.

4. Police - Ever had a situation where you had to call the police? Then you have used a taxpayer funded socialist program. Anyone can call the police whether they pay taxes or not. They are there to protect and serve the community, not individuals. This is complete socialism on a state level, but still socialism all the same. Would you rather have to swipe your credit card before the police will help you?

5. Fire Dept. - Hopefully you have never had a fire in your home. But if you have, you probably called your local taxpayer-funded fire department to put the fire out. Like police, this is state socialism. You tax dollars are used to rescue your entire community in case of a fire. It use to be set up where you would pay a fee every month to the fire dept. for their service. If you didn't pay, they let your house burn down. Sadly, a man from Tennessee had this exact situation happen to him in 2011 because he didn't pay his $75.00 fee. I guess that small town in Tennessee would rather let people's houses burn down that resort to evil socialism. So don't take for granted the fact that you have a 24/7 fire dept. to put out your burning home thanks to socialism.

6. Postal Service - Like having mail delivered directly to your front door and paying next to nothing to send mail anywhere you want? Well it's all made possible by socialism.

7. Student Loans and Grants - Did you go to College? If you did, you family might not have been rich enough to pay your way through. So you got your education anyway through student loans and grants from the federal government at taxpayer expense. Of course you have to pay back the loans, but if not the government, did you know anyone else who was going to lend you tens of thousands of dollars? Probably not. So the taxpayers lent you the money and you paid it back with slight interest. The government grants you accepted were gifts from the taxpayer and the federal government that you did not have to pay back. Socialism got you through school.

(and 68 more..............)
75 Ways Socialism Has Improved America

You do realize that things like the military, roads, police, fire dept, etc existed thousands of years before anyone ever even coined the word "socialist"? Your thread is fucking stupid because its based on retard logic. Go read some books you fucking yokel.

 

[dblack]

So we hear so many Americans claim they hate socialism and don't think Bernie Sanders would have a chance to win if he were selected as the Democratic candidate. I wonder how many truly understand socialism and are even enjoying socialism without even realizing it.

The one that really surprises me is the military......conservatives claim they love the military and don't mind the bulk of our tax-payer money going toward maintaining it....the military, it's the closest to socialism of the many programs we support.


Socialism.

There is nothing more feared and hated in America.

The word alone sends shivers down the spine of the American people.

Those three syllables conger up images of Big Brother Government ruling over us all, telling us what to eat, wear, buy, and think. Our children in national uniform being indoctrinated with propaganda in government education camps that use to be schools, turning them into little slaves. While their parents work twelve hour shifts in the concentration camp that slaughters rich successful billionaires, as the poor and needy get a million dollars a month in welfare. A murderous government waging a war against freedom and liberty to gain complete control over everyone and everything.
They imagine the USSR and how Democrats are turning America into it because our government will give money to poor people so they don't starve to death. (Giving money to billion dollar corporations is NOT socialism somehow. You would be a communist and a hippie to think otherwise.)

This is scary stuff!

And it's about to get scarier, because I have some terrifying news for you....

Socialism is alive and well in America and it has been here for a very long time!

Oh, that's not all. it gets much worse! I hope your sitting down...

As it turns out, You love socialism and you use it everyday, and you may not even know it! It may have even saved your life. I know, this is bad...


1. The Military/Defense - The United States military is the largest and most funded socialist program in the world. It operates thanks to our taxpayer dollars and protects the country as a whole. From the richest citizens to the homeless who sleep under the bridge. We are all protected by our military whether we pay taxes or not. This is complete socialism.

2. Highways/Roads - Those roads and highways you drive on every single day are completely taxpayer funded. Your tax dollars are used to maintain, expand, and preserve our highways and roads for every one's use. President Eisenhower was inspired by Germany's autobahn and implemented the idea right here in America. That's right, a republican president created our taxpayer funded, national highway system. This was a different time, before the republican party came down with a vicious case of rabies that never went away.

3. Public Libraries - Yes. That place where you go to check out books from conservative authors telling you how horrible socialism is, is in fact socialism. Libraries are taxpayer funded. You pay a few bucks to get a library card and you can read books for free for the rest of your life.

4. Police - Ever had a situation where you had to call the police? Then you have used a taxpayer funded socialist program. Anyone can call the police whether they pay taxes or not. They are there to protect and serve the community, not individuals. This is complete socialism on a state level, but still socialism all the same. Would you rather have to swipe your credit card before the police will help you?

5. Fire Dept. - Hopefully you have never had a fire in your home. But if you have, you probably called your local taxpayer-funded fire department to put the fire out. Like police, this is state socialism. You tax dollars are used to rescue your entire community in case of a fire. It use to be set up where you would pay a fee every month to the fire dept. for their service. If you didn't pay, they let your house burn down. Sadly, a man from Tennessee had this exact situation happen to him in 2011 because he didn't pay his $75.00 fee. I guess that small town in Tennessee would rather let people's houses burn down that resort to evil socialism. So don't take for granted the fact that you have a 24/7 fire dept. to put out your burning home thanks to socialism.

6. Postal Service - Like having mail delivered directly to your front door and paying next to nothing to send mail anywhere you want? Well it's all made possible by socialism.

7. Student Loans and Grants - Did you go to College? If you did, you family might not have been rich enough to pay your way through. So you got your education anyway through student loans and grants from the federal government at taxpayer expense. Of course you have to pay back the loans, but if not the government, did you know anyone else who was going to lend you tens of thousands of dollars? Probably not. So the taxpayers lent you the money and you paid it back with slight interest. The government grants you accepted were gifts from the taxpayer and the federal government that you did not have to pay back. Socialism got you through school.

(and 68 more..............)
75 Ways Socialism Has Improved America

You do realize that things like the military, roads, police, fire dept, etc existed thousands of years before anyone ever even coined the word "socialist"? Your thread is fucking stupid because its based on retard logic. Go read some books you fucking yokel.

They seem to be equating government with socialism. Which, to be fair, many conservatives do as well. But socialism is a particular mode of government that takes economic power away from private property owners and places it with government instead.

 

[Iceweasel]

They seem to be equating government with socialism. Which, to be fair, many conservatives do as well. But socialism is a particular mode of government that takes economic power away from private property owners and places it with government instead.

Best case of defeating your own argument, ever.