Why do socialists in America refuse to admit they are socialists?

[Aeson]

For reference purposes, that's about 10% higher than it is today.

That's because we're only 90% at war

[MikeH]

Why do people in the US think being socialist is bad?

[Elok]

Well, for starters, a number of them have only the vaguest awareness of the difference between 'socialism' and 'communism.'

[BeBMan]

Drixnak is a socialist.

[MikeH]

Well, for starters, a number of them have only the vaguest awareness of the difference between 'socialism' and 'communism.'

That's the answer then. CASE CLOSED!

[Elok]

Well, there's also the American cultural tradition of pulling yourself up by your bootstraps or being a self-made man or whatever you call it. I think we're the most individualist culture in the world, or close to it.

[MikeH]

I know, and people get morally outraged about things that are perceived to be 'socialist' even if they would actually benefit them as an individual/family.

I assume the fear of 'socialism' is a very clever Republican marketing point, much like the clever 'anyone who disagrees with the president is anti-American' campaign they had a few years ago.

Actually, good point. Why aren't those people making the same complaints when people criticise the President now?

[JackRudd]

I wouldn't classify Hitler's regime as extreme-left or extreme-right; I'd class it as extreme-authoritarian; the government was extremely preoccupied with regulating social policy. Extreme-authoritarian views can coexist happily with extreme-left economic views (cf Stalin) or extreme-right economic views (cf Pinochet).

[OneFootInTheGrave]

Why aren't those people making the same complaints when people criticise the President now?

Arent' they anti-American, all these American hating President bashers

[Guynemer]

Well, there's also the American cultural tradition of pulling yourself up by your bootstraps or being a self-made man or whatever you call it. I think we're the most individualist culture in the world, or close to it.

Of course, when we actually have a self-made, up-from-his-bootstraps President, everyone accuses him of being a socialist.

I love America. I ****ing hate Americans.

[DaShi]

Eh, it's fine. The only problem I really have is when actual discourse is blocked by the inanity.

[OneFootInTheGrave]

Socialsm vs Capitalism

In socialism you get health care, live longer in capitalism - you don't, and you die younger
In socialism you produce Mercedes and Porsche in capitalism Ford and Chrysler
In socialism you work 37.5 hrs a week in capitalism 50 hrs a week
In socialism after uni you have do debt in capitalism you have $25k debt (*on average)
In socialism once you get to work you get 25 days of holiday or more in capitalism you get 10
In socialist Europe you have 8.9% unemployment in capitalist US 9.3 (2009)

So why would you want to work more, be more in debt and die younger?

It's no wander Americans hate socialism.

[BlackCat]

Yeah, but you forget one important issue about america - you are FREE while being abused.

[giblets]

Nothing says freedom like having to work constantly

[MOBIUS]

Yeah, it's hilarious how the US' parasitic ruling elite has managed to so comprehensively brainwash the entire population of the country into working for them.

Nope, it's not slavery if you get paid for it.