Do you consider the US to be Socialist?

[UCFhonors]

If not, why?

I've heard a lot of people say Canada is socialist. Yet they ranked 6th in economic freedom. That says something about America.

 

[Sir Galahad]

On the current trajectory it will become one.

 

[chemmie]

Breaking it down to Capitalist or Socialist is dumb. Anyone who actually thinks our current system is indicative of "free market capitalism" is an idiot. Anyone who actually thinks we are heading towards "socialism" is also an idiot. (e.g. above)

 

[UCFhonors]

Breaking it down to Capitalist or Socialist is dumb. Anyone who actually thinks our current system is indicative of "free market capitalism" is an idiot. Anyone who actually thinks we are heading towards "socialism" is also an idiot. (e.g. above)

So not capitalist and not socialist (and I'm assuming you're not saying we are communist) then what is the economic system in the US?

 

[UCFhonors]

On the current trajectory it will become one.

So who is a socialist country and what would be the "tipping point" for what you would consider a socialist country?

 

[UCFBS]

The US has had a very nationalistic economy for decades now. The Democrats and Republicans want you to think otherwise, but they just argue over which businesses get the money in no-bid contracts and which new agencies should be built and others expanded.

Candidates like Bernie Sanders are just advocating an expansion of the nationalistic economy under the promise that the individual will receive more. Even if he's 100% honest and would do such (doubtful, given Congress as well as special interest he will likely cater to), after 4-8 years of Sanders, we'd just have an even more powerful federal government with even more economic control.

At some point, this thing is going to implode. As Ron Paul always says, either we cut spending now, while the dollar is still worth something, or we are forced to cut spending later, because the dollar becomes worth far, far less.

 

[UCFhonors]

The US has had a very nationalistic economy for decades now. The Democrats and Republicans want you to think otherwise, but they just argue over which businesses get the money in no-bid contracts and which new agencies should be built and others expanded.

Candidates like Bernie Sanders are just advocating an expansion of the nationalistic economy under the promise that the individual will receive more. Even if he's 100% honest and would do such (doubtful, given Congress as well as special interest he will likely cater to), after 4-8 years of Sanders, we'd just have an even more powerful federal government with even more economic control.

At some point, this thing is going to implode. As Ron Paul always says, either we cut spending now, while the dollar is still worth something, or we are forced to cut spending later, because the dollar becomes worth far, far less.

Nationalist? You just made that up. I pray that you voted for option 4.

But I do agree with your thinking.

 

[Sir Galahad]

Breaking it down to Capitalist or Socialist is dumb. Anyone who actually thinks our current system is indicative of "free market capitalism" is an idiot. Anyone who actually thinks we are heading towards "socialism" is also an idiot. (e.g. above)

Well first I have to consider the source of this comment, since its chemmie it means nothing. Now considering that one of the two major candidates that represents your party is a self declared socialist I am wondering why I'm wrong. I also have little doubt which one you favor.

 

[Bob the Citronaut]

We're moving that way yes. There is a declared socialist running for president and the front runner did everything in her power to come out further left at the debate.

 

[UCFhonors]

We're moving that way yes. There is a declared socialist running for president and the front runner did everything in her power to come out further left at the debate.

Same question as I gave to Sir G, what would the tipping point be for you to consider the US socialist?

 

[Bob the Citronaut]

Electing a declared socialist like Sanders. He would get the "47%" but the rest of the sane people in the country would turn out in droves to vote against him. Acorn would be jealous.

We're still a ways off and we've been swinging back right the last few elections. It's all a cycle.

 

[Dungeon Master]

Same question as I gave to Sir G, what would the tipping point be for you to consider the US socialist?

We've already got the huge govt programs, so we're there in many ways. In the short term, a govt mandate raising the minimum wage for private sector employees to $15 an hour would be a 'tipping point' for me. An individual that has not made life decisions that lead to middle class wages should not be given a higher income for low level work via govt mandate.

 

[UCFhonors]

We've already got the huge govt programs, so we're there in many ways. In the short term, a govt mandate raising the minimum wage for private sector employees to $15 an hour would be a 'tipping point' for me. An individual that has not made life decisions that lead to middle class wages should not be given a higher income for low level work via govt mandate.

I'm curious, do think that redistribution of wealth and/ or govt mandates on the economy is the major component of socialism? Please be specific on the and / or.

2nd, is it the principle of "middle class wages for everyone" or the practically meaning the economics of minimum wages that bothers you?

 

[UCFhonors]

Electing a declared socialist like Sanders. He would get the "47%" but the rest of the sane people in the country would turn out in droves to vote against him. Acorn would be jealous.

We're still a ways off and we've been swinging back right the last few elections. It's all a cycle.

I haven't listen to Sanders much. Specifically what is he proposing that is socialist?

 

[chemmie]

This thread is funny, because the people who complain most about socialism, don't really know what they are talking about and Honors is making it obvious.

 

[chemmie]

So not capitalist and not socialist (and I'm assuming you're not saying we are communist) then what is the economic system in the US?

It is far too complex to use a single term to describe it.

 

[goodknightfl]

I would argue, that with Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid We have a big foot in the door. Obama himself said Obamacare is simply a step to destroy the health insurance industry so we can get to 1 payer. I would call us socialistic capitalist right now. With the socialist growing and capitalism wilting.

 

[goodknightfl]

supercalifragilisticexpialidocious

Super capital, communistic,extra dose of socialist, if you say it fast enough it's sure to sound atrocious.

yea super capital communistic, with an extra dose of socialist.

 

[UCFWayne]

Definitely looks like we are going that way. Cant wait til I get my ration card and my ticket number for the hospital visit (maybe I can get in before it becomes a real problem).

 

[FearTheKnight]

We've already got the huge govt programs, so we're there in many ways.

Consider yourself burned, Fed.

 

[UCFBS]

Nationalist? You just made that up. I pray that you voted for option 4.

Nationalist economies have been covered by many analysts who don't just merely categorize things as left'n right. It especially goes a long way to explaining our increasing federal funding at great deficits to keep unemployment down, etc...

It's also more politically correct than calling it by its historical name ... National-Socialist, even though it fits.

But I do agree with your thinking.

I'm still waiting for a politician, other than Ron Paul, to call our economy for what it is, and recognize what we need to finally do.

 

[UCFhonors]

Nationalist economies have been covered by many analysts who don't just merely categorize things as left'n right. It especially goes a long way to explaining our increasing federal funding at great deficits to keep unemployment down, etc...

It's also more politically correct than calling it by its historical name ... National-Socialist, even though it fits.

I'm still waiting for a politician, other than Ron Paul, to call our economy for what it is, and recognize what we need to finally do.

National Socialist.... aka Nazi.

"The term "National Socialism" arose out of attempts to create a nationalist redefinition of "socialism", as an alternative to both internationalistMarxist socialism and free marketcapitalism. The Nazis sought to achieve this by a "people's community"(Volksgemeinschaft) with the aim of uniting all Germans as national comrades, whilst excluding those deemed either to be community aliens or "foreign peoples" (Fremdvölkische). It rejected the Marxist concept of class struggle, opposed ideas of class equality and international solidarity, and sought to defend private property and businesses."

So you think the US is like the Nazis?

 

[UCFBS]

National Socialist.... aka Nazi.

"The term "National Socialism" arose out of attempts to create a nationalist redefinition of "socialism", as an alternative to both internationalistMarxist socialism and free marketcapitalism. The Nazis sought to achieve this by a "people's community"(Volksgemeinschaft) with the aim of uniting all Germans as national comrades, whilst excluding those deemed either to be community aliens or "foreign peoples" (Fremdvölkische). It rejected the Marxist concept of class struggle, opposed ideas of class equality and international solidarity, and sought to defend private property and businesses."

So you think the US is like the Nazis?

Again, to refer to it as such is to be politically incorrect. Because of all of the fallout of what became of it. But yes, the US has been exceedingly moving towards such an economy like the Nazis of '33-'38, since the '80s. Much of it has been due to economic-driven desperation and to keep people employed.

 

[Sir Galahad]

I would argue, that with Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid We have a big foot in the door. Obama himself said Obamacare is simply a step to destroy the health insurance industry so we can get to 1 payer. I would call us socialistic capitalist right now. With the socialist growing and capitalism wilting.

Not sure how anyone can think we are not moving toward socialism. If left unchecked, the democrats would have the U.S. At complete socialism by now.

 

[UCFBS]

Not sure how anyone can think we are not moving toward socialism. If left unchecked, the democrats would have the U.S. At complete socialism by now.

And this is what pisses me off.

I'm not against socialized medicine. But it needs to be "lowest common denominator," out of sheer cost. You get every regular physical, deal with issues before they become costly, stop the visits to the ER for basic medicine. But unless you have money, you are on waiting lists. So it's always going to be 2 payer, just like in the UK.

This is what the President doesn't understand, because he believes we can afford million dollar medicine for everyone. That's why he wants to make it so bad that people who are willing to pay lots of money for insurance will no longer have any option for better.

But what do you expect from the guy that voted IV fertilization as "medical necessary" in Illinois? That's why I knew he would make things worse. He is out-of-touch with real costs because he's never had to balance a budget in his life, in any position.

 

[UCFhonors]

I'm calling out the non stop political posters. See when actual hard hitting political questions that don't fit narrative are asked, they are no where to be found.

 

[UCFhonors]

And this is what pisses me off.

I'm not against socialized medicine. But it needs to be "lowest common denominator," out of sheer cost. You get every regular physical, deal with issues before they become costly, stop the visits to the ER for basic medicine. But unless you have money, you are on waiting lists. So it's always going to be 2 payer, just like in the UK.

This is what the President doesn't understand, because he believes we can afford million dollar medicine for everyone. That's why he wants to make it so bad that people who are willing to pay lots of money for insurance will no longer have any option for better.

But what do you expect from the guy that voted IV fertilization as "medical necessary" in Illinois? That's why I knew he would make things worse. He is out-of-touch with real costs because he's never had to balance a budget in his life, in any position.

BS, simple question. Please answer thoroughly. Do you believe in monopolies? Why or why not?

 

[Dungeon Master]

Hey UCFHonors, do you consider the US to be a socialist nation? Direct answer only or you are relegated to know nothing troll status.

 

[UCFhonors]

Hey UCFHonors, do you consider the US to be a socialist nation? Direct answer only or you are relegated to know nothing troll status.

Yes. Would you like my reasoning behind it?

 

[FearTheKnight]

Yes. Would you like my reasoning behind it?

Is it because a major free market capitalist society has never existed in history?

 

[UCFhonors]

Is it because a major free market capitalist society has never existed in history?

Um of course it has. Most of human history has seen free markets - ability to own property and no government interference. Since we are on the topic of common history misconceptions, we have seen anarchy societies and they prospered, native Americans did have property laws, and Vikings were the first Europeans in North America hundred of years before Christopher Columbus.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/08952...s+woods+jr&dpPl=1&dpID=51iWjHRSD7L&ref=plSrch

 

[UCFhonors]

 

[UCFhonors]

And this is what pisses me off.

I'm not against socialized medicine. But it needs to be "lowest common denominator," out of sheer cost. You get every regular physical, deal with issues before they become costly, stop the visits to the ER for basic medicine. But unless you have money, you are on waiting lists. So it's always going to be 2 payer, just like in the UK.

This is what the President doesn't understand, because he believes we can afford million dollar medicine for everyone. That's why he wants to make it so bad that people who are willing to pay lots of money for insurance will no longer have any option for better.

But what do you expect from the guy that voted IV fertilization as "medical necessary" in Illinois? That's why I knew he would make things worse. He is out-of-touch with real costs because he's never had to balance a budget in his life, in any position.

BS, simple question. Please answer thoroughly. Do you believe in monopolies? Why or why not?

 

[UCFhonors]

I find it astonishing that "political" people like to throw terms around but when you press them on defining it, they are silent.

 

[mach3ucf]

As an Economics Graduate, guess what..
You can put 100 Economics Scholars in a room, and you will get 100 different opinions.
There is no facts for our country's economic future, mainly a bunch of smart people's opinions.

We should go with what works, and we should get rid of waste...
Look at some of the moronic items on our budget... simply get rid of them..
We need a Congress that lowers Taxes by 5-9% per person, and cut the waste!

 

[UCFhonors]

As an Economics Graduate, guess what..
You can put 100 Economics Scholars in a room, and you will get 100 different opinions.
There is no facts for our country's economic future, mainly a bunch of smart people's opinions.

We should go with what works, and we should get rid of waste...
Look at some of the moronic items on our budget... simply get rid of them..
We need a Congress that lowers Taxes by 5-9% per person, and cut the waste!

So as an economics graduate, how do you define socialism?

What waste? Most years we could cut military spending to zero and still have a deficit. Same with our 2 other big items, SS and medicaid & Medicare. Please look at the budget before you make such a outlandish claim.

 

[UCFhonors]

As an Economics Graduate, guess what..
You can put 100 Economics Scholars in a room, and you will get 100 different opinions.
There is no facts for our country's economic future, mainly a bunch of smart people's opinions.

We should go with what works, and we should get rid of waste...
Look at some of the moronic items on our budget... simply get rid of them..
We need a Congress that lowers Taxes by 5-9% per person, and cut the waste!

Why can't you define socialism?