Originally posted by: Whitling
OK, Frodo. Prove you wrong, huh.
Your original statement about socialism was "It's just a concealed attempt for an extremely small amount of people to retain absolute power over everyone." In your defense, you say (in addition to "prove me wrong"), "And no, they aren't oppressed. But is there as much oppurtunity there as there is here? No way. Not even close."
Read slowly now, "not as much opportunity" is not the same as "retain absolute power." Not just "absolute power," but "absolute power over everyone."
I happen to think that words have meaning. I know, it's a shortcoming. But "as much opportunity" seems to me to be quite different in quality and magnitude from "absolute power over everyone." If you attempt to rationalize this in a subsequent post, please also deal with the apparent conflict between "absolute power over everyone" and "And no, they aren't oppressed."
I've heard that "loose lips sink ships." Somewhere there are seamen drowning.
First, for socialism to actually "work" (which is currently impossible), the government becomes the overseer to make sure you are receiving everything you need to survive. Instead of self-reliance for survival, you rely on the government to make sure you get your fair share. This introduces many different types of new regulations to "make it work." Being the provider of your welfare, the government gains an almost absolute power.
I never said that Europe is at that point, but it is on it's way. Low fertility brings it a step closer. You pay exhorbitant taxes now, but just wait. The government will force your youth to pay even more taxes to take care of an elderly population and help train and support a large unskilled immigrant labor force needed for survival of the country... or in that future case - the EU. Not having much after tax income, you're gong to be forced to look to the government to provide for many of your needs.
As far as limited oppurtunity in Europe goes... I've talked to many Europeans over the years. All their stories are the same... they are in the US for more oppurtunity. From what I've gathered, in Europe there is lttle carreer mobility. You are what you are for life. This isn't my opinion of how it is.... like I said, this is what so many Europeans have told me. Your basic needs are defiintely met... you may even be happy, but you'll definitely be enjoy a greater sense of happiness and oppurtunity here. And in the future you won't be happy when so much of your paycheck is supporting your elederly population because you let your population.... and even your civilization... dwindle.
edited for spelling... being a stupid american conservative (actually, closer to center), there are probably many more spelling mistakes... and being a lazy american, i won't bother to fix them.