Is socialism possible in the US?

This is something I've considered for some time. I'm fundamentally socialist, but sometimes I wonder if that's too idealistic a vision for society. Will the majority of the nation ever be able to rise above its greedy, capitalistic nature? Do you think that greed is inherent in people? Do you think we'll ever be able to truly escape such a self-destructive cycle?

I'd like to think that we can, but I'm unsure.

 

For capitalism to continue, we need to switch to clean renewable energy and stop pollution and deforestation.

Even then, pure capitalism offers no help to the unemployed, homeless, destitute people.

I get unemployment benefits in Australia, which is a bare minimum for life.

I think it's fair: you could live a very basic life - in a home with electricity and rice and veggies, and NEVER have to work a day in your life.
If you want luxuries such as car, fast internet, lobster etc, you must work.

It's quite good, marred by only a few things. Snobby landlords can make it difficult for an unemployed person to rent (even though they CAN afford it)
You have to fill out forms. forms. forms.

Welfare seems to be a socialist idea (correct me if I'm wrong, I'm no expert in politics that's for sure)

Ideally I think a mix between environmentally friendly capitalism and welfare would be ..utopia!

 

^^^ what he said

 

Who is paying for your electricity, water, rent, rice and veggies?
How many people are going to live on just that?

 

It is.
Some dude wants: a home with electricity and rice and veggies, and NEVER have to work a day in his life.

I ask: who is paying for it?

Socialised healthcare and welfare alongside capitalism is the better option all around.

 

Well,almost anything's possible. But,the way it is now with money controlling the elections and boorish,self aggrandizing,argumentative people are about the only type that run for office,you might as well ask if socialism is possible on the sun. Conservatives control the government,the military,the money,the media and they will have none of this kind of talk,you commie ,pinko red!! For god sakes man---stomp on a few people and work your way up.

 

How old are you scratcho?

 

According to the bumperstickerS on a truck in front of me yesterday, all anti-Obama, Socialism is here now but leaving on 1-20-13.

 

Can legislation be stopped that quickly? ?

 

That would be the start of a new presidential term here in the US.

 

I know. I'm just saying things don't change so quickly.

 

Thought you might have meant that. And he very likely could get reelected. Things only change quickly when it's something that shouldn't be changing at all.

 

No sarcasm: Now that's deep.

 

I occasionally wander out of the shallow end.

 

People are inherently greed.

 

It really irks me when people claim to hate Socialism, or throw derision at Obama because they think he's socialist (which he's absolutely not) when they have little idea of what socialism is. Many things are socialized in America, public schools, welfare, social security. The same people who claim socialism is a terrible evil are the same ones that wouldn't give up social security for anything.

 

what can you do!

 

i've made my own form of socialism

i have sorted out two distinct and independent relationships with the state, large and small, that allow me to work without getting paid and to receive food for free

without these arrangements i would neither be working nor eating, or both would be spotty and unpleasant

[out of the food stamp closet]

 

Carry on...