Very embarrassing question but I have to ask it!!

[Julpost]

I don't know why I don't know this and I can't understand any of the definitions I've heard so I am asking you ladies to explain this to me in easy terms.

What, exactly, is socialism? And why do some seem to believe there is a conspiracy to turn our country into a socialist nation? What are the hallmarks of a socialist state??

I've been dying to ask someone this and to understand it. :bigear:

[pixelroper]

I don't know why I don't know this and I can't understand any of the definitions I've heard so I am asking you ladies to explain this to me in easy terms.

What, exactly, is socialism? And why do some seem to believe there is a conspiracy to turn our country into a socialist nation? What are the hallmarks of a socialist state??

I've been dying to ask someone this and to understand it. :bigear:

redistribution of wealth by the government(can be the people)- collective vs private- this is off the top of my head

[Cheryl in NM]

Here's a link to Wikipedia's page on socialism:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socialism

When I say I"m worried about America turning into a socialist state here are my conerns:

1. redistribution of wealth (we are not wealthy at all!), I worry about being looked down upon if I have something someone else cannot afford. This happens every day in America.

2. Government control - I want the government to get their nose out of my business. I think we need a much smaller government, with many less social programs. The needy should be looked after by community churches or just the community or just a person who feels called to help.

[Sue G in PA]

Here's a link to Wikipedia's page on socialism:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socialism

When I say I"m worried about America turning into a socialist state here are my conerns:

1. redistribution of wealth (we are not wealthy at all!), I worry about being looked down upon if I have something someone else cannot afford. This happens every day in America.

2. Government control - I want the government to get their nose out of my business. I think we need a much smaller government, with many less social programs. The needy should be looked after by community churches or just the community or just a person who feels called to help.

:iagree: Can I say that again? :iagree:

My father has been saying for years the we are turning into a socialist country and I never until recently believed him/wanted to hear him! The gov't is way, way to involved in people's lives these days. There is legislation now for absolutely everything (remember the thread about Wood burning stoves and cursing in CA?). It's like the gov't thinks that they, as a collective body, are somehow more capable of running our lives, our children's lives, etc. Anyway, just wanted to agree!

[Linda]

People are concerned about it because all three of the major presidential candidates talk as if the government should--and will--provide all of the answers to all of life's struggles (paying for day care, health care, education, housing, food, etc.). And, of course, they will do this through taxation. So people who took risks, worked hard, and succeeded are no longer rewarded because they are taxed more.

It encourages an entitlement mentality, which is the opposite attitude from that which made this country so successful and rich (in many ways).