I love how there are so many socialists in this thread.
Socialism does to some extent exists in every society to enable a functioning society (taxes for police, defence, fire department etc.) but thinking of needs being provided by the collective is so messed up. If you are an able worker then you should work for your own property and needs, not depend on the state to provide them. (I say able because the elderly and disabled shouldn't have to be held to the same standard). Oh, the rich are rich and I'm not, lets make us the same. I hate to break it to you but a lot of the rich do deserve their money (yes, there are obvious exceptions like Paris Hilton, Bernie Maddof, or the idiotic investment bankers who took on WAY too much risk). People who work as waiters or as factory workers should not make the same amount of money as musicians, tech innovators, and smart business leaders.I believe in providing people a living wage (which is a socialist idea, but not near as socialist as what I've heard from others) but not providing everyone everything.
Also, socialism cannot destroy human nature. It is human nature to fight for things (either to ensure survival, increase enjoyment, or provide for significant others). Socialism would eliminate property rights and significant monetary differences (in a perfect socialist society which is impossible) so people would just fight over position in the party or whatever.
Another point is that these ideas about socialism come up when there is a crisis. When we lose hope, we seem to turn to the state to save us as if it is the state's job to do so. But, during the good times there are few calls towards socialism because when we are doing well we don't want higher taxes and big government. Many socialists don't truly care about the well fare of others just themselves or their group of people (be it a religious, economic or racial group). All socialism does is reduce the lowest possible lows and the highest possible highs. It forces all of us towards the center, at the cost of economic freedoms, which is a slippery slope towards losing other kinds of freedoms.
(Just as a side note, no I'm not a Republican. I'm conservative on economic issues, but I'm rather liberal on societal and very liberal on environmental issues. I just believe in giving everyone an equal starting point and then allowing them to run their race how they want to, with as few restrictions as possible.)
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