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Socialism Debates
Socialism Debates
History and Debate of Socialism
Socialism is a type of economic system in which society as a whole controls production and manages the economy. Under this type of economic system, goods and services are provided directly for use, instead of sold for profits and traded freely. Accounting is done in terms of physical quantities of goods and services, and distribution of the produced goods is based on an individual's contribution to the economy as a whole. There are many forms of socialism, the most familiar of which arose from the societies created by Marx and Lenin in Soviet Russia. Socialism often goes hand-in-hand with a communist government, but the distinction is that communism is a form of government while socialism is an economic system.
Pros of the Socialism Debate
Those who argue for a socialist economy in the socialism debate believe that this system allows the government to better ensure the survival of its citizens by providing for them in every way. Those who cannot participate in the economy because of disability or other ailments are still cared for by the government. This is not always true in nations where the responsibility of caring for the disabled is placed on the family. Those who support socialism also argue that because everyone's personal needs are met under this system, it offers more opportunities for citizens to pursue educational endeavors in math, arts and science. This promotes a more educated society.
Another reason why some people believe socialism is the ideal economic arrangement is that it prevents the rich from exploiting the poor because there are, technically, no rich and no poor. As long as the ruling group is fair, everyone gets a fair and equal chance in life.
Cons of the Socialism Debate
One of the main reasons that many people argue against the socialism debate is that the ruling party rarely ends up treating all citizens fairly by making the decisions necessary for everyone to get that fair and equal chance. A higher social class still does emerge; the ruling government has all of the power, and citizens effectively have no say in the economic pursuits of the nation.
Many people are also of the belief that it is a basic human right to own private property, control one's own destiny and compete in the business world. The economic planning associated with socialism is an infringement on individual liberty. Others also argue that this type of economic system is infeasible because those in power lack the information to even perform the calculations used to determine production needs and such. There are no price signals like there are in a free market economy.
For Socialism
Pro
Comment: Revisionist.
Comment: I believe in both Capitalism and Socialism. Capitalism should be how citizens pursue the things they want in their lives and that Socialism should be how citizens get what they need in their lives. Our first duty is making sure that our government, beyond a shadow of a doubt, ensures that all Americans have clean water, nutritional food, shelter, education, health care, free expression and protection from oppression and violence. After we ensure their basic human needs are guaranteed at the time they are needed, we should then step back and let capitalism take over.
Comment: Only in certain circumstances. I do not believe that libertarian socialism would work say, for Canada in the current situation. Co-operatives work - if you don't believe me, think back to your last camping trip. But only under certain circumstances.
Comment: I only support it to a small degree, like maybe what Sweden implements, but beyond that and I am against it.
Comment: The ideals of free healthcare and education are ideal. Countries are also more self-sufficient.
Online: 22 Hours Ago Updated: 22 Hours Ago Comment: I am an anarchocommunist so I do like socialism quite a bit.
Comment: As stated earlier, free trade and a myriad of social programs serve a country best.
Comment: Given that more socialistic countries tend to do better than their peers, it is definitely worth trying more of. If it doesn't work, I'll reconsider.
Comment: can't get any better that socialism
Comment: I am a Communist.
Against Socialism
Con
Comment: Good in theory, but in reality it doesn't work.
Comment: Wealth redistribution is morally wrong and economically impractical.
Comment: Socialism in what regards? I support some socialistic concepts, like socialized medicine, but I do not support socialized economics.
Comment: On smaller levels, it may work. But in a country like ours, socialism cannot work and isn't what our founders envisioned.
Comment: A failed economic system.
Comment: It's not time yet, but we will hit a point in technological development where it would work just fine. We aren't there yet, though. We'd have to overcome human nature, or at least get around it.
Comment: Horrible idea
Comment: Con in the sense of state-enforced socialism. I dont have any problem with voluntary collective owners
Comment: Lol.
Comment: I support socialism in the sense of publicly funded programs that benefit all and are essential to preservation of life and the greater good like a public healthcare system, public education system, etc. I do not support socialism in the economic sense of government taking over private industry, and believe in capitalism instead.

