About Socialism.

[Stuart G]

Since the 80s, Socialism has been about as popular to discuss as cricket.
Most people in the U.S.A don't even know what it is.
We do, but we are not most. It is an interesting discussion. I would guess more people here know the rules of golf than have an honest idea as to what Socialism is. The Republicans must not be allowed to define this as being universal health care. That is nuts.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

1. anything that is NOT to do with power and greed is 'not known' in this country

[Obamanaut]

2. I wonder how many who hate the idea of socialism know that the

socialist party in the US in the early 1900's had as part of their platform such things as 40 hour work week, 8 hour days, women's suffrage, a program similar to what is now Social Security - among other things.

[theoldman]

7. My father, a baker, was a member of the Socialist party in the early 1900's.

His ideals were exactly as you described. Now we only associate Socialism with health care or any government program.

[OffWithTheirHeads]

3. can I lift and place the ball when the greens are wet?

can I lift and place the ball if I make a campaign contribution (bribe)?

[tavalon]

4. A few years ago, I would have been an exaple of most people

but I realized, slowly, that while I appreciate the POV of the Dems, it doesn't go far enough for me and that their practice, as influenced by the DLC left me wanting even more. As I researched, I realized I was more of a socialist. So, I got to see socialism in a whole new light.

[Selatius]

5. The problem is even the left has been split over how to achieve socialism.

The schism is as old as Marx v. Bakunin in the 1800s. Some prefer to avoid state organs of power, preferring natural organization over state control. They generally became known as anarchists, of varying stripes. Others preferred using state power to impose change. Of the latter, there was always tension over how best to impose changes. The Stalinists preferred force and terror, and democratic socialists preferred legislating reforms.

[patrice]

6. How about: Society, i.e. the group, OWES each one of its members something(s) in exchange for

each person's acceptance, cooperation, and support for the Society's/group's mores, values, economy, culture, laws, etc. In a way, this makes the behavior of each person his/her own capital in exchange for which s/he receives a profit in the form of things such as a complete and appropriate education, comprehensive health care, appropriate security, justice, economic opportunities, etc.