a political post...

I normally hate writing political posts, mainly because people get so angry and belligerent about them. However, the topic of socialism seems to be coming up in my thoughts and discussions lately, and I've been mulling over some things. Keep in mind that I'm not well versed in political philosophy or economics, these are just my own thoughts and musings.

It seems that a lot of Americans are afraid of the idea of socialism. I kind of understand this, as many Americans were alive during the cold war, and probably associate socialism with Stalinism or whatever. However, I think simply assuming Stalinism whenever you hear the word socialism is about the equivalent of assuming American economy whenever you hear the word capitalism. I mean, China is practicing capitalism, but not like America.

Ok, so we can agree then that socialism does not equal Stalin era communism. Good, I'm glad you're following me on that.

Socially, I think some Americans are frightened of socialism because it would cause them to give up certain rights they have claimed for themselves, and the distances they put between themselves and other people, so that they never have to depend on others or be depended upon. For instance, we hate the idea of paying for part of someone else's health care, or education - or the idea that we would be dependent on someone else to help pay for our education or health care. We hate being dependent.

Economically, I think we tend to shy away from socialism because it tempers economic growth. Our economy has been set up such that we have favored economic growth seemingly at the expense of all else. This probably has something to do with the state we are in at the moment.

Don't get me wrong, I have no warmth in my heart for socialism on the level of Russian or Chinese communism. I think that is an excess of socialism, and completely halts economic and social growth, at the expense of control (which, by the way, is why I don't understand how people think communism is a liberal concept - it's extremely conservative in the literal sense of the word, it fights to maintain the status quo at all costs).

I think the important thing is to realize that both an excess of control and an excess of freedom are dangerous, and that it can be good both economically and socially to temper growth and individualism with some regulation and sharing.

Just saying...