Is Socialism a good thing?

[Velasco]

like with most things....
-a little of it is fine
-a moderate amount can be fine or it can be not so fine, depends on what you want and how much you're willing to sacrifice to get it
-a lot of it is bad


you may now return to hacking at each other

You may be right. I guess a little socialism couldn't hurt. I just worry that becoming a socialist country could set the stage for us becoming outright communist.

What's your idea of a "socialist country"? What do you mean with that? Is there any difference between a "socialist country" and a "communist country"? Do you think the USA will become a "socialist country" anytime soon?

no it is very bad. collectivism is a plague

What is "collectivism"?

[Velasco]

collectivism is when people think you should do stuff for them just because they exist even when they haven't done anything for you.

it's all a big scam so that the "community" grows so strong it will sacrifice you for a greater good that doesn't even exist.

I would not like to make stuff for people in exchange for nothing. I believe in reciprocity and fair trade. I mean, why should I sacrifice myself for the "community" if I get nothing in return? The fact is that we are not isolated individuals, but social beings that interact with each other. Leaving aside Robinson Crusoe, most of us depend on interaction and exchange to survive. The framework within we carry out our activities is called "society". While many members of the human society are protective of their individuality and prerogatives, it is a common belief that solidarity is necessary for the good functioning of the social apparatus.