What socialism is/isn't...

Firecat

Politically Charged
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Mar 23, 2005
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Obviously certain terms and ideologies have been reformed in certain ways, and their meanings often diluted.

But I think it's rather confusing to refer to certain programs and policies as being "socialist" or relating to "socialism" when they have little to do with the economic system of Socialism, which emphasizes state ownership of the means of production. (or public ownership)


The reason for this thread are the quotes below, which I think paints an inaccurate picture of what socialism as a politcal ideology is, and what social programs and Obama, for that matter, are...

Now maybe i'm using too strict a definition, and I'm interested in hearing what others think. Even ignoring the economic definition of socialism, does advocating free healthcare or welfare make you a socialist?


Because the government of Louisiana and New Orleans is corrupt, as it has been for the past 70 or so years, since the democrats took control of the state.

Does the people who saw this on Top Gear know that New Orleans is a prime example of socialism, putting the a large majority of its inhabitants on welfare? Do you see know what happens when humans let the government control them via dependence?

In the 1930s New Orleans had a brutal hurricane...but the citizens didnt moan or complain; they rebuilt the city again. They know the risk of living there. That was before the welfare state was introduced in the 1960's, and look what 3 generations of welfare dependence has done. Look at how the city reacted; the mayor sat on his hands, and the governor just curled up into a ball and cried. Pathetic. You would never see that anywhere else in America.

So before the world says how bad it is in New Orleans, try learning about it first, and discover that our federal government did all they could. Obviously some of you are ignorant that in order for the government to help, the state has to ask first. The fact that a huge entity was able to mobilize in 4 days is nothing short of amazing.

How about the evacuees of Katrina, quite a few of them who abused the handouts we as Americans gave? And you wonder why we "turn our backs" on New Orleans? We as a whole country, turned our porch lights on for them, set an extra place at the dinner table...what did many do? They were rude, took our money, and bitched about everything. Ask some of the volunteers who helped out in Houston. They will tell you the real story of the shithole that is New Orleans.

Now, we Americans are a very generous people. We will bend over backwards to help ANYONE out. But when the people whom we help, dont say thanks...well, how would YOU react?

Now, keep in mind the vast majority of the citizens of New Orleans are fine, upstanding, law abiding people. But as always, the worst are always the ones in focus. What New Orleans and more importantly Louisiana needs to do is clean out their government. Here is one shining example: http://www.abcnews.go.com/US/HurricaneKatrina/story?id=1123495&page=1

So in conclusion, before you point fingers and say that it is oh so horrible in New Orleans, do some research first. For anyone who is in favor of socialism, New Orleans is your shining beacon. :rolleyes:


Now the question is, will he stick with his socialist / liberal ideals, or will he go mainstream? As much as I disagree with liberals, I admire the ones who stick with their principles, no matter how wrong I think it is for our country. Emphasis on I.

If I could foresee the future, it would be Clinton vs. Gilluiani (sp).
 
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I'd say that advocating free healthcare, social security and so on, isn't socialism, per say. I'd say it's social, which is a bit different, and that's another thing. It's quite common to define this sort of socialism, as social democratic policies, we have them in Norway, for instance. Even though jayhawk does make valid points, he does what we all do. He sort of turns it around, twistes it, bangs it at the edges, say it's to fault, and call it Socialism.

Which isn't all that accurate. For those of you who wish to see socialist tought in motion (NOT socialism per say): Look elsewhere.
 
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