As a mod on a newspaper site, it amazes me how folks are so quick to toss around the words and say Obama is both. Maybe I am not seeing it, but can someone explain to me how is Obama a commie and a socialist?

Discuss.

Theoreticly Obama being a left-wing democrat should have something a of a socialist in himself. Thing is, now is the worst time ever to actually take that guess, since during a crisis, the leaders have no choice but to go forward with different social matters and motions.

Of course, he is nothing like the political leaders from the old eastern block, where you had communism and socialism in their purest forms. Thr only reason that i can come up with as to why people call him that is because of the recent City Bank takeover? Who knows man.

@ Yana - thanks for your response.

Here's the definition of both words:



Main Entry:
so·cial·ism Listen to the pronunciation of socialism
Pronunciation:
\ˈsō-shə-ˌli-zəm\
Function:
noun
Date:
1837

1: any of various economic and political theories advocating collective or governmental ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods2 a: a system of society or group living in which there is no private property b: a system or condition of society in which the means of production are owned and controlled by the state3: a stage of society in Marxist theory transitional between capitalism and communism and distinguished by unequal distribution of goods and pay according to work done

and communism



Main Entry:
com·mu·nism Listen to the pronunciation of communism
Pronunciation:
\ˈkäm-yə-ˌni-zəm, -yü-\
Function:
noun
Etymology:
French communisme, from commun common
Date:
1840

1 a: a theory advocating elimination of private property b: a system in which goods are owned in common and are available to all as needed2capitalized a: a doctrine based on revolutionary Marxian socialism and Marxism-Leninism that was the official ideology of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics b: a totalitarian system of government in which a single authoritarian party controls state-owned means of production c: a final stage of society in Marxist theory in which the state has withered away and economic goods are distributed equitably d: communist systems collectively

I hate to think that a lot of folks are listening to Rush and Hannity and not doing research for themselves.

A lot of people would argue that one.  Of course anyone who advocates different tax brackets is a socialist in this regard.

@ Kasz

Thanks for the post. Are you talking about how he's planning to tax the rich more while he gives tax breaks to those making under $250K?

I'd assume so anyway.  It'd be taking the country down more of a "socialist" path.

Though i'd say most politicians hold this view anyway. 

Though there are more and more people and polticians who believe the rich and poor should pay the same percentage of taxes. 

Additionally things like universal healthcare, unemployment etc. are often seen as socialist since while everyone in theory has equal access to these programs in practice there is a decently sized group of people who are paying in to it who would never find themselves in need of such a program.

America is in need for a big socialist kick up the backside. I have no idea why people (particularly in america) think that socialism=communism. I think it may be some after effect of the cold war propaganda. But Britain has some great socialist aspects to its government (read NHS) and getting the right balance has helped us out greatly in the past.

Also, I think Obama is the man to give the working classes of america a fighting chance and reduce this 1% of the nation own 99% of the wealth to something a little better.

NHS is actually quite the sticky wicket for England right now.... causing budget problems and all that.

i agree with this post

socialism is the road to communisim,... cant you feel the CHANGE?