Yeah, hairy, this exchange has been interesting. I guess we must part agreeing to disagree.I don't think you'll find too many folks agreeing with you here, hairy. At least the Cuban ruler has brought more equality and fairness to his masses than we have in the US, and that's preferable to whatever other advantage life in the US might bring. Again I must disagree. The Russian system failed to the point that strong enforcement of policy had to be combined with isolating the masses from the outside world. The Soviet Union was, of course, the solution that came to the rescue of socialism, and would have still been viable today with proper leadership.If you believe so much in the individual's ability to solve one's own plight, then why not join the capitalist conservatives who have always believed in self reliance and personal liberty. Perhaps you agree with them that less government intrusion into personal lives and personal property would encourage accountability and a competitave spirit that strengthens individuals and produces better mousetraps. But this can never meet our ideals or produce uniformity and fairness.

Socialism is the only fair system, regardless of the price of liberties and property that must be forfeited. We in the US have furthered our socialistic growth by developing strong control over the masses through environmental regulations, animal rights agendas, gay rights agendas, judicial dictates, indoctrination campaigns through our media and public schools, and many legal forms of political correctness compliance. Strong rules and enforcement are necessities lest head-strong individualists would rebel causing the system's collapse. Universal healthcare could never begin to be established. No............In light of the very examples of strong rulers in Cuba and the USSR that you provided, I'll rest my case.