[quote]Well all our types of government have flaws.[/quote] I'm more concerned with the economic model. A monarch is a monarch, but that's independent of the policies concerning economic freedom. [quote]Communism is called bad because of the soviets, and since they failed we assume capitalism is better. But this is not the case.[/quote] You're telling me that economic freedom isn't a determining factor in the prosperity of a nation? [quote]But America is a democratic socialist country[/quote] Explain to me specifically and clearly why we qualify as a "democratic socialist country."

Well prosperity can be seen in many ways. For example the middle class might see prosperity as having a house, car, a small family with all basic needs fulfilled. Some business owners, the 1% see prosperity as being in the top and safe keeping of their wealth. However because of this they never go well with each other. The rich bribe officials to make laws benefit them, which in the outcome hurt the middle class. The problem with our economic structure is we created it. What I mean by this is in the past a type of government called mercantilism was in place. It was not pondered on by a person. But it was put in place naturally as time went by, the currency in this time period was gold and silver. Feudalism was put in place naturally as well. Capitalism and communism and a lot of common governments were made by us and not naturally. Also what do you mean by economic freedom? This can be interpreted in different ways. Both economic structures have flaws, such as inequality of pay, shrinking of the middle class. Low wages, sweatshops, child labor. Socialism isn't communism. Socialism and democracy tie in with each other. I quote "Democratic socialists believe that both the economy and society should be run democratically—to meet public needs, not to make profits for a few." Dsausa.org The idea of a democracy has changed throughout the years. In Ancient Greece only men participated. Now everyone participates, however this is not all true. Although this was our goal, America has failed to achieve this. With senators receiving funds from the NRA to benefit them. To not making necessary changes to our environmental policies. If I wasn't clear in anything jut message me and I'll see our point of view and I'll explain to the best of my ability.

[quote]Well prosperity can be seen in many ways. For example the middle class might see prosperity as having a house, car, a small family with all basic needs fulfilled. Some business owners, the 1% see prosperity as being in the top and safe keeping of their wealth. However because of this they never go well with each other. The rich bribe officials to make laws benefit them, which in the outcome hurt the middle class. [/quote] A partnership between the state and corporations is distinctly [i]anti-capitalist.[/i] It's disingenuous to say that corruption is a pillar of capitalism, especially given that socialism is marked in part by the state [i]directly running[/i] industries. [quote]Capitalism and communism and a lot of common governments were made by us and not naturally.[/quote] This doesn't say anything about the systems. Languages, architecture, literature, etc, are all created "unnaturally," but this doesn't speak anything about them. [quote]Also what do you mean by economic freedom? This can be interpreted in different ways.[/quote] It's pretty cut-and-dry. A nation that respects people's property rights and their means of production can be said to be "economically free." A nation that, like Venezuela, uses state power to control and plan the economy is less economically free. [quote]Socialism isn't communism.[/quote] Explain specific differences. [quote]Socialism and democracy tie in with each other.[/quote] Not necessarily. Majority rule can exist independently of state-seized means of production, and vice-versa. [quote]The idea of a democracy has changed throughout the years. In Ancient Greece only men participated. Now everyone participates, however this is not all true. Although this was our goal, America has failed to achieve this. With senators receiving funds from the NRA to benefit them. To not making necessary changes to our environmental policies.[/quote] Like I said earlier, this doesn't have any bearing on capitalism, and it certainly doesn't justify stripping me of my rights.

Well you can go to the website to learn more if you like. My bad now that i read your comment again I just realized you were talking about socialism, I was talking about democratic socialism. Well either way democratic socialism does not look to have the government controlled means of production Socialism can be good, however in the case of Venezuela the "president" is using it as a disguise really, he calls himself a socialist when really he's a dictator.

[quote]Well either way democratic socialism does not look to have the government controlled means of production[/quote] Democracy is a method of governance. Majority rules. Socialism is an economic model. The state controls the means of production. The two can be combined - the majority votes to control the means of production. Democracy is still democracy, and socialism is still socialism. That would make this statement: [quote]Well either way democratic socialism does not look to have the government controlled means of production[/quote] Patently false. [quote]Socialism can be good, however in the case of Venezuela the "president" is using it as a disguise really, he calls himself a socialist when really he's a dictator.[/quote] A dictator can be socialist, just like how a republic can. The state's structure doesn't necessarily mean that it can or cannot control the means of production.

The Venezuelan president can state he's a socialist. However when people like him use it as a disguise to rob the people, than that socialist government has failed. Democratic socialists do not want to create an all-powerful government bureaucracy. But we do not want big corporate bureaucracies to control our society either. Rather, we believe that social and economic decisions should be made by those whom they most affect. In democratic socialism the government just watches and cares for a nation. The middle class, the people living in poverty make the choices. Either way I think a democratic socialist gov would be good. You should visit the website. Dsausa.org

[quote]However when people like him use it as a disguise to rob the people, than that socialist government has failed.[/quote] What do you think [i]socialism is[/i]? The state [i]robs people of the means of production.[/i] Venezuela basically robbed people of their businesses! [quote]In democratic socialism the government just watches and cares for a nation. The middle class, the people living in poverty make the choices.[/quote] At the expense of everybody's rights. Socialism is socialism is socialism. The means by which it is operated don't change what it is.

No you misinterpreted me. When I said robs I meant him as his person. He robs the people, not the government robbing the people. Although I agree with you. We can't have a government controlling production, however we can't have a few rich people controlling the government by bribes, or have more people below a poverty line than people in the middle class. Just our government suck. Capitalism is full of child labor, sweatshops. Socialism isn't good either, it try's to get rid of the one percent but ultimately serving will go wrong.

[quote]Although I agree with you. We can't have a government controlling production[/quote] Then you aren't a socialist. [quote]however we can't have a few rich people controlling the government by bribes, or have more people below a poverty line than people in the middle class.[/quote] None of those are necessary components of capitalism.