Do Americans Understand What Socialism Means?
Do Americans Understand What Socialism Means?
It has become the cliche phrase of the US credit crunch that somehow this amounts to socialism. Where do people get this from? If there is one country that crushed socialism almost a century ago, that's the USA. Here are two very simple introductory paragraphs on socialism from Wikipedia.
"Socialism refers to a broad set of economic theories of social organization advocating state or collective ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods, and the creation of an egalitarian society. Modern socialism originated in the late nineteenth-century working class political movement. Karl Marx posited that socialism would be achieved via class struggle and a proletarian revolution which represents the transitional stage between capitalism and communism.
Socialists mainly share the belief that capitalism by nature concentrates power and wealth among a small segment of society that controls capital, and creates an unequal society. All socialists advocate the creation of an egalitarian society, in which wealth and power are distributed more evenly, although there is considerable disagreement among socialists over how, and to what extent this could be achieved."
The key here is the collective ownership of the means of production in order to further an egalitarian society. Does this sound like the USA? Thought not. "Capitalism by its nature concentrates power and wealth among a small segment of society that controls capital, and creates an unequal society." Now that does sound like the US of A! It is precisely capitalism that is robbing the middle classes to pay off the inept capitalists and to placate the poor. It is capitalists who kept on leveraging their bets to make bigger and bigger profits. It is that leveraging that also results in huge losses if the bet goes wrong. It is that capitalist leveraging that means companies have lost more money than they are worth. It is capitalists who have lobbied - euphemism for bribed - politicians to bail them out so that the destruction of wealth we are seeing can at least be controlled and taken advantage of by a few. Where are socialist principles in all of this?
There is another saying that may explain the abuse of the word 'socialism'; that the bailout of the banking system is socialising the losses and privatising the gains. Now that does make sense, but is a different use of the root word "social". To go from "socialising losses" to "socialism" involves a basic misunderstanding of what the word means. I don't see this happening in Europe, which actually has some experience of socialism, communism, social democracy, and a wide range of political parties of all colours and ideologies. Socialising the losses is precisely the capitalist gun pointed at the head of governments.
So, to return to the original question, why has socialism become such a common word in the US lexicon? There is a Socialist Party USA; is anybody going to vote for them in the coming presidential elections? Let's look briefly at what they stand for.
"The Socialist Party USA describes itself as a democratic socialist party. It is opposed to both capitalism and authoritarian Communism. The Party's principles and platform call for the elimination of the power of big business through public ownership and workers' control, production for use instead of profit, and the establishment of a classless society. The party is also strongly committed to internationalism and the struggle against racism, sexism, classism, heterosexism, and homophobia. The party calls for the abolition of the death penalty and for the replacement of the prison-industrial system with restorative justice."
Now, if the bailout of the financial system was a permanent nationalisation of many companies then one might have a case for calling it socialism. But what we are seeing is not the nationalisation to create state enterprises to help the population, but the filleting of companies so that other banks get the prime meat and the public gets the offal and carcass. Yet again, this sounds like rapacious capitalism, not socialism.
The word socialism seems to be spat out by many Americans writing in various forums. Socialism is seen as the problem, not the solution. This gives us a clue as to why the media likes to use it. It is a diversion from the real problem, which is capitalism. For American citizens to question the very nature of their capitalism would be to potentially undermine their whole history. Many patriotic Americans are screaming that their constitution has been ripped to shreds by the capitalist corporations, but to call it socialism is a misuse of history and political philosophy. I don't see how one can cure an illness by deliberately calling it by the wrong name.
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Submitted by - aakom |
- america |
- capitalism |
- democracy |
- Government & Politics |
- socialising losses |
- socialism |
- socialist party |
- USA |
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Great article.Well thought out.
I do agree there seems to be a slight misunderstanding when it comes to words like socialism and communism.
It's especially annoying when Scotland is called socialist. I mean, we have a slightly different government - it's more of a coalition with England - but only just.
Stone of Scone
Well, Scotland got back its Stone of Scone so it's independence all the way - socialist or not :-)
glad you enjoyed the article.
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No System is Perfect!
Yes, it's true that Europe is more socialistic then the US. And unbriddled Capitalism has its flaws. So does pure Socialism. That's why there is no pure capitalistic or socialistic system; there's always a mixture between the two. It's up to the people of the country through legislation to decide which way to lean.
And yes, most citizens didn't pay attention in their High School Social Science classes, and really don't know the difference. If they did, we would have more informed voters. Maybe one day we (the US) will find a better balance, but I don't think voting for Obama is it.
Where is Freedom?
The belief in political systems has caused untold misery and deaths - second only to religions. I don't have any flag to wave. But when people start to wave the wrong flag, then it starts to smell like propaganda emanating from somewhere.
The one litmus test is how free people are, and on that score the whole world is becoming less and less free.
Will soon be like the film Brazil - in the end the only freedom was in his head. Good film.
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Yes, Richard, You are Waving a Flag!
Yes, Richard you are waving a flag, but that's all right. It's a good thing for Americans to look at another countryman's perspective, and broaden our horizons. People should travel more, if they can afford it. Americans are too centered on their own little world. Internet is wonderful because it brings different ideas from around the world in record time.
Thanks for this. Whatever
Thanks for this. Whatever people think of socialism, capitalism, and communism, they really need to better understand what the actual definitions are.
Well put
socialism. There has been such misue of the term at the forums here that I was wondering if the definition had undergone a change since I was at school! Great write up
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defence of American socialism?
Thanks for your comments, and glad to see I'm not the only one who was confused by what socialism means in America. However, don't know if significant or not, but nobody has as yet defended calling the financial rescue of America a form of socialism, so perhaps I was right.
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Thank you!
It's always good to have a reminder that just because a buzzword is spoken repeatedly, ad nauseum, doesn't mean it's the CORRECT buzzword! Well-stated article, thank you!
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Socialism in America
Even as the intervention of the government in the serious financial crisis we are in today is a step toward socialism, it is not meant to be such. The government is the only entity with enough power and resources to reduce the damage done to the economy in general, and it acted as a last resource. A solid step toward socialism would be the government interfering with the economy when there is no need no reason to do so.
What really worries me is the socialist agenda that the neo lib democrat agenda of Obama is up to. His platform is solidly based on clear and unequivocal steps that might be taken in order to initiate a transition toward a socialist system. From most of Obama's public appearances the socialist agenda is cleverly disguised as a change to a better society. And the problem is, the American people, ignorant of the wicked manner in which the socialist agenda is introduced as a change for the better, is buying into the deceit.
God help us and stop Obama before it's too late.
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Afraid of Obama
I am also afraid of Obama's hidden agenda, whether it be Socialism or not.
http://www.xomba.com/obama_planned_parenthood_racism_and_negro_project
Well, gee, if Bush didn't push for a Unitary Executive
then we would have a real Constitutional system of checks and balances in place to limit presidential powers, now wouldn't we? You don't get to support Bush doing it over an eight year Administration then start complaining that Obama "may" do something if he gets in office.
That "fear" that Republicans are feeling right now is the realization setting in that their reign of terror in Washington is almost over--in both the Executive and Legislative branches--and there is not going to be anything for them to do but sit on the sidelines for the next few years and snipe at the Democrats.
I would say I feel sorry for them, but I don't. They've been rubbing their power in everyone's faces for the past eight years and now they are going to have that arrogance and hubris turned back against them.
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the freedom to be done over
I know ideas are hard to change. Ideas often change more slowly than events. Although this article is about socialism I could write a similar one about freedom.
If there is one lesson to take away from the current financial chaos is that unbridled free-market freedom is the freedom for a few to screw the many. Are you one of the few or one of the many?
The freedom to be screwed by both business and government doesn't strike me as much of a freedom. One has, of course, the freedom to protect oneself but that seems to be limited. I don't think taxes will be optional any time soon.
Those who fear Obama socialism, can you point to actual socialist policies?
Unless there is the mother of all comebacks McCain looks dead in the water - nobody in the world wants another republican. It can, however, happen; in the UK John Major pulled off an amazing Conservative victory when all the polls were showing Labour in a clear lead.
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US capitalism has save Europes ASSets on more than..
one occasion. Maybe next time Europe will be strong enough to defend itself, but I doubt it. The following principles led to the development of our great country and ant deviation will lead to its destruction. But from all of your comments and rhetoric, I gather you see that as good thing for the world.
Our country was founded on these priciples or inalienable rights:
liberty: the freedom to act or believe (within established law) without being stopped by unnecessary force (i.e.government intervention)
justice: when the Constitutional framers drafted the first ten amendments of the Constitution more than two hundred years ago, commonly known as "The Bill of Rights," their intent was to protect individuals from UNDUE GOVERNMENT INTERFERENCE.
pursuit of happiness (aka American Dream): the right of men to pursue their happiness, by which is meant the right to pursue any lawful business or vocation, in any manner not inconsistent with the equal rights of others, which may increase their prosperity or develop their faculties, so as to give to them their highest enjoyment.
Richard, stay where ever you are and keep your poison of euro-socialism with you, it's not wanted here. jdud, you can join him in Thailand too.
Um, Google "Lafayette" and "English common law" vbm
Were it not for the French assisting us during the Revolutionary War, we would not have gained our independence from Britain. While you might say we returned the favor during World War I, the fact remains that France was the first country to extend us the courtesy during the 18th century.
English common law and the Magna Carta served as the nucleus of the Constitution.
Europe doesn't owe us anything, so saying that we are somehow "better" than them doesn't wash.
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the perils of liberty and freedom
As usual, vbm seems unable to express himself without some ignorant venom spewing forth.
You fail to actually answer the question: which US government actions, designed to get the USA out of a mess 100% of its own making, constitute a move towards socialism?
Regarding you constitution, are you totally unaware at how it has been undermined, distorted and ignored by your politicians?
http://www.xomba.com/most_americans_live_constitution_free_usa
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www.prisonplanet.com
It really is astonishing how you believe the words but don't look at the actual actions behind the rhetoric. Freedom and Liberty are words used both by fascists and communists - I'm sure they too believe in their meanings.
The powers that are now available to the US executive branch now make your country one small step away from a dictatorship - but I guess you'd even support that if it was your brand of theocracy. BTW the UK, although without a formal constitution, can also revert to an autocracy if the necessity arises. In the UK it is even more obvious, as ministers are still ministers of the Crown, not of the people.
As for the USA, it has never done anything that was not perceived in terms of its own self-interest. The US bases in Europe and the CIA's manipulation of European governments are not things that need thanking. Oh, before you ejaculate some more ignorance, go do a search on these things.
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