Nobody seems to be in favor of the Socialism in S.America,why?
404729
Because  socialism is like a campaign slogan so that the populist governments and nationalists of Latin America can convince to the masses and their governments of which Capitalism is not beneficial and is necessary to eliminate it in its countries and thus to be united in a block of "integration". This will future see but real with the victory of the nationalistic party in Peru and the extension of the Mercosur.
1104455
crap! i learnt that this year. i forgot about the first question. but i do know that there are socialist democracies. those scandanavian countries and there are some in europe. socialist democracies are basically where they have freedom unlike in the USSR but the government will do things for the people like give free health care, free education, stuff like that. \nhope i answered ur question
92434
socialism is the step before communism per lenin. under this paradise-utopia there is no incentive to better yourself or work hard as the govt sets what you earn, work hard/no more pay...try to make a little $ under the table and go to the nice forced labor-reeducation camp! don't get sick there! the govt sets all prices, what is made, where it goes. therefore shortages and low quality, ever see a commie block car? ever see trabants and lada's for sale here?\nthe lucky ones at the top live like fat pigs, have their own stores with imported luxury goods, you get to stand in line for hours for lousy bread and potatoes. i  KNOW as my wife is bulgarian and lived under the wonder of socialism until she was 18 yrs old. she (and her father, mother, sister) was also forced to share a cruddy small 2 bedroom concrete apartment with another family of 4 strangers. like to use newspaper for toilet paper? want to spend a months pay for a pair of vinyl chinese shoes or a new nylon coat?. the upside is you do not need to plan your future, it is done for you, and enjoy your free 3rd world medical care.
1035313
socialism has one major draw back it is called the human factor whenever a human is in charge power goes to their head . look at the old USSR or china the heads of state were well of but the average person remains poor their is no political system of government that is not corrupt-able even democracy has been corrupted to benefit the wealthy
124824
Communism and Marxist theory is no longer considered to be a threat, mostly due to the Soviet Union's fall from power. China is the last large Communist nation and has the fastest growing economy in the world.\n\nAlthough communism has given socialism in general a bad name, many Western European countries have been able to effectively utilize various socialist ideals in capitalist societies. Unfortunately, Americans still feel somewhat threatened when hearing the label 'socialist.' \n\nThe problem with communism wasn't its connection to socialism; the spread of communism became a problem due to fascist regimes and movements. Fascism is a current worldwide threat, in addition to existing societies based on religious fundamentalism.
847791
Ok my theory on this is two things:\n1. Lack of education on the true meaning of both.\n2. A purpose-full intent to redefine communism as socialism because a lot of liberals are called socialist.
276312
I love the naivete of the responses so far, but they did nail it on the head in theory.  What Americans don't understand is that Communism was a "corruption to the core" of society, not just at the top.  Everyone did what they could to get along, meaning lying, cheating, and stealing under the regimes.\n\nThe people here are not necessarily "pro-American", but more "pro-sucker"...as in, "Come bring your dollars to us so we can take them and cheese you guys off until you leave."  Some countries (like Bulgaria and Poland) have managed to reverse this mentality and thrive.  Others, like Romania, Moldavia, and Ukraine, have never had a significant "middle-class" in their history, and hence, have no idea what capitalism really means.  Materialism and corruption of values is substituted for any semblance of fair business and working ethic to a horrible effect on general society.\n\nTo answer in a nutshell though, the common folks here believe that America = Money.  Money is the only thing that matters any more, and the idea is reinforced by corrupt leadership.
911961
Socialism is causing massive death, poverty, AIDS and slavery in the third world.  Because they have chosen to embrace marxist values, they are doomed.  This process is well underway, especially in africa and haiti.
774729
Socialism is a nice idea, but it depends too heavily on people doing the right thing always. \n\nIf we believe the tenet "From each according to his ability, to each according to their needs", to me that means that if I am efficient, frugal and smart in how I do things, anything excess is siphoned off to someone who is not at smart, not as frugal and not as efficient.\n\nIn effect, that person is leeching off of me. i resent that. Why doesn't he work a little harder, or stop having all those kids or whatnot?\n\nAnd who makes these decisions as to what is and what isn't? Again, a nice idea, but rather unworkable
568559
The Socialist system, like what the UK has, is one of the best.  It mixes with democracy providing freedoms, yet, the government cares for you.  \nI like Socialism as i think that the Government is more responsive to you.
214283
Plenty of reasons. Probably the most is the diversity of the 'haves' to the 'have-nots'. Throughout Europe's history, the results of such diversity were always visible in the revolts and daily lives.\nThe link below...a CNN article talking about the surge of Billionaires in the world. Some day in the not too distant future, I expect to see a revolution spread across the world to shake up the status quo. In America, where you see massive layoffs of typical, working-class citizens, can you expect any less than revolutionary thoughts when you see the executives of that company end the year of layoffs with pats on the back and fat bonus checks for saving the company money.\nSocialism is not a very popular system among Capitalists because their thirst for power and wealth is stronger than their community spirit and willingness to help their fellow man.\n\n*Disclaimer: Yes, there's always someone who wants to help and lend a hand. But, the above is a generalist/majority-rule opinion. How many times can you hear someone complain about paying taxes to support schools when they dont have children of their own. Grrrrr! And people wonder why American Students rank lower than many 'third world' countries' students.
709949
I'm certainly open to exploring the idea, especially the healthcare side of it. America has become close-minded and slow to evolve compared to Europe, Canada and Australia. If we think our form of government is the best there'll ever be and never strive for more ... well then, we'll just flounder and implode like every other empire.\n\nPeople hear the word "communism" and they think it's a religion or form of government. Noooo, it's an economic system, and if they'd actually READ something like Marx and Engel's "Communist Manifesto," they'd have a clue what said gentlemen had in mind. It may not have worked in practice, but there are IDEAS there of significant value, and we can't write them all off just because they're associated with something other than capitalism.\n\nMcCarthy is dead; move on.
497169
Maybe Socialism is better, but capitalism is more human unfortunately.\n\nsocialism is a great idea, but it has to be everywhere for it to work because if there is a capitalist nation next door then it begins dragging the socialist down.\n\nsorry I had to be practical
35321
Socialisn does not mean equate to freedom and libtery.  Everything for the good of the country.  Read and understand.  there's nothing free about Socialism.
402928
There is no doubt.  Chavez in Venezuela is doing his best to form a left-wing coalition against the United States. He is getting obvious support from the new Socialist government in Spain elected by the fear vote in the aftermath of the march 11 subway bombings there.  Spain attempted to sell them U.S. weapon systems just recently. And there are reports Chavez is not only making daily statements against the U.S., the free trade zone, etc., but he is (again,reportedly) making campaign contributions to the left-wing candidate in Mexico whose rhetoric is also anti-American.\n     Everyone and his hermano seem interested in playing the oil card, as it seems to work so well for the Arab nations, and there is the historic ideological influence as well.  Add to that the interest of non-American economic players (Europe, Japan) that may see the free trade zone as an end to their very lucrative interest in maintaining the status quo in South America.\n     The U.S. would do to look well to the interests of the common people in the Americas, give real support to the indigenous populations, promote self-help programs perhaps, certainly no one else has shown an inclination to improve living conditions for the majority of our neighbors to the south.  It is still a land of rich landowners (terratenientes) with an economic tradition that recalls more the tradition of the conquistadores than of democracy and free enterprise.\n      It is an unjust society that without attention could become far less just and far more unstable politically.
599714
The US is an oligarchy and what you propose will unlikely happen since oligarchies have been the preferred method of governance for all industrialized nations.\n\nAn oligarchy is (usually) a nation ruled by the wealthy for the benefit of the wealthy.\n\nMost poor people support it because they hope to someday become wealthy, however unlikely it may be that will happen.
1130779
WHY DO???huh?  I'm American and I'm not afraid of Russia.   Vladamir Putin is a commie hell bent on making Russia a commie country again, but that's been proven time and time again that communism/socialism just doesn't work.  Sooo, really, there is nothing to be afraid of, I don't know WHY you think this.