Do those who prefer socialism even know the meaning of the word?

A new Rasmussen poll found that only 53% of Americans prefer capitalism to socialism. That’s disturbing but not surprising, since most Americans haven’t been educated as to the meaning of socialism. They also don’t understand the misery socialism has produced for millions of human beings.

Also not surprising is that Americans under the age of 30 are much more open to the idea of socialism than are older Americans. The poll did not define the terms socialism and capitalism. Interestingly, it is noted that an earlier poll found that 70% of Americans prefer a free-market economy. So it would seem that Americans don’t understand the differences between socialism and capitalism. For those who are confused here are definitions of the two terms.

so·cial·ism

1. Any of various theories or systems of social organization in which the means of producing and distributing goods is owned collectively or by a centralized government that often plans and controls the economy.
2. The stage in Marxist-Leninist theory intermediate between capitalism and communism, in which collective ownership of the economy under the dictatorship of the proletariat has not yet been successfully achieved.

 cap⋅i⋅tal⋅ism   

An economic system in which investment in and ownership of the means of production, distribution, and exchange of wealth is made and maintained chiefly by private individuals or corporations, esp. as contrasted to cooperatively or state-owned means of wealth.

I suppose we will find out soon enough whether or not Americans really prefer socialism. All you have to do is read the definition and then watch the news to understand that socialism is exactly what we’re getting from President Obama and the democrats. It would be nice if the Republican leadership were a bit more adept at communicating something that should be as plain as day.

The problem with socialism is that, once you’re in it, it’s very difficult to reverse course. Too many people become dependent on the government and politicians with the audacity to be honest with the people will be vilified as ogres who want to take away your benefits. We’ve been seeing that happen since the days of FDR and the New Deal and it’s only going to get worse.

I’m afraid that, by the time Americans come to understand what it is they thought they preferred, it’s going to be too late to do anything about it.