a)progressive taxation and the provision of public services = socialism

and

b)socialism = Stalinism

No wonder these people couldn’t run the country…

Lets make it clear that we do not talk about Communism here. Communism and Socialism are two different kind of beasts. Western type of Socialism, like the one implemented in Nordic countries, does not have long waiting lines curling through the streets. In fact, I was able to get my feet treated in 30 minutes and it cost me nothing, even as I was a foreigner. Not even my insurer was fared!

I honestly think that U.S. of America does not currently have the best economical, social, an not even political system in the world. (Just look at the complexity of your voting system.)

The good thing is that you are free to fix those things.

Socialism is not Stalinist Communism.

Obama is not proposing or even suggesting that America cease capitalism in any way, he is proposing that America adopt the same medical care system that every other Western nation has; socialized medicine.

Calm down, I know, I know it’s got that word in it; socialism.

Are you relaxed?

Good.

Now why don’t you take the time to understand what socialized medicine is and how it works and yes I know… calm down, it has flaws but all systems have flaws, no system is perfect but its flaws don’t outweigh the benefits in this case and further more the flaws in socialized medicine aren’t actually all that different than the ones found in insurance companies profit medicine

See you can actually have some components that have socialist underpinnings without actually having the bread lines.

And no, it’s not going to creep out and mug your economic system when you’re not looking.

Face it, we wouldn’t be very good at this. Americans are just too cranky, too much in love with contrariness, too admiring of the guy who marches to a different drummer that anyone we put in charge of of making this an unquestioning, obedient, robotic thinking society would have their hands full.

I once agreed with what you wrote above, but no longer. The long night of socialism began before Obama, but the soft totalitarianism one would find in modern Britain or France originated with him here. I would hope the character you described would reappear, but as someone who has lived in contemporary Europe (and actually absorbed things, versus some commenters above), I can tell you that once lost liberty is a difficult thing to regain.

Let us review. The average American voter just joined the hottest Cargo Cult in town. The object of worship’s giant head was projected on massive screens as he uttered banalities that were received as wisdom. Slogans of “change” and “hope” replaced actual policies. People wept as Obama—well, opened his mouth and strung nonsense together. We don’t know, yet, what his civilian army will do or how his Chicago thug politics will play out, but we’ve seen that movie before played in places that once loved freedom as much as America once did.

Take the auto industry, for example. The government isn’t going to nationalize it, as Rick has noted before. BUT — it is simply going to bail them out with strings attached. This will lead to a command economy in this sector, with the government dictating what green products must be built.

I’d rather see GM go under and then restructure itself. Capitalism isn’t just about getting what you want — it is about avoiding getting what you don’t want.

True, it’s more communist than socialist, but since we’ll head there eventually, it’s a good start.

Frankly after having Social Security for about 75 years and Medicare around for 45 years,why should any one be surprised that the country is moving leftward?

Look ath candidate who won the elections - he promised an income “tax cut” to 35% of the populace that doesnt even pay income taxes !

Will 2008 become The Summer of Free Money ?

Obama is no socialist. But that doesn’t mean that some of his policies - especially his efforts to solve the crisis - won’t reflect socialism’s basic tenets. Bush is no socialist but his policies are the same.

ed.

What on Earth are you talking about? Have you ever actually been to Europe, or are you relying on the classic stereotypes?