It’s not a concept that exists in a vacuum – it’s on the extreme end of a continuum which runs from no interference from the state (anarchy) to heavy influence – which, in some cases is socialism, and in other cases, is authoritarianism.

A lot of people who discuss our President and socialism in the same breath are parroting right-wing talking heads without really understanding what socialism is. In a poll of 1,000 adults conducted Apr. 6-7, Rasmussen Reports found that 53% of Americans said they prefer capitalism to socialism, while 20% said they prefer socialism. More than one-quarter, 27%, said they’re not sure which system is better. Another poll conducted this month by ConservativeHQ.com found that M 70% of self-identified conservatives consider Obama’s political philosophy “Socialist” or “Marxist,” with 11% calling it “Communist.” Hahaha … what?

People who actually call themselves socialists and advocate for change in that direction “believe the class that produces the wealth should own and control that wealth.” They laugh off the idea that what’s happening now resembles socialism in the slightest way.

“American socialism” is a caricature, a farce; the word is used because it calls to mind the symbology of a time when we were locked in an idealogical mortal combat with a nuclear opponent.

I’m not very happy with how our present government is handling the current economic crisis, either. However, the hypocrisy of Republicans who discuss the Obama administration in terms of large, restrictive government is stunning. The [former] party of fiscal conservatism and minimal government interference – who grew the size and scope of the federal government many-fold and imposed wiretaps on its citizens, now whining about big government and hands-off policies, is just laughable. The irony of conservatives who drink it in and then babble it back out as if the past eight years never happened is simply breathtaking.

Once when teaching a Junior Achievement class where the exercise was to create a society on a fictional deserted island, a 7th grade girl was adamant that people who did extra work should not get extra food or supplies. I gave her several attempts to reconsider her position but she held fast.

At the end of the class I was passing out candy to everyone. I gave the same amount to everyone since the class as a whole was well behaved enough that day (I’m such a liberal!). But guess who insisted — with all sincerity — that she should get extra candy because she participated more than others? Yep, our resident liberal. I kindly pointed out the inconsistency to her. Hopefully the lesson sunk in.