WHY do you worry about Socialism?

[Excaliber]

Jamo says,

You seem to presume that social programs run by the government are needed.

Good points, I concur, Federal programs are a mess for the most part. BUT, yes, we do need them and that doesn't make us a socialistic country.

Charities do good work, especially in a disaster type of situation. For the most part when the disaster is over, they go home. The Vet's are still homeless. Some families will still be hungry. We need action on a Federal level to meet the minimum standards for those who are just trying to survive on a day to day basis. As screwed up as Social Security is, it's better than no program at all. Same for Medicare, Medical, food stamps, as distasteful as they are, they meet serious ongoing need's. Not all people on these programs are "bottom feeders" sucking at the public teat.

I hear the anger, the frustration, the fear, even the hyperbole that comes from the conservative side of the aisle. I'd like to use a .50 caliber with a scope to nail the issues, not a shot gun.

Scraping these programs simply is not going to happen. With this or any future administration. No matter how many people vote. It's just unrealistic to propose such an idea. What we CAN do is modify them! Like require those on certain Welfare programs to sign up and actively seek work! Not all can work, some are going to be on Welfare their entire lives, they can't be helped. Thankfully, their are soup kitchens for some, charities for others and Federal aid available.

fastd, My rebuttal to your point on Gov "taking over" industry stands stands as posted. There was no "take over", there was a "bail out", a loan, bi-partisan at that. We are not a third world country, run by a dicator looking to haul us all into a socialistic form of Government. As Jamo noted, I dismiss such rhetoric! We are free to disagree with how Government acts during an economic crisis. Some say no bail out for GM, OK, I think it was the right call. I'll go with the National economist's on this one. Did they get it right? The jury is out, but the results appear to be positive.

sunman, were in TWO wars, have been for years. If you want to lower the military budget the solution is simple enough. Pull out, or raise taxes to fund the war. Your call...