"the Soviets jumped directly from feudalism to socialism... which is one of the reasons why their socioeconomic system was doomed from the get-go."
Ну конечно же, в Совке строился НЕПРАВИЛьНЫЙ социализм! Вот если бы они все делали правильно, по Марксу, то теперь, небось, уже бы при коммунизме жили - как сыр в масле катались...

"In US free medicine ........ for these who are qualified."
.
i guess being illegal immigrant is one of those qualifications.....

the Soviet Union was a very unique, more of dictatorship formation. In Wikipedia it called a command economy, not socialist.

"In Wikipedia it called a command economy, not socialist."
Same shit, but in PC-speak

Valentina, European economies and unemployment picture have always lagged the US even before the recent crisis.. Germany's unemployment was above 12% when ours was 5-6%, and it's exactly because they have lots of social programs - people are not bothered to look for a job, the government will take care of all their needs including healthcare and housing.. but the productive people there are overtaxed, it's also reflected in the economic picture.. no one will try to work harder if their hard work is penalized by taxing them more.. it's just against human nature and never worked.. btw, if you still haven't, read Animal Farm by Orwell - it's all there why the utopia doesn't work.. (ch) (v)

socialism can ONLY work in a command economy.. for very small values of "work"
Europe and their way of socialism are coming to roost right now!
( didn't i predict this maybe a year ago or so? )
it's a matter of simple math, ever increasing social programs and shrinking workhours and productivity under union controls add up to bankruptcy.
Thankfully they will have a chance to start over again.. because they will borrow more money to bail themselves out ( NOT! ).

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Человек, который почувствовал ветер перемен, должен построить не щит от ветра, а ветряную мельницу

i vote for anarchy!!! it worked for ГуляйПоле economy. so it must be working for USA as well!!! (H)

Валентина, вы и правда за новостями за бугром не следите. *Иначе бы знали, что социализм в *ленивых и коррупциозных странах типа Греции, Испании и Португалии, явился причиной тому что Европа *едва остановила экономический крах. *Ну отодвинули они его совместными усилиями на несколько лет ( после вливания триллиона долларов). *А дальше то что? * Если вы считаете, что Европейский социализм может сам себя поддерживать, разрешая при этом людям оставаться свободными, то вы глубоко заблуждаетесь. *Европа -это иллюзия. * Слава Богу там всё это сейчас происходит, чтобы был умным американцам пример, как не надо жить.

I have spoke with people from France, Germany and Alger (all socialist countries). They lived here for over 1 year and were very excited about their socialist countries. My friend will be back from Europe in 2 weeks. I'll get her opinion as well.
Not only european socialism is going through crisis. I don't think american capitalism is in a better shape.
whatever anyone wants or not to support poor or lazy, you will one way or another:
1. by social programs
2. in jails (because poor will be forced to commit crimes in order to survive).
I prefer #1.
I do not support classic capitalism (with denial of private property, etc.). But I do see the necessity of changes, otherwise we would not go through this crisis.
I still think that predicting crush of the socialism in Europe (very similar to one from my childhood about crush of the capitalism) is a good argument, as well as statements that our capitalist crisis is better than their socialist. both formations have +-s and --s.

the reason our capitalistic system is in such bad shape is because of the socialistic elements - like bailing out people and companies who made poor, risky choices.. the corporate/wall street bailouts didn't start now.. it's been taking place in this country for a while already..
I don't doubt some people like the socialistic system.. it doesn't mean it's good, works or won't fail completely.. look at our most socialistic places in the country (CA, NY, etc..) - they are all bankrupt or nearly bankrupt.. the problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money..