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

[smirkymonkey]

11. No, thank you. I appreciate your post.

I think a big part of the difference between the Scandinavian countries and the others mentioned (and why they seem like such miserable dystopias) is the corruption and authoritarianism that those latter countries are famous for. Regardless of the economic system, nobody is happy under a repressive, authoritarian, corrupt regime.

And I agree that nobody is advocating for a system of pure socialism. I just want a simple way to explain it to people because I really don't think anyone really gets the fact that there are nuances and many permutations depending upon where you fall on the scale politically and economically.

You could have a country that is purely socialist economically and authoritarian and fascist politically or a country that is a small "s" socialist, market economy with a liberal, representative democracy. Or there could be many combinations along the spectrum. The same with capitalism. I don't know if I am making any sense. I'm tired. I know what I mean, but I'm not sure I am communicating it very well.

Thank you for your post!