I want to be a socialist

[Spiffor]

DD :
Socialist countries, as well as social-democrat countries aren't up to steal your money. They are up to redistirbute your money.

What's the big difference ? In the case of socialist/social-democrat countries, taxation is equivalent to paying for essential services (health, education, etc.) that you'll have to pay anyways in a private economy.
The only difference is that the price is lower than in a private economy, except when the system fails and becomes inefficient because of too slow bureaucracy.

[cinch]

Show me one with low taxes.

'Low' is a relative term.

If we're going to use American-style economics as some sort of measuring stick, then I guess I'd be a relative commie pinko.

Aside from that, it's not stealing if the money comes back to you in health care & social programs.

[chequita guevara]

Originally posted by SlowwHand
I want to be a socialite.
Can we work that into this thread?

Texan and socialite just don't go together . . . sorry.

[Stefu]

These days, socialist is one of the worst labels to get attached to. No, not because of stigmas or anything, though I'd imagine there's some of that, too, but becaue everyone and their brother has a different definition of socialism. When some say socialism, they think of Scandinavia, others think of Soviet Union, and some even claim the current US system is socialistic. Parties from Marxist parties in African states to wishy-washy European third-wayite social democrat parties can call themselves and be called socialists.

So, what are we talking about when we're talking about socialism, here?

[Az]

workers' control over means of production, and a redistribution of wealth for the benefit of all of society.

[SlowwHand]

Che, one of these day, POW! To the moon.

[chequita guevara]

Originally posted by SlowwHand
Che, one of these day, POW! To the moon.

Heh.

[statusperfect]

Scandinavia has a higher living standard (healthiness, education etc.) than the USA, but the USA has a higher BNP per capita. So both views are correct depending on you point of view.

[Bereta_Eder]

Yeah socialism is good.

There are problems though such as keeping financing the social state in order for it not to virtually collapse due to the aging population.

Solution: immigrants.

[Bereta_Eder]

Socialism also tends to stifle growth. Takes many incentives away from private companies. But without growth = no social state. So there's a fine line to walk between keeping the social state since it is the most humane system ever envisioned (=better quality of life for as many people as possible, low crime etc) while at the same time keeping growth going.

Socialism is for smart people.

[Az]

It's not a solution if an entire world is socialist. Unless those martians.....



Seriously, though, I don't see why socialism has to be connected with aging populations. Europe is no example since it's not socialist. It's just self-indulgent.

[Bereta_Eder]

Europe has a large social state. Socialism = social democracy in Europe.


The more population ages the more strain goes to social pension and medical funds.

[SlowwHand]

Who, I ask again, has the largest immigration?
Anyone up to answering yet?

No, not Scandanavia.
Not Russia.
Not France.
Not Che's underpants.

[statusperfect]

Originally posted by SlowwHand
Who, I ask again, has the largest immigration?
Anyone up to answering yet?

No, not Scandanavia.
Not Russia.
Not France.
Not Che's underpants.

America.

[Az]

welfare state != socialism.