Looking around I haven’t seen a single true socialist government that can also be called “ethical”. Most are oppressive, totalitarian, taking freedoms as the elite will and abusive of it’s power. Theoretical socialism only works if ALL the citizens are treated treated equal. So long as they have a wealthy elite hierarchical class, it might as well be called feudalism.

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I guess Hayek must have been wrong – in his book The Errors of Socialism’, he traced socialism back to Aristotle.

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[...] Morgan says, when a word comes too close to actually identifying an inconvenient reality, secular progressives [...]

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Sorry Nancy this simply is not true. I’m with Craig on this one, although it would even be a stretch for me to compare Obama with Plato, at least in a “people” kind of way.

This theory of Aristotle’s is the basic premise of the Obama administration

Bottom line, Obama is no Aristotle. Even the term “socialism” is a bit mild for him, as he is truly a Marxist, although all lead to communism eventually. If there is any ‘philosophy’ to associate with Obama it’s Black Liberation Theology (as in Rev. Wright), which of course, is “disguised Marxism.”

All said, there is ONE place in the world that socialism actually does work, and that place is a religious monastery. If anyone remembers the movie ‘Into Great Silence’, that would be a perfect example of “socialism working for the greater good.” The thing to remember is that it’s all voluntary, and the group is small. Monastic life of course, is a place “where few men are called”; the epitome of selflessness, as they give up their lives (as in detaching from the world), to pray for the world, i.e., the beating heart of mankind. (That only can mean something to those who understand the power of prayer)

For what it’s worth, I’ve been to a few monasteries, and the joy & peace of the monks is well, “heavenly.” So I’m here to tell ya, in this limited situation, and by free will, socialism DOES work.

I do agree Nancy that capitalism in America is in great peril. The fact that not a penny of ‘stimulus’ money has been given to small business folks is all one needs to know that the goal of Obama is NOT to stimulate the economy or promote capitalism. I’ve always agruged that Obama’s goal is to DESTROY the economy.

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This is a sad misinterpretation of Aristotelian philosophy.

Aristotle’s ethics were centered around the happiness and self-fulfillment of the individual. He recognized man as a social animal, but certainly never advised that we live for others. That could more properly be attributed to Plato — in whose philosophy, I suspect, lie the roots of Mr. Obama’s hare-brained ideas.

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Socialism has Never worked Anywhere as History has proven.
It is not working here under the current merry band of “Progressives” (?)
Call them Communists for what they are and what they are trying to Do to Us.

The final billing is not in yet but You are not going to like it.

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[...] What Socialism Is Congratulations Nancy….I just saw your post on Flopping Aces…. __________________ [...]

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Its actually a very simple equations… fits handily on bumper-stickers and protest signs alike…

SOCIALISM = SLAVERY

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Socialism could probably work in a small community where people not pulling their share of the work load could be banished from the group. But to try it on a national scale would simply create groups who would not do their share and would be happy with situation. What could we do with people who have many babies with no way of providing for them? In a socialist society WE would provide for them for the rest of their lives like we do now. What of innovation and invention? Who would waste their time and money on such things if they would reap no reward for their efforts? It amazes me that rational people can debate this issue and not see the failed attempts in the past. It is very similar to universal health care. It will work for a while and then the bill is presented to the grownups. There is not enough money in the world to make it work.

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