What is "socialism"? - An attempt to clear up myths/misconceptions

[o_O.Q]

Leadified said:

o_O.Q said:

 

"Vietnam and Laos (both self proclaimed socialist states) are more equal than the US"

what about about their standard of living? that's the most important part

you can't seriously tell me you'd rather live in worse conditions as long as everyone around you also has to live in worse conditions?

 

inequality is not a problem, people who work hard and come up with innovative ideas should benefit disproportionately more than other people, what is really important is whether people aren't getting the basic needs met

That wasn't his argument but yes, I want to live in the jungles and follow in the footsteps of my hero, Ho Chi Minh. Who heroically defended the working proletariat against the American imperialists.  Cool strawmen get cool answers.

I agree, capitalism is the problem which is why we need to abolish it so our innovative ideas are no longer bound by capital.

i understand that his stated argument was about how equal societies are, but i think what he was really talking about is the average standard of living

and obviously the us has a better standard of living than vietnam or laos

 

"I agree, capitalism is the problem which is why we need to abolish it so our innovative ideas are no longer bound by capital."

yeah better to put a system in place where you have less freedom to innovate to begin with

trading a system that provides a chance at success for a system that actively discourages success( since everyone must be equal of course ) doesn't seem that sensible to me

 

i mean i just have to marvel at someone sitting at a computer using the internet trying to argue that they are being oppressed by their society 

that's not to say that society is not oppressive but both its oppressive and protective/supportive