42% of Democrats are in favor of socialism

[gwb-trading]

Social Security and Medicare are not socialist programs. Had any of us never paid a tax into these programs but still received a benefit, that would be a socialist program. Fact is we all paid into the program. It's our money. Now the problem is that there isn't enough money to pay the beneficiaries. That is the result of congress embezzling all the money to pay for their wars and every other bullshit program. Had they not stolen all the money the fund would be just fine and we'd all be fat and happy.

You can not pay a dime in Social Security Disability and still receive a benefit.

But I see your point above.

 

[ETcallhome]

You can not pay a dime in Social Security Disability and still receive a benefit.

But I see your point above.

so disability is pure socialism. You can't pay into it even if you wanted to, but you still get a benefit if you are so lucky as to become disabled. Hmmm. Where does the money come from?

 

[CaptainObvious]

You can not pay a dime in Social Security Disability and still receive a benefit.

But I see your point above.

Which is why I didn't include that program or Medicaid. There are some socialist programs like these, welfare, public aid and such that a civilized society should provide as a safety net. I don't have a problem with my tax dollars paying for some of that. It's the waste, the corruption, the complete lack of oversight.

 

[Ricter]

Fact is we all paid into the program. It's our money.

That's why it's socialist.

Social Security and Medicare are not socialist programs.

FICA is a rate based tax, and if you're employed by an entity with an EIN (most people), you can't opt out; very socialistic. The monies are paid out to those in need (who qualify). I suppose one could argue that the program is not pure socialism because of the qualification requirement, but for the most part the program clearly takes from each according to their ability and gives to each according to their need.

 

[CaptainObvious]

That's why it's socialist.

FICA is a rate based tax, and if you're employed by an entity with an EIN (most people), you can't opt out; very socialistic. The monies are paid out to those in need (who qualify). I suppose one could argue that the program is not pure socialism because of the qualification requirement, but for the most part the program clearly takes from each according to their ability and gives to each according to their need.

I define socialism as a benefit which I can receive for which I paid nothing, but someone else has. IMO, Social Security and Medicare are not socialist programs.
There are plenty of programs which can be defined as socialist, and as I stated I have no problem with the concept to a degree. When we try to apply it to everything under the sun, add in the seemingly inevitable corruption and horrible mis-management of these programs, then I have an issue. They are safety nets, not career paths.

 

[Ricter]

I define socialism as a benefit which I can receive for which I paid nothing, but someone else has. IMO, Social Security and Medicare are not socialist programs.
There are plenty of programs which can be defined as socialist, and as I stated I have no problem with the concept to a degree. When we try to apply it to everything under the sun, add in the seemingly inevitable corruption and horrible mis-management of these programs, then I have an issue. They are safety nets, not career paths.

Just off the top I believe homemakers, what they used to call "housewives", can get medicare even if they never paid in to the program.

 

[CaptainObvious]

Just off the top I believe homemakers, what they used to call "housewives", can get medicare even if they never paid in to the program.

They qualify under a spousal benefit, but not there own. Same way with social security.

 

[Ricter]

They qualify under a spousal benefit, but not there own. Same way with social security.

Fair enough. I actually don't want to get into hair-splitting over what is and what is not socialism, you've already said you're not opposed to all socialism, which is sensible imo.

 

[CaptainObvious]

Fair enough. I actually don't want to get into hair-splitting over what is and what is not socialism, you've already said you're not opposed to all socialism, which is sensible imo.

Why argue with a guy who doesn't know there from their? My head hurts.

 

[Ricter]

Why argue with a guy who doesn't know there from their? My head hurts.

Superbowl party?
: )