“Socialism is workable only in Heaven where it isn’t needed, and in Hell where they've got it.”

Short, sweet and wise, like all good quotes.

.....and we are finding out , much to our sorrow, that it doesn't work here in the USA.

Perfect!

Funny but absurd. We all know that socialism is just a rationalization of disparate groups of malcontents bent on thieving from their neighbors. It is a mental illness.

Heaven & Hell are what you make of your time where ever you actually are physically located. The fact that so many today think that we have socialism in the USA is more of a reflection upon their lack of basic education and understanding than on the state of society today. If there is any socialism going on today, it is corporate socialism!

The problem with most socialists is that they are incapable of working out where socialism eventually takes them. Without fail, socialism reduces all productive societies to poverty. It is the philosophy of the jealous and stupid.

There are at least two forms of socialism, voluntary and forced. We have numerous if not millions of voluntary "socialisms" in America. Such as farmer owned brands of agricultural products, farm cooperatives, after all, cooperation is all that socialism is really about. We have socialisms ran by society via our governments via democratic voting that force all individuals to the same standard of behaviour or action, and dictate where the streets and sewers will be etcetera, what are to be the standards of wages, working conditons etcetera. For intelligent conversation I think it would be best if we desisted from using the word "socialism" for it generally only results in a knee jerk reaction by most people. A stupid knee jerk quote that rates less than a thumbs down.

There are at least two forms of socialism, voluntary and forced. We have numerous if not millions of voluntary "socialisms" in America. Such as farmer owned brands of agricultural products, farm cooperatives, after all, cooperation is all that socialism is really about. We have socialisms ran by society via our governments via democratic voting that force all individuals to the same standard of behaviour or action, and dictate where the streets and sewers will be etcetera, what are to be the standards of wages, working conditons etcetera. For intelligent conversation I think it would be best if we desisted from using the word "socialism" for it generally only results in a knee jerk reaction by most people. A stupid knee jerk quote that rates less than a thumbs down.

Thank you wafflet for tying socialism and democracy together. Once again you "stumble" on the truth. And that we cooperate with each other in a civilized society is hardly "socialism". Socialism is always forced.

Socialism should be an individual state choice-not a federal mandate. Here in Texas we would just dump all social programs while New England would probably increase theirs.

Love this quote!

He must have been a banker....

The 'A' from Reston's head in the sand, leftist redefinition of terms ignores Mr. Obamunist Goodwrench the assassin's nationalization of industry with in Amerika. Yes there is fascist (corporatism) socialism subverting the Constitution, there is also communism (review the 10 planks) What ever the progressives and neocons consider the most destructive means to killing freedom, liberty, natural law and the individual rights of man is the socialism that is implemented. Of course Waffler wants to quit using the term socialism, his definition (unique to Waffler - stating all relationships are socialistic) doesn't even come close to any dictionary, legal understanding, or otherwise use of the term. Waffler, there is only one socialism with multiple administrations thereof (communism and fascism for example). All administrations of socialism employ force, immorality, destructive behavior, and all else that is contrary to natural law, individual rights, freedom and liberty. I like Justin's comment.

Carlton is correct. The individual is forced by police action to drive on a certain side of the street or forced not to park in designated places like handicap spots. Generally speaking I hate all of these socialist conventions but am mature enough to recognize that I am not here alone and I enjoy the amenities of social interaction etc. Mike speaking of defining terms how do you compare the political parties of Europe such as Democratic Socialists, Christian Socialists, etcetera. They both use the term but have decidely different policies. Socialism in its broad non-totalitarian usage means a cooperative society where pure capitalism means a competitive society, on occasion the competitive society fails to see broader good in its blind race for profits. It is like two doctors who in their blind race for profits take out their frustrations upon the unsuspecting patient.

Good quote. When I lived in India, I drove on the left hand side of the road -- and it wasn't because of the government, socialism, or the law -- it was so I did not crash into oncoming traffic. The dutiful socialist dares not consider that it is the individual that looks after himself -- that might remind the rest of us that we don't have to play a rigged game -- we do however have to watch out for oncoming traffic -- we do not have to drive off a cliff because someone paved a road there... (And here in NYC, we don't look at the lines in the road to determine where we drive, we avoid the other cars!)

And typically Waffler reaches to the absurd to back up and even more absurd philosophy. What you are describing my communist little friend is decency and sensibility...which have nothing whatever to do with socialism.

I come from a third world country where in some universities it is taught that Socialism is the beginning of Comunism ! But besides that point i think that both Socialism and Comunism are great...but for the ones imposing them ! History has shown how this Tyrants live and how their people live ! they are both perfect political parties if you are on top of course !

A red meat quotation thrown out for the unthinklng.

"Socialism is a political and economic system in which all wealth and production is owned, controlled, and regulated by the state." This is a totalitarian principle in which the state will at the very least appear to redistribute the wealth equally throughout its constituents. Redistribution means TAKING from some and giving to others. Is it morally right to take the product of one man's hard work and give it to another. This is theft, plain and simple. Is that what America is becoming? A nation of thieves so lazy that we get the government to do our stealing for us? Is that what our veterans have fought for and our heroes died for? What happens when everyone catches on and decides to take the free ride of government assistance? Production will slow down and the state will run out of people to steal from. That's when the giving will stop and brutal force will begin.

Waffler, Democratic Socialism is what we have here in Amerika. Demonstrated by Publius above, the helots, serfs, and otherwise slaves vote in any number of years for new distant, aloof, and despotic totalitarian jailers. As to Christian Socialism, it is an oxymoron; coined by ignorant graduates of some government school.

Live from Animal Farm or The Lunatics have taken over the asylum: I think we now have too many commies and now neocons. These are people whose agenda comes before the freedom and liberty our forefathers died and or were killed for, so as to keep the socialists where they belong...In the animal kingdom where the word "Creator" has no need to exist, or in Hell where Obama, Gingrich and the multi billionaire job killer himself will be more than happy to keep it going until the NWO version of Hitler re-incarnates! I never thought of Republicans as worse than liberals until this neocon war cult, you know.. the ones who hate you know who because he loves peace! ANY form of government OR religion with no liberty built in is GUARANTEED to fail That is why the guy who the media always forgets, WINS even if he loses. There was a Man even "crazier" than he and He believed this ...your greatest nightmare! 2 Corinthians 3:17 don't look it up...you do not want to know. We will press on through your hell till all the hate and lack of knowledge no longer exist. Who knows? It might even happen in 2012! As you call me a "bigot" and a "right wing nut", remember this short and sweet quote: Freedom has no guarantee of protection for those who are against it! (So do not question why you are hated by those who love freedom) Vote for the other guy! And if anyone you know uses the "L" word....ignore 'em they will eventually find a smart person. I will end with a Quote from the crazy moron who wants America to be bombed and free drugs for all: "Truth is treason in the empire of lies" You see Big Brother Media?...we too do not have to even mention his name....and EVERYONE knows of whom I sing. Now do not think of a Pink Neocommie as you click next.