I am a socialist. [I Am Socialist]

I believe that conservatism is caused by a lack of empathy. As a species its our primal instinct to look after #1 but we've evidently moved past a state of fighting for survival and we easily have the means to provide and look after all people.

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Oneofthestormboys · 100+, M

I think that you make noble statements, and I understand what you say.
I think that the idea of socialism is a splendid one in a perfect world, which sadly this is not.
Unfortunately the human race is inherently greedy, hence what we’re doing to our beautiful planet (socialist or otherwise). Also, history has shown that socialism doesn’t really work that well - the mantra “Everyone should be equal, but I’m in charge” kind of contradicts the ideal really.
Having said all that, the extreme capitalism of many western countries makes me feel very pessimistic about the future of the human race and life in general.
Perhaps a mixture of both is the way to go?

LJTEFMxGrace · 26-30, F

@Oneofthestormboys once again. SCANDINAVIA.

Oneofthestormboys · 100+, M

@LJTEFMxGrace Having been to all those countries, what I can say is that they’ve got a far sparser population than most, but nonetheless a fabulous standard of living.

hippyjoe1955 · 61-69, M

@Oneofthestormboys Or perhaps we could simply admit that the cavemen had it right. Every person has a talent that can be used to enhance society. However only that person knows what his or her talent is and thus only that person can decide to use that talent and all the others can pay that individual for using said talent for the betterment of society as a whole. The idea that some chief somewhere can dictate that you plant the potatoes even though you have no idea how because your talent is hunting buffalo....... When a free society is truly free all of society benefits.

Oneofthestormboys · 100+, M

@hippyjoe1955 Very true.

LJTEFMxGrace · 26-30, F

@Oneofthestormboys the thing is, the argument that these are small countries is only effective if I was American.

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LJTEFMxGrace · 26-30, F

@waleskinder is your concept of socialism SO skin deep that all you see it as is poor people getting financial aid?

hippyjoe1955 · 61-69, M

@LJTEFMxGrace So lets hear your definition of socialism? Is it like Nazi Germany? That was socialist. How about the USSR? That was socialist. How about present day China. That is socialist. How about Zimbabwe? That is socialist. How about Vietnam? That was socialist. How about Cuba? That is socialist. How about Venezuela? That is socialist. Iraq under Saddam was socialist.

LJTEFMxGrace · 26-30, F

@hippyjoe1955 Nazi Germany was a fascist dictatorship, so too was Iraq but with greater military presence. Zimbabwe has always lacked the economic capabilities to support such a system. Cuba is fine. 75% of all infrastructure and social services in Venezuela are privatised, is that socialism? China is a socialist market economy run under a COMMUNIST regime (Communism is not socialism). USSR was also communist. The Scandinavian states are socialist and thriving.

hippyjoe1955 · 61-69, M

@LJTEFMxGrace National Socialist Workers Party (NAZI) Now go do a little research on fascism. You will find that its founder was a socialist. Fascism is just another word for state control aka socialism.

LJTEFMxGrace · 26-30, F

@hippyjoe1955 you're arguments aren't doing much to convince an eco fascist like myself.

hippyjoe1955 · 61-69, M

@LJTEFMxGrace Can't convince a person whose eyes remain shut to open them and look at the pretty world God created. Nazis were socialists. It was well known at the time. The fascist ruse was simply a ruse to cover the evil that socialism wrought in Germany and Italy during the 1920, 30 and 40s. Socialists do it all the time. They love to claim a welfare state is socialism. Then the real socialism shows up and the useful idiots that fell for that propaganda are stunned when they lose their freedoms.

LJTEFMxGrace · 26-30, F

@hippyjoe1955 are you aware that 1940 was eighty years ago now? or are you still there?

hippyjoe1955 · 61-69, M

@LJTEFMxGrace Are you aware that Nazis were socialists and you want to bring in socialism. Hmmmm So please give me an example of successful socialism and no I am not talking about a welfare state in a capitalist country.

LJTEFMxGrace · 26-30, F

@hippyjoe1955 Finland

hippyjoe1955 · 61-69, M

@LJTEFMxGrace Finland is a capitalist state with a large welfare state. You do need to learn the difference. BTW did you hear that Finland is starting to trim its welfare state? It can't afford its generous benefits.