I think one thing to remember is that socialism is a different animal from communism. Socialism espouses a more equitable division of property, where Communism dictates State ownership of all property. Socialism advocates "From each, according to his ability, to each, according to his need." It teaches a form of community awareness and responsiblity, not only to self, but to one's neighbors.
Mind you, we already practice a certain level of democratic socialism, both in the US as well as other Western nations. We have public police departments and fire departments. We use tax dollars, put them in a common pool and then provide these services to the public at large regardless of ability to pay for such services privately.
I think democratic socialism is a good answer to many of the problems that people deal with on an everyday level. Public health care - where everybody pays a certain amount in taxes, and then enjoys the benefits of being able to go to the doctor without fear of bankruptcy - would be another area into which I'd like to see the principle extended.
Of course, people with lots of money don't like any kind of socialism - because of the tendency in the human animal for greed. Capitalism caters to greed, to the point now that our entire democratic system of elections is bought and sold, won or lost, depending on how much money a candidate or proposition has behind it. Far too many well-heeled are of the opinion that "I've got mine, to Hell with everybody else."
Churchill was reacting to the mistaken idea that Socialism = Communism. However, that said, Socialism, as a human construct, is not perfect. NO system of governance is without its flaws. Pure Socialism isn't the answer. Pure Capitalism isn't either (as we're all now becoming aware of.) Democratic Socialism, however, mixes two ideas in a responsible manner, so that one is both encouraged and rewarded for doing well, but those who fail for whatever reason aren't left without any resources at all.
Perhaps, if Churchill had lived to this decade of the 21st Century, his statement would read a bit differently. He was a wise man otherwise...
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branchandroot
no subject
Date: 2012-11-16 05:53 pm (UTC)Mind you, we already practice a certain level of democratic socialism, both in the US as well as other Western nations. We have public police departments and fire departments. We use tax dollars, put them in a common pool and then provide these services to the public at large regardless of ability to pay for such services privately.
I think democratic socialism is a good answer to many of the problems that people deal with on an everyday level. Public health care - where everybody pays a certain amount in taxes, and then enjoys the benefits of being able to go to the doctor without fear of bankruptcy - would be another area into which I'd like to see the principle extended.
Of course, people with lots of money don't like any kind of socialism - because of the tendency in the human animal for greed. Capitalism caters to greed, to the point now that our entire democratic system of elections is bought and sold, won or lost, depending on how much money a candidate or proposition has behind it. Far too many well-heeled are of the opinion that "I've got mine, to Hell with everybody else."
Churchill was reacting to the mistaken idea that Socialism = Communism. However, that said, Socialism, as a human construct, is not perfect. NO system of governance is without its flaws. Pure Socialism isn't the answer. Pure Capitalism isn't either (as we're all now becoming aware of.) Democratic Socialism, however, mixes two ideas in a responsible manner, so that one is both encouraged and rewarded for doing well, but those who fail for whatever reason aren't left without any resources at all.
Perhaps, if Churchill had lived to this decade of the 21st Century, his statement would read a bit differently. He was a wise man otherwise...