This post is very much "dummied down" as to write at length would bore you. I'm open to (and would appreciate) constructive conversation and criticism, but seriously, every time this subject is approached it's like slamming my face against a brick wall.
Here are some concise definitions:
- Capitalism - an economic system based on private ownership of capital.
- Socialism - a political theory advocating state ownership of industry
- Communism - a form of socialism that abolishes private ownership.
- Dictatorship - a form of government in which the ruler is an absolute dictator (not restricted by a constitution or laws or opposition etc.)
- Fascism - a political theory advocating an authoritarian hierarchical government (as opposed to democracy or liberalism)
- Democratic Socialism - is a description used by various socialist movements, tendencies, and organizations, to emphasize the democratic character of their political orientation. The term is sometimes used synonymously with 'social democracy'.
It is possible to be one or many of these at the same time. For instance in China, Russia, North Korea,Laos, Vietnam and Cuba - Communism is the ruling party. They practice Socialism in an extreme way that some would even call Fascist and are considered Dictatorships.
Here is a list of a few Democratic Socialist countries- Canada, Australia, India, Austria, Denmark, Iran, Syria, Columbia, Albania, Sweden, England, Germany, France... most of Europe.
...and the U.S. We are not becoming Socialist. We are. We have been. The recent bank take overs and government ownership of General Motors (which I will get back to in a future post as I, a person raised in S.E. MI have a lot to say) are just the most recent signals. It's been going on a long long time, if not since the birth of our country. What do you think Social Security, medicare ,medicaid, military, police and fire departments are? All public works projects like TVA (things that brought us out of the last depression) are technically socialist. We all chip in and things like schools, hospitals, govt. buildings etc are built. Unfortunately, most Americans distort the word "Socialism" to mean something negative - spouting words like "Hitler", "Communism", "Facism" and "Castro".
I guess what I'm trying to say here is this- Please know what you are talking about before you throw around words and concepts you have no idea about. Do ANY of us really know how our country is run? I know this post is extremely simplified. The average person on the street can't name the Vice President, much less tell me how to feel about political ideology. 11 % of Americans can't even find America on a map!
As long as I have the ability to prosper and enjoy a quality, healthy life I really don't care what the economic term is. Labeling can be a dangerous thing.
I encourage any of you to discuss this as long as you will engage in conversation and not yell extreme left or right wing slogans at me.
