Socialism –
Theory or system of social organization that advocates the vesting of the ownership and control of the means of production and distribution, of capital, land, etc., in the community as a whole.
2. procedure or practice in accordance with this theory.
3. (in Marxist theory) the stage following capitalism in the transition of a society to communism, characterized by the imperfect implementation of collectivist principles.

Trakker, your definition of socialism is actually a definition of communism. Webster defines communism this way: “any economic theory or system based on the ownership of all property by the community as a whole”. Socialism (according to Webster) is the step between capitalism and communism.

Webster defines socialism this way: “any of various theories or systems of ownership and operation of the means of production and distribution by society or the community rather than by private individuals, with all members of society or the community sharing in the work and the products.” Or, as Barack says, “Let’s spread the wealth around.”

Secondarily, Webster defines socialism as “a political movement for establishing such a system.”

If the liberals don’t like the label “socialism”, then just abandon the practice and we won’t be having this discussion. As my grandfather used to say, “When you throw a stick at a pack of dogs, the one that gets hit usually yelps the loudest.”

Dan Rather, “No, sir, are you?”

Moral: it all depends on whose ox is being gored.

And yes, I did in fact read the definition, and honestly, Obama isn’t disagreeing with it, he just isn’t denying it. As for the health care system, yes, it needs to be revamped, along with lots of other programs. And we are not that far away from become socialized. You’ll see, it will be easier and easier to accept the things that the government is controlling. It will become easier to rationalize government programs as things get worse. And then one scary morning, we’ll all realize how much liberty we have given up. And just because we are using the word “socialism,” doesn’t mean we are following the doctrine.

Second, I’ve come to realized pretty quickly with this president that he and his administration understand all too well that Bush’s approval rating was horrible by the time he left office. All the Obama people have to do is mention the words, “reversing Bush policies,” and everyone comes on board with it. Bush, in my opinion, destroyed not just himself, but the entire republican party, which made it easy for Obama to step in as “savior and messiah.”

I will agree with you that most democrats would prefer not to step in until there is a problem, but this is where the fear of crossing the asile comes in. We all saw what happened with Liberman – he agreed to one of Bush’s policies and the left exiled him. No one is going to do that again, especially around reelection time. There are finally some moderates on both sides willing to talk again, and hopefully that will continue, but until the happens, the left and the right will continue to move further away from each other and the majority party will win – because there is nothing that is going to be able to stop legislation in either the house or senate.

Third, I know that pork barrel politics have always existed, but was this really the proper place to put it, in a stimulus bill that will cost 787 Billion!?!? I would like to hear what some democrats think of that. Because I can’t imagine that any American is going to be happy with $13 in stimulus a week, and then have that taxed by our states.

To your point about ideology. Yes, I find myself voting republican sometimes, but not everytime. I listen to both sides before making any decision, and I cannot and will not agree with Obama who thinks that this bill will do anything to the economy. I know Bush spent lots of money, but Obama cannot hide the fact that he has spent more than any other president to date, and hide that under the rhetoric of “programs we should of had in place years ago.” How long do you think Americans will be paying off this bill? Hmmm…

Don’t come to me with this “Obama is above suspicion” thing!! Don’t come to me with accusations of how my ideology is blinding me. It will only get easier to point fingers at each other. Come to me with facts. I haven’t heard to many dems with facts these days, its all about “bush did this, bush did that.” Tell me what you see Obama doing and answer me how our kids are going to pay for this bill!

Did you read the definition of socialism before copy and pasting it? A socialist advocates for state ownership of all industry and state ownership of capital. Have you ever heard a single Democrat advocate this? Have you ever heard Obama advocate it? No, of course not, because despite all the scary prattle from Newsweek and the right, we aren’t even close to socialism by any definition.

Democrats generally believe that the government should only step in when the individual and the private sector is unable to provide a necessary service in a way that benefits all the people of the United States. You may be too blinded by ideology to understand the suffering and the wasted resources our present health care system has resulted in, but most compassionate people realize something has to be done and if that something is government direction of the health care system to insure every American is covered, so be it. The private sector has had decades to get it right and it has blown it. Don’t go throwing “socialist!” bombs hoping to scare people off. The government has in fact had a pretty good track record administering health care (VA and Medicare).

This is unfortunately, a theory that is currently in practice. As Obama attempts correct the economic crisis and “fix” the health care issue, more and more privately owned systems, banks, etc, are comming under control of the White House and Congress. I mean, does the white house really need to control the Census?

Honestly democrats, please try to see the bigger picture here. I voted for McCain and am proud of it, but to the people who voted for Obama, I think you voted for someone you didn’t know or didn’t understand how far he would go. As a first year senator from a corrupt state like Illinois, with a track record in congress of voting “present” on 80% of the bills while he was there, having never actually written a bill on his own, and having never run a company, I find it hard to believe that he should be in charge of anything!! On a side note, this is where a leader from the military is ideal, not because they tend to be republican, but because they know what it means to command – to lead a company, division, corp, etc – they know what it takes to be in charge. I’m sorry dems – you made the wrong choice!

This question about Socialism that the reporter asked was perfect. All Obama had to say was “no.” But he didn’t. Maybe if he had a teleprompter he would have known what to say!