Definitions

For those who opine that the US is headed towards “socialism” and then “communism,” I thought a few definitions of these words might be in order as well as the word “capitalism.” So with thanks to MSN Encarta:

so·cial·ism [ sṓshə lìzəm ] or So·cial·ism [ sṓshə lìzəm ] noun Definition:
1. political system of communal ownership: a political theory or system in which the means of production and distribution are controlled by the people and operated according to equity and fairness rather than market principles
2. movement based on socialism: a political movement based on principles of socialism, typically advocating an end to private property and to the exploitation of workers
3. stage between capitalism and communism: in Marxist theory, the stage after the proletarian revolution when a society is changing from capitalism to communism, marked by pay distributed according to work done rather than need

com·mu·nism [ kómmyə nìzzəm ] noun Definition:
classless political system: the political theory or system in which all property and wealth is owned in a classless society by all the members of that society[Mid-19th century. < French communisme< commun "common" < Latin communis]

cap·i·tal·ism [ káppit'l ìzzəm ] noun Definition:
free-market system: an economic system based on the private ownership of the means of production and distribution of goods, characterized by a free competitive market and motivation by profit

To those who receive a monthly Social Security check or government retirement and/or disability pension, it is a form of Socialism. So while you are decrying “socialism” and it’s evil ways, please return your money to the U.S. Treasury to pay down the national debt. Thank you.