Why do you believe in Socialism?

[Jaylock]

I'm curious to know why you believe in socialism?

I know there are a lot of posters here who are liberal and socialist, and live in countries that are predominately liberal and socialist, so why do you believe in such a system?

What do you think are the benefits of socialism as compared to capitalism?


From my perspective, I feel that socialism stifles entrepreneurial minded people. It takes away incentive for people to be productive. Productive is a key word here. Why would I as a worker want to make any more "widgets" than I have to, if I am not going to be paid or incinted to produce more? Better yet, why would I as a person who has ideas that could possibly revolutionize an old system, or make things more efficient and profitable, why would I want to execute my ideas if I know the government is going to take 50% (or even potentially much more at higher incomes, in some cases 90%+ after a certain income level) of my money away from me in the form of taxes?

So again, why do you believe in socialism?

[Revi]

Yeah, why would anyone bother becoming a millionaire when they could live on welfare without dying?

Waste of energy, I tell you.

[Doctor Amadeus]

I don't but as long as people throw words around like SJW, or Hipster, liberal or conservative, why get worked up over any of that unless it is true. I am not for socialism or communism, just because I see capitalism in it's current form is failing.

I am not naive enough to see it's the best out there especially for North America, but as time goes on that's less and less true, especially for the rest of the world. Universal Healthcare, taking care of the weak, figuring out how to combat poverty, is an investment that if done right can be WIN WIN!

[Osmeric]

I wouldn't say I believe in socialism, but I also have never understood why a person should be expected to support a system that doesn't benefit them.

[fengosa]

We have a more productive and efficient society than 99% of people who have ever lived, there's no excuse not to have a high standard of living for as many people as possible.

[Deleted]

Link countries that charge income tax at "some cases 90%+ after a certain income level". Lol. Ah you capitalist brain washed sheep. Keep forcing the non-rich to either die young or get into massive debt due to random illnesses.

Ah wait my apologies. just noticed who created this 'thread'. Just pretend i didn't respond.

[Jotaux]

I believe in using what works to better society. Sometimes that is socialism, sometimes not.

[Kathandira]

So again, why do you believe in socialism?

I support socialism because I believe in a world where everyone works for the advancement of the masses, and not solely for personal gain.

[fengosa]

Yeah, why would anyone bother becoming a millionaire when they could live on welfare without dying?

Waste of energy, I tell you.

The difference between $1 million and $50,00 is pretty significant. Hell the standard of living between $60,00 and $50,000 is significant.

[Deleted]

I like to know that I can fall over and that not being a turning point in my life. That is about as simple as I can answer such a question

[Kalis]

Most, if not all, posters come from countries that operate a mixed economy. Some of those countries have more social programmes than others, some less, but none are socialist as far as I am aware.

[Underverse]

Because I think we are stronger working together than for ourselves?

[Crispin]

I care about other people, there are definately people exploiting the system, but truth be told, it's not "free handouts", the amount is as they say "you cant live of it or die", you arent allowed to go on a vacation etc. etc. our IRS is chasing down anyone cheating etc.

Some taxes are fucked up, but atleast they'd usually support people in need.

[A dot Ham]

I'm curious to know why you believe in socialism?

I know there are a lot of posters here who are liberal and socialist, and live in countries that are predominately liberal and socialist, so why do you believe in such a system?

What do you think are the benefits of socialism as compared to capitalism?


From my perspective, I feel that socialism stifles entrepreneurial minded people. It takes away incentive for people to be productive. Productive is a key word here. Why would I as a worker want to make any more "widgets" than I have to, if I am not going to be paid or incinted to produce more? Better yet, why would I as a person who has ideas that could possibly revolutionize an old system, or make things more efficient and profitable, why would I want to execute my ideas if I know the government is going to take 50% (or even potentially much more at higher incomes, in some cases 90%+ after a certain income level) of my money away from me in the form of taxes?

So again, why do you believe in socialism?

Well first if you are going to understand it, you need to have an open mind. This whole socialism stifles entrepreneurial minds.

Not a single country that claims socialism, actually practices it in the way that you are describing. Where the guy flipping burgers is on equal ground as the guy performing heart surgery. That socialism DOES NOT EXIST.

Before I go on to provide you examples of fully functioning socialist countries. Let me ask you why you still believe in capitalism when everything around you proves that it is failing. Capitalism, true capitalism... requires CONSTANT growth to sustain. Which just is not possible.

Also I hear this "widget" argument all the time. Unless you own your own business this does NOT apply to you. If you work for a company/corporation and you collect a paycheck YOU are not living the American/capitalist dream... just saying.

[Deldavala]

Even a fairly socialist country like Norway has a decent tax rate.

I am currently in one of the higher tax brackets and after my deductions I have about 35% tax which is not bad considering I dont pay for healthcare and so forth.

I like this system due to the fact that I live in a society, and its better for me and the people around me that this society prospers. The fewer people struggling financially the better it is for the system as a whole.

[Mistame]

I support socialism because I believe in a world where everyone works for the advancement of the masses, and not solely for personal gain.

Utopianism is impractical by definition.

[Endus]

I'm curious to know why you believe in socialism?

I know there are a lot of posters here who are liberal and socialist, and live in countries that are predominately liberal and socialist, so why do you believe in such a system?

What do you think are the benefits of socialism as compared to capitalism?

The economic stability of the developed world for the past 80 years or so stems directly from the implementation of socialist principles throughout, with every developed nation working off some form of mixed economy these days (the "mix" being a combination of socialism and capitalism). The period prior, without socialist principles, was marked with lower-class rebellions and economic booms and crashes. We're better off without that.

Plus, it just makes sense to me that a successful company should reward its employees for that success, rather than just those who own it.

From my perspective, I feel that socialism stifles entrepreneurial minded people. It takes away incentive for people to be productive. Productive is a key word here. Why would I as a worker want to make any more "widgets" than I have to, if I am not going to be paid or incinted to produce more?

The root issue with your argument is that what you're describing isn't socialism, it's some form of extreme communism.

Better yet, why would I as a person who has ideas that could possibly revolutionize an old system, or make things more efficient and profitable, why would I want to execute my ideas if I know the government is going to take 50% (or even potentially much more at higher incomes, in some cases 90%+ after a certain income level) of my money away from me in the form of taxes?

Because 10% of an extra $100,000 gross income is more than 100% of an extra $0 gross income.

[Nihilist74]

I don't believe in complete socialism. I am an American. I believe that America needs to have stronger socialist programs than it does now. I believe health care should be single payer. I believe the education system in America should be more socialist having free college and trade school programs. I believe everyone should have base income for a base home, food, clothing and transportation.
I believe in having limited capitalism. There should be high taxes on imports, junk food, tobacco products, alcohol and drug products. Capitalist entities should be regulated to prevent harm to the environment and people. Capitalism is good for innovation but should not be involved in important aspects that control peoples lives. Capitalism should be for the luxuries of life. People should be allowed to become millionaires but should not be allowed to control so much wealth that they can control other peoples lives.
I believe the manufacture of medical drugs, military equipment, public utilities should be socialist ( government, owned by the state, the people ).
Socialist ideas give a larger amount of people more choices to enhance their lives. Gives them equal footing.

[Cosmoz]

In short, no. Wherever it seems to be 100% implemented, misery tends to ensue.

[Katie N]

To some extent I will because rich people shouldn't have everything when poor people have nothing.