Extremist ideologues tout their airy-fairy doctrines, but it is the demonstrable, practical approach that validates itself repeatedly. What Grand Duchy of Weltanschauung can they cite as their Exhibit A?
Hmm. Let's see, a combination of slavery to the state for the common good and liberty to pursue one's happiness must find a middle common ground because both are bad, but together can be good. That about right?
Here's why: In capitalism, businesses are owned privately for private profit. In socialism, businesses are owned by the workers and run by them for collective benefit. You can't have a company that is both.
As per #2. I was looking on the same or "similar" human freedom index site and saw they use 71 measurements of freedom but do not post what those measurements are anywhere I can see or find. If you find them I'd be happy to see them. I believe we want similar outcomes. Even similar methods. I am totally against monopolies which some regulations help create. No regulation is just as bad as over regulated. I would just prefer there to be less regulation in general. However the food industry would cause for more regulation than say journalism. (slight sarcasm)
But you can have a system that is a mix of both. That's why these two things are not mutually exclusive.
And as we see in the Scandinavian countries today, the extreme right is working with some success to eliminate the progress of the socialist-leaning laws and programs, delivering greater hardships onto the people.
Oh, no, George -- you found me out! .Yup, just ask any blue-blooded (so to speak) Democrat... I just pulled it all out of my anal pore....
They aren't. That's just the mistake made by those whose knowledge of socialism is limited to First World posturing and dusty old books. In fact, socialism can't realistically be practised anywhere but a capitalist democracy.
If they are actually 'laws', then it's a good thing they're being fought. Forced socialism is a disaster.
Thank you Gorgeous George for the like. The reason I posted what i did deals with a personal observation of Socialism (Communism) and Capitalism equates them to the same thing; The Few ruling over The Many by way of economic strategy, deployment and utilitarianism.
"The Few ruling over The Many" is a feature common to every form of economic system and government since the 'Dawn of Time'. But, I guess it's much easier to paint with a brush that's a mile wide, if you don't care about any of the details at all. To equate Socialism, Communism, AND Capitalism requires painting with a brush that's maybe even wider than that....
that's why we're a republic... don't want nor need the criebabies & lazies to turn us into a socialistic totalitarian nightmare, because it doesn't work, anywhere on the planet...
@Kode, sorry, with your level of knowledge on this topic, I am unable to help you. I am not paid to be a teacher and I don't wish to go round in circles trying to explain the basics. No doubt you've noticed I've ignored replies.
I concur with your point, but feel like you're splitting hairs & complicating an area which most Americans are already badly informed & often confused about. Helping them understand that Democratic Socialism as espoused by Bernie Sanders & several W European countries is a GOOD thing rather than a communist threat, would be helpful. Thanks.