Communism does not = dictatorship, but there is a connection there. As we have seen in several European countries, a large public service can lead to an unworkable society. In my own Canada I worked briefly for the Federal Government. At work I would frequently receive anti-Stephen Harper (the Conservative Prime Minister) propaganda because he was not considered pro-public service. He wasn't necessarily bad for workers, but the other parties are essentially controlled by public service unions such as teachers, nurses, etc. When this happens , the government can expand the public service to the point where it forms a large enough voting block that it can determine the outcome of elections. At this point you have effectively a public service ruling class that decides its own leader, who in turn decides the worker benefits and so on, in an endless cycle of eventual doom.
This is the fundamental problem of socialism, and in turn the problem with communism. It destroys democracy, and so it doesn't work, not in reality and not in theory, either.
There is a further problem with both systems in that forcing equality can reduce motivation. We all need a little competition.
That said, I'm a strong believer in a solid social support network for a "good" and "just" society. Fundamental needs such as food, shelter, health care and education should be provided to all and provided well. You just can't let the public service become the be-all and end-all of your society or you will lose democracy.
In theory the U.S. system should be the best, but it has fallen victim to several flaws, including the 2-party system, the right to bear arms, poor social funding of health and education, a rich ruling class, and the Military-Industrial Complex... but that's another topic, for another time.
