I completely agree with you! Just about the only thing I remember from my economics class is that capitalist economies go in waves; sometimes it's really great, but the depressions and recessions are necessary as well. It simply cannot be up all the time. I think that the bailout is just delaying the inevitable, and in the long run will make the next depression hurt even worse. I'd much rather take the hit now, recover, and in 5-10 yrs be in a good spot again, without having to worry about the same thing we're worrying about now, only magnified.


It seems as tho socialism would work much better in a smaller, poorer country where no one has anything anyway. But, as someone said, there's an entrepreneurial spirit in this very very large country that had a big hand in launching the US in the first place, and I think that without that, we'd be in big trouble. Can you imagine all the small businesses and small business owners you know, all having to do something else b/c they're not the company the gov't chose to keep around to do their service? That's a LOT of people who'd have to do something else.

I see so many people against raising taxes, but then where do all the public service employees get paid from if taxes are not raised?
The main point of socialism, is that people pay for their services through higher taxes. Those taxes are used for the roads, the healthcare, the schools. If the government doesnt get those taxes then where do they pay these people from? I have yet to get an answer from somebody for this?
Can a Capitalist answer this for me please?

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We buy things we dont need,
with money we dont have,
in order to impress people
we dont like?
(Ramsey, D)

I guess this question doesn't make any sense to me. They get paid the same way they get paid NOW in this capitalist country. Through taxes. The problem with socialism is that taxes go higher and more is paid out through social programs. So I don't think there's anyone on here saying there should be no taxes or no public service employees. I think we're just saying it's time to look at where to draw the line.

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Through taxes. Companies are taxed on their profits, citizens are taxed on their income. Private ownership is the basis of capitalism. With socialism, government takes ownership and control, free enterprise goes away. Taxes are collected in both systems.

Great post!

In theory (don't flame me Aliadam and Claire), I kind of like socialism. Everyone working together with a common goal. But in practice? I believe it goes against human nature and it doesn't work. Seriously, I would only want to work towards the common goal that I picked out.

Poor Claire didn't even respond in this thread!!! Geez....we must have a reputation or something. As far as working toward the common goal that YOU pick, that's why there's volunteer work and charitable giving. So you DO have control over how much and to where you wish to lavish your giving. It's not just "taken" from you and given to whomever the government wishes to give it too. See....my head didn't even explode!!

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Claire wrote me one time over something I said and mentioned I sounded a bit like a socialist -- and she didn't mean it as a compliment.

Ehhh....I've already contacted her and told her to come check out this thread (doesn't take me long!!). So watch out for that old meanie Claire!! Too funny!!!

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I guess I still remember reading Animal Farm in school, and well, that's what I think about when I hear the concept of socialism. I know the book is about Communism, but from what I remember, like the definition the OP posted, socialism is the link toward communism.

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THAT is my problem right there.