Saigio
04-11-2008, 06:24 PM
What is Socialism?
We often here conservatives accusing liberals of being socialists. But what does it mean? Is it really synonymous with the left? Or is it more then that?
Well, Wikipedia says “Socialism refers to the goal of a socio-economic system in which property and the distribution of wealth are subject to control by the community”
Now, what does that mean? It means that in a Socialist society, the wealth of the nation is redistributed, or spread out, by the community. Pretty simple.
Now, let’s look at what liberalism is. Again, Wikipedia:
“Liberalism refers to a broad array of related ideas and theories of government that consider individual liberty to be the most important political goal.”
And, because it will come up later, let’s look at what Conservatism is. Wikipedia:
“Conservatism is a term used to describe political philosophies that favor tradition and gradual change, where tradition refers to religious, cultural, or nationally defined beliefs and customs.”
In other words, it’s the idea of looking to the well being of the peoples freedom. Again, simple concept.
Let’s compare the two.
Personal freedom.
Redistribute wealth.
Huh. Is it just me, or are those two at odds? Redistributing wealth would hurt personal freedom, wouldn’t it? It would be taking economic freedom away.
Okay then, let’s take a closer look at socialism
Socialism is a political system. Like Democracy, a Republic, a Monarchy, or any other kind. Like the different types of political systems, it has its variations. Communism, National Socialists, etc. Not all Socialist governments are leftist. National Socialism, one of the more famous examples being the Nazis. Now, looking at what we know about Nazis, they wanted to promote what they saw as their old traditions, and get rid of those that did not conform, we see a correlation with Conservatism. That correlation is the strong belief in tradition. This would dispel the myth that all Socialism is the same as Liberalism.
“What about the fact that all liberals are socialists” That too is untrue. Not all liberals want to redistribute the wealth. If it was that way, wouldn’t all rich liberals be giving away their wealth? Since they don’t, that would be proof that not all liberals are socialists.
So, in conclusion: Because not all socialist governments are liberal governments, saying that all socialists are liberals is inaccurate. Because, obviously, not all liberals are socialists, calling all liberals socialists is silly.
Not all liberals are socialists, not all socialists, and the same is true for conservatives and socialists. Socialism is a system that can encompass both the left and right.
I hope I have dispelled some myths about socialism and liberalism and conservatism. Thank you for your time.
-Saigio
Sources
Liberalism: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberalism
Conservatism: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conservatism
Socialism: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socialism
We often here conservatives accusing liberals of being socialists. But what does it mean? Is it really synonymous with the left? Or is it more then that?
Well, Wikipedia says “Socialism refers to the goal of a socio-economic system in which property and the distribution of wealth are subject to control by the community”
Now, what does that mean? It means that in a Socialist society, the wealth of the nation is redistributed, or spread out, by the community. Pretty simple.
Now, let’s look at what liberalism is. Again, Wikipedia:
“Liberalism refers to a broad array of related ideas and theories of government that consider individual liberty to be the most important political goal.”
And, because it will come up later, let’s look at what Conservatism is. Wikipedia:
“Conservatism is a term used to describe political philosophies that favor tradition and gradual change, where tradition refers to religious, cultural, or nationally defined beliefs and customs.”
In other words, it’s the idea of looking to the well being of the peoples freedom. Again, simple concept.
Let’s compare the two.
Personal freedom.
Redistribute wealth.
Huh. Is it just me, or are those two at odds? Redistributing wealth would hurt personal freedom, wouldn’t it? It would be taking economic freedom away.
Okay then, let’s take a closer look at socialism
Socialism is a political system. Like Democracy, a Republic, a Monarchy, or any other kind. Like the different types of political systems, it has its variations. Communism, National Socialists, etc. Not all Socialist governments are leftist. National Socialism, one of the more famous examples being the Nazis. Now, looking at what we know about Nazis, they wanted to promote what they saw as their old traditions, and get rid of those that did not conform, we see a correlation with Conservatism. That correlation is the strong belief in tradition. This would dispel the myth that all Socialism is the same as Liberalism.
“What about the fact that all liberals are socialists” That too is untrue. Not all liberals want to redistribute the wealth. If it was that way, wouldn’t all rich liberals be giving away their wealth? Since they don’t, that would be proof that not all liberals are socialists.
So, in conclusion: Because not all socialist governments are liberal governments, saying that all socialists are liberals is inaccurate. Because, obviously, not all liberals are socialists, calling all liberals socialists is silly.
Not all liberals are socialists, not all socialists, and the same is true for conservatives and socialists. Socialism is a system that can encompass both the left and right.
I hope I have dispelled some myths about socialism and liberalism and conservatism. Thank you for your time.
-Saigio
Sources
Liberalism: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberalism
Conservatism: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conservatism
Socialism: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socialism