From: Max M (maxmcorp@worldonline.dk)
Date: Mon Nov 11 2002 - 04:15:40 MST
William wrote:
> Extropes,
> Americans DO know the difference between socialism and communism:
> Socialism is simply diluted communism. Socialism allows for some
> private property but saves the most important "means of production"
> for the state.
No this is not correct! As a person who lives in a basically Social
Democratic society I might add a few pointers.
Generally socialist and Social Democratic societies does not work like
you describe anymore.
The only government controlled organisations are those that takes care
of the wellfare of the citizens. Like elder- and health-care.
Practically everything else is privatised.
We DO have very high taxes though. A sliding scale of between 40%-68%
depending on income. Also there is 25% VAT, and 250% extra tax on cars,
and a lot of other taxes.
Foundations plays an important role in modern socialism. The workers has
forced pensions funds where a part of their income is put. Those money
are tax-free, so the foundations grows some big and fat money tanks that
are owned by the workers.
All in all a social democratic isn't as "effective" as it could be. But
it certainly isn't as ineffective as communism was. The average Dane is
about as rich as the average US citizen.
There are less extremely rich, and less extremely poor though.
Socialism in this form does have advantages, like lack of poverty.
There is nobody living on the street or in unhealthy housing who hasn't
choosen to. Anybody gets the same healthcare and anybody can have an
education, all the way to university.
regards Max M Rasmussen, Denmark
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