I typically don't get involved with the political debates, because they always seems to turn negative. However, Snozzleberry, I really want to make sure I understand your viewpoint as I always find your posts to be eloquent and intelligent.

I don't really believe any political system is perfect, because they all have different deficiencies that lead to different extremes, corruption, and problems in the long run. However, I really feel that the only way ANY form of socialism could ever work would be if the world were populated by people with mindsets similar to the Nexians I respect the most.

Unfortunately, that is definitely not the case. The problem I find with socialism is that it takes away the desire of many people to work hard to accomplish things on their own and succeed. How do you get around the fact that the vast majority of people, when given the option of working for $x/hour, or receiving the same amount of take home pay for doing absolutely nothing, will choose to do nothing?

The end result is that the % of people taking from the system eventually override the % of people feeding the system, and an economic collapse occurs. Outside of a vacuum, how can a system that rewards people for working less, making poor choices, and being less productive be sustainable?

I dont play games where I go pick the lesser idiot and write their name on some paper to make them king. I stopped caring about that game some years back. It does not matter because the real government is above any one of those single names and I think most of you already know this is the truth.

Vote with your dollar. It is the only thing that seems to change anything about how the real government operates.

The democratic system is a puppet show.

Ok, I have to ask, do you know what libertarian socialism is? Are you aware that it's also called left libertarianism or social anarchism (and in the US it would essentially be referred to as anarchy)? Do you understand the tenets and principles involved...or did you just see the word "socialism" and react?

I don't mean to come off as harsh or brusque, I'm just trying to understand where your coming from, as your post doesn't really address any aspects of libertarian socialism, but seems more focused on your ideas about state socialism. Am I off base here? I'm more than willing to discuss this, I just want to be clear on the terms and principles we are discussing I'm happy to post material pertaining to libertarian socialism if that would help.

Fwiw, I think state socialism is an oxymoron and capitalist economies are inherently unsustainable.

And if they don't know they will soon . . . . (insert cryptic mystic music here)

Has my vote.

Maybe benzyme for 2012.

Would get real weird real quick.

Absolutely, "my bad" on that one. You weren't harsh or brusque, you were right on the money. I LITERALLY saw the word socialism and reacted haha. I shouldn't post when I've had a few beers and a bad day

I would love to read some material pertaining to libertarian socialism. I couldn't agree more with your statement that "state socialism is an oxymoron and capitalist economies are inherently unsustainable".