@KateH
I believe that @bgriffin is trying to point out is that the "socialist" of the Bernie Sanders variety are "Democratic Socialists," which is very different than the regimes that conservatives often name in their arguments. Democratic Socialists believe in a democratic government, but one that does take ownership of production - public v. the private ownership of capitalism. "Socialism" itself is different, as it is not a philosophy that includes democratic rule. It, in fact, opposes it.
So, when Sanders is referred to as a "Socialist," the term "Democratic Socialist" is far more accurate. If you listen to him speak, you'll hear very quickly that is his absolutely not in favor of the autocratic governments found in China, Russia, etc. Of course, the term "socialist" is frequently used with the Marxist slant in right wing rhetoric as a way to demonize him and other very liberal personalities.
What both democrats and republicans generally fail to realize is that they are all not only in favor of democratic governance, but all favor capitalism (no, I do not include true Democratic Socialists here). However, republicans and democrats also favor some policies that lead away from pure capitalism and the free market and towards socialism. For instance, very few folks believe that we should not have: Minimum wage, overtime pay, social security and child labor laws. Most also believe that there should be police, fire, and other emergency services paid for with taxes for the common good. Most of these services have not always existed in this country nor are they a part of a "pure capitalist" system. I would suggest that very, very few folks believe in pure capitalism. (How many folks would actually vote to remove child labor laws?)
The fact of the matter is, we all (in this country) believe if some ideas that have socialist leanings and/or origins. Consider: Social security, Medicare (for elderly folks), Fire Departments, National Parks Services, Public Schools, Labor Laws. What generally separates us political is the level at which we believe these things are funded. Of course, the vast majority of folks on each "side" of the discussion, have not concept of the levels at which they believe various programs or governmental functions should be funded. They are even less likely to know the difference between "Keynsian" and "Free Market" economics.. They stick with what they will bother understand: Taglines such as "It's for the children," "No new taxes," "Starve the beast," etc.
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