He's a Fabian

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Originally Posted by excon

But, when people can still get ahead, they don't mind contributing a portion of their income for the betterment of society.

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This is the crux of the entire debate, as well as the basis for most of the economic "isms."

Who decides how big a portion of your income is contributed?

In totalitarian countries like Myanmar, China, or Barry's dream world, the head of the government does.

In Anarchic/Libertarian societies like Ron Paul's dream world, you do.

Somewhere in between the two is probably the most efficient. Sweden does a really good job, but their system overloads at about 100 million population, theoretically at least.

Scale is one of the main problems just about all systems run into.

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Originally Posted by Catsmine

Who decides how big a portion of your income is contributed?

In totalitarian countries like Myanmar, China, or Barry's dream world, the head of the government does.

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I'm not afraid to call bull$hit where I see ii and this is some. Please show how Obama wishes to make the US a totalitarian commuinist country.

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Originally Posted by Catsmine

Sweden does a really good job, but their system overloads at about 100 million population, theoretically at least.

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Link to that theory please?

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Originally Posted by NeedKarma

I'm not afraid to call bull$hit where I see ii and this is some. Please show how Obama wishes to make the US a totalitarian commuinist country.

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He's taken over the Healthcare, Automotive, and Financial industries; he's working on Energy production and the Internet.

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Originally Posted by Catsmine

He's taken over the Healthcare, Automotive, and Financial industries; he's working on Energy production and the Internet.

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You best stay with Pest Control methinks.

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Originally Posted by NeedKarma

You best stay with Pest Control methinks.

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Hello NK:

Poor fellow - doesn't wear a respirator. It's getting to him.

excon

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Originally Posted by RickJ

Can someone here give what they believe is the definition of Socialism?

And can someone here name a country on the planet where their definition of Socialism works?

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Socialism is a government looking after the basic needs of the people and providing services where private enterprise is unable or unwilling to do so. This is usually paid for through the taxation system

In Australia, basic health care is provided by the government in return for a levy on taxable income, the government pays the health practitioner for the service. Public transport is provided by government with some private involvement and fares are regulated. In most states the government owns electricity generation and distribution and prices to consumers are regulated, pricing to business is free of regulation. Water and sewerage is provided by local government or state governments and pricing is regulated. Unemployment benefits are provided by government as are pensions and other welfare payments.

So the features of this socialistic system are
Government control over pricing
Services provided where they would not otherwise be provided/affordable
Poverty alleviated.
Government involvement in enterprises which are of economic necessity which require high invesment in inferstructure in the initial phases

Australia has weathered the GFC well and has low unemployment and strong fiscal credentials so limited socialism can work

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Originally Posted by Catsmine

Somewhere in between the two is probably the most efficient. Sweden does a really good job, but their system overloads at about 100 million population, theoretically at least.

Scale is one of the main problems just about all systems run into.

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With 100 million population internal markets should be promoting entrepreneurship and less dependence on government for services, economies of scale kick in, The purpose of government is protection and regulation. In their simple form government is also about services but with scale much of this can be devolved to private enterprise