(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); OK, this is a conversation I've wanted to have for so long, and hopefully I'll find a few Democrats, Liberals, perhaps even a Republican (I'm hoping for Americans because they practically invoke the word Socialism there like it's Voldomort).

I am a Socialist. I have actively been a Socialist for a few years now as my understanding of politics has grown and matured. I used to be simply Anti-Conservative. I didn't know what exactly I supported but I knew the Conservatives where ****ing it all up so I didn't want them. I've since become quite a vocal Socialist, however the Socialist Party in UK is pitifully small.

Still my question is this. What is it that scares people so much about Socialism? Why do the American Public largely see Socialism (and Communism for that matter) as such big threats? Why do so many people view these political stances as evil?

I just personally can't understand how a eco-political position based, to put it painfully simply, on sharing, can be so bad in so many peoples eyes.

I'm economically capitalist and socially socialist. I don't think it would ever work though.

Hmmm... I was never around for politics in school(long story) so I know f*ck all about what the difference is between each party. All I know is Labour, LibDem & Conservatives have been f*cking hopeless the last however many years and we need something new. Anyone mind linking me to a page that explains the differences between each party? As I said, I don't know much at all about politics...

Labour is a left-leaning party aka liberals, LibDems is allegedly a centrist party on the center and Conservatives are of a right-leaning party aka conservatives.

I guess they scare it because of cold war, and Americans were taught that socialism is source for all evil. Anyway in my country we had to please Soviet Union (I live in Finland, You must login or register to view this content.) and we still don't think that socialism is evil.

I am against socialism as it decreases work ethic. If everyone receives the same share, then why put that extra effort in. I enjoy a capitalist society for the most part. I believe that if someone takes the risk, and effort into owning a business he shall reap the reward if it becomes successful.

I have seen business owners both succeed and fail. People are flawed by nature and will get lazy if the opportunity arises. I remember when you mentioned it being illegal to not take work if offered, but the problem with that is that you should have the right to choose what you wish and not have the government control you.

Now politics is particularly interesting as it has much to do with your raising, thinking style, and experiences. It isn't like religion where you can break it down. In the end it comes to preference.

The main problem I have is it doesn't work like that. The argument that someone should be able to put in extra effort or take extra risks to reap extra rewards is bullshit. Capitalist societies operate based on the wage slave and the silver spoon, with only a small fraction of the working and middle classes "catching a break" and becoming successful. Generally speaking you're either born into a working class family in which case you will forever be working class or you're born into money so will go to a private school, coax though education and get a high paying job largely because of family ties and friendships than ability, which will require you to do basically f*ck all in comparison to the average minimum wage worker in the same company. The other alternative is being born into celebrity lifestyles. Have you noticed how the children of celebrities always become singers and actors, even the ones with absolutely f*ck all talent. This is not what you're describing. If Capitalism worked the way you described it would at least be fair, it's wouldn't be a compassionate system but it would at least be fair. At the moment it's anything but.


You do have the right to choose. You can choose to not claim the benefits, at which point you're no longer legally obliged to take any job offered... at which point you are not potless, on the streets and starving. Do you know how many people choose this in UK? No-one. They all sign on at the job center and claim their benefits. But in a capitalist system where the government doesn't force you to take a job and doesn't "control you", where a socialist welfare system doesn't exist... they are all potless, on the streets and starving. Sorry but that argument doesn't hold water. You don't want to lower the "work ethic" yet Americans are some of the most lazy people I've ever met, the most prideful of their work though, Chinese, German and British, all three have a socialist system to some extent if compared to USA.

There's no reason that people would stop working just because they're not becoming millionairs. All this would do is piss off executives and CEO's who quite frankly do f*ck all anyway. The average worker will work because they need to do their part to survive. A doctor, lawyer, engineer or pretty much any other professional doesn't do their job for the money, they do it for the love of their work. Also, under no circumstances does any Socialist claim you pay the cleaner and doctor the same wage. The doctor is a more prestigeous role and as such they get more benefits for contributing more to society. This isn't Communism we're preaching, it's Socialism. The only difference is no-one is left homeless, without food and without prospects and at the same time no-one lives in a damn palace with endless servants and more money than God. This is unjust and immoral. The important people in society have given more so they get bigger homes, more luxuries etc, but within reason. It's about making the income disparity fair, so the poorest person can reasonably look to the richest person in their society and say "They deserve the extra's they get because they have a vital role in soceity" instead of "if that tw*t spent £1million every minute of every day he's STILL never spend all his money, why the hell does he get all that while I'm starving". See the difference.

The only reason people can claim my method is bad, and this is it down to brass tacs, is they're selfish. If you think this system is unfair it's because you're a selfish person who would rather have money and stuff than live in a fair and enlightened world. People complain about justice. Is it fair to take money off the MILLIONAIRE! who worked so hard for it. YES! He doesn't need it, why does he have to be so f*cking greedy. Only a petulant child says "You can't my cake it, it's mine" when they have so much cake they could never possibly finish it, and even a child wouldn't say that if the person was visibly starving.

Capitalism is in theory a method of trying to bring natural order to a world which is naturally unpredicable and is intellectually flawed, in a practical way it's a selfish greedy childish ideology that makes me wonder if the people supporting it ever grew up because even my 2 year old nephew knows the concept of sharing.


I couldn't agree more. I have rather extremist views myself and I can become verbally militant in the way I put across my points because I feel extremely strongly about them, but all in all politics comes down to the subjectives of morality. What you consider right and wrong. If we don't agree on morality, and I expect to never agree entirely with anyone, we won't agree entirely politically. As such there's no wrong opinion in politics, or morality for that matter, only different opinions... there may be flawed models, ideas that don't work and systems that fail, but no ideal is inherently wrong which is the point in which it fails to be politics and becomes moral philosophy.

So with that said, perhaps I could ground this again in the topic at hand. Why do people see Socialism as Evil? Sure people have said it was all brainwashing for the masses based on the cold war, that I get. But I mean politics savvy people. Politicians, Lawyers etc. People who understand this in depth, especially in USA seem to still treat Socialism like its Voldomort and I don't understand. What principals are they honestly looking at and thinking, "that's evil/immoral" because I'm completely lost to their reasoning.

Simple. Greed. In a capitalist society it is based on how much wealth one can get. There is no profit ceiling, no limit to one can do. While good for the one can achieve this, it will be the middle class that will be the reason this happens. They fear socialism for that very reason, the workers would be considered equal to their employers, and recieve a fair share of profits, not going to the pockets of businessmen. Perhaps a bit screwed on opinion, just how I see capitalism, I am more socialist myself, but never bothered to read up on it.

Sad as it is to say, but Socialism will never work unless forced upon. Human nature will prevent us from wanting to work. As much as I like the concept and how I find it ideal to stop poverty, human nature won't allow a McDonald's worker to make as much as a Television Executive.

Not everyone is equal, even though we pretend we are. Now I will most likely be flamed for saying that. Studies have shown those with higher IQ's tend to do better economically in society. Interesting enough those with the higher IQ's tend to suffer from depression. So even though they make the extra money they are not always truly enjoying life, yet someone who paints houses can love their job and life even though there income is much lower.


I couldn't disagree more. I'll be frank with you, my father has a large sum of money. Now my father has bought me various things, and when the time comes will buy me a car. I could try and take over my fathers business, but I have no wish to do so. Why you may ask? I have little interest in the job, and my brain focuses more on the left hemisphere, while my dads focuses on his right. Bill Gates created possibly the largest computer business in a garage. All you need in today's world is an idea.


I agree with the celebrities, but how many celebrities end up wrecking their lives at one time or another. I never said it was fair, no economic system is 100% fair.


So because I choose not to take a job I still can be okay, even though I contribute nothing to society?


I would like you to show me that statistic please.


Unemployment was low before the crash so that is hardly an argument.


The UK isn't socialist, more liberal if anything. I still don't agree with some principles the UK follows, but I don't live there so I have no right. Also, many Americans create unbelievable ideas. I agree the majority don't work perfectly, but that's there choice and if that's how they want to live it is their own choice.


You know little of private business. People would not be creating businesses if they could not create wealth from it.

Not too mention building a business is stressful, risky, and difficult. I think they have the right to claim their rewards.


Yes.


Ehhh, it depends on the individual.


The problem for me is that I have heard different takes on socialism. I have heard it where everyone makes the same income, and were its a portion, etc...


I see what your saying so let me rephrase my thoughts. I think currently tax the wealthy, but makes sure to give breaks for the business owners. Why? Let's see, how many jobs does Brett Favre create, oh none. How many for Microsoft? Get my point.


I don't believe in morality, I believe in ethics. Secondly, it depends on the individual's ethics.


Is it right to regulate the private sector in certain partitions though?


I am for helping the homeless. I want everyone to have a shot at enjoying the best of life.


I don't think its bad, I just prefer capitalism.


I disagree. I don't plan on being incredibly wealthy, just to enjoy life.


Let me rephrase it for you. The tax rate for millionaires is over 51%. Do you think its fair to make less than half of what you earned?


I would like to point out many billionaires are large donators.


Sharing, and equality are different things.


I agree, politics and religion aren't in the same sport.


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No idea. I don't find it evil, I just don't agree with it.


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LMFAO!!! Yes, because lawyers and politicians are honest.