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smirkymonkey

(63,221 posts) Wed Mar 4, 2020, 08:56 PM Mar 2020

I managed to get myself embroiled in an argument w/ some right-wing idiots that [View all]

I went to college with (and used to be friends with) over "socialism" on Facebook (which I hate and hardly ever go on).

They are basically stating the horrors of socialism , in particular bringing up Venezuela, Russia, China, etc and I am arguing that our Democratic politicians are looking at more European models of socialism and political liberalism where the model does work for a majority of citizens, but they keep coming back at me with examples of the failures of socialist dictatorships and autocracies.

What is a good, concise argument to shut them up regarding the kind of (Democratic) European-style Socialism that our Dem politicians embrace to varying degrees (BTW, I'm not a Bernie fan for numerous reasons, but that doesn't mean I don't like some of his ideas) vs. the kind of "Socialism" that they are talking about. I would appreciate your advice. Thanks!

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I managed to get myself embroiled in an argument w/ some right-wing idiots that [View all] smirkymonkey Mar 2020 OP

probably not what you want... but it is a fair analysis lapfog_1 Mar 2020 #1

Wow. Is that really true? smirkymonkey Mar 2020 #8

The Scandinavians are CAPITALISTS, not socialists. They practice a well-regulated pnwmom Mar 2020 #10

Ask them if they prefer an authoritarian dictatorship Sucha NastyWoman Mar 2020 #2

You could tell them that Sanders is really in support of regulated capitalism and not socialism. TwilightZone Mar 2020 #3

No, thank you. I appreciate your post. smirkymonkey Mar 2020 #11

Agreed. Socialism isn't the problem in Venezuela. TwilightZone Mar 2020 #22

That was his biggest mistake. smirkymonkey Mar 2020 #30

It IS all about branding. nt Ferrets are Cool Mar 2020 #37

As with most form of governing... 2naSalit Mar 2020 #4

I agree. I think Bernie made the mistake of not clarifying things enough for the masses. smirkymonkey Mar 2020 #31

Dude, they support a fucking grifter bigot LuvLoogie Mar 2020 #5

Heard this on an OLD TV show (1960's) MyOwnPeace Mar 2020 #7

I know that. I am thinking of just not engaging anymore. smirkymonkey Mar 2020 #33

You hit the nail on the head. If they haven't realized it by now, they aren't going to do so. Ferrets are Cool Mar 2020 #38

They already live with Socialism and don't have a problem with it. maxsolomon Mar 2020 #6

The problem is that they will never accept that explanation. smirkymonkey Mar 2020 #34

Many democratic socialists support the government providing essential services. guillaumeb Mar 2020 #9

Another point... Newest Reality Mar 2020 #12

'There is no such thing as society, there are only individuals and appalachiablue Mar 2020 #13

I just posted this elsewhere... handmade34 Mar 2020 #14

I like the concept, but it seems kind of like an oxymoron, since it seems like the goal of smirkymonkey Mar 2020 #18

Daily Kos: "75 Ways Socialism Has Improved America," hits all the major pluses. VOX Mar 2020 #15

Thank you! smirkymonkey Mar 2020 #19

A word of warning. TwilightZone Mar 2020 #24

Social *programs* are not socialism. The Velveteen Ocelot Mar 2020 #29

Thank you for posting Ferrets are Cool Mar 2020 #39

It apparently rubs some DUers the wrong way as well. VOX Mar 2020 #41

Forget it. You'll never change their minds as two generations, boomers and... brush Mar 2020 #16

I know, I don't think he could win either. smirkymonkey Mar 2020 #20

It's continuing the policies of FDR eleny Mar 2020 #17

You're right. I sometimes regret even stepping into this in the first place. smirkymonkey Mar 2020 #21

Tell them you agree with them leftstreet Mar 2020 #23

If you're looking for a meeting of the minds gratuitous Mar 2020 #25

Any system left unfettered The Wizard Mar 2020 #26

Don't use the Scandinavian countries as your examples The Velveteen Ocelot Mar 2020 #27

Bring up corporate socialism Zambero Mar 2020 #28

You know what they will say? smirkymonkey Mar 2020 #35

Actually, I usually just bring up all the services we socialize now... Happy Hoosier Mar 2020 #32

Completely agree. smirkymonkey Mar 2020 #36

Thankful I deleted Facebook a few years back. sarcasmo Mar 2020 #40

You've already lost the argument by accepting a falsehood GulfCoast66 Mar 2020 #42

plenty of failed capitalist states you could counter with 0rganism Mar 2020 #43

Remind them that social security, Medicare, our schools and lunatica Mar 2020 #44

This is how I deal with Facebook political discussions Sherman A1 Mar 2020 #45

Good advice, Sherman. smirkymonkey Mar 2020 #46

My pleasure Sherman A1 Mar 2020 #47