Quote from: K-Dog on Dec 02, 2025, 12:00 AMYou frame socialism as the arbitrary seizure of property.

I didn't say the word "socialism", nor did I refer to it. I am distrustful of labels that have relative meanings. To some, socialism is the equivalent of communism (not myself) and to others the US is already socialist with its social security safety nets like Social Security, food stamps, SNAP benefits, Medicare, Pell Grants and various other programs for those at certain income levels or circumstances.

So I don't frame socialism as anything. I notice words used to sell a perspective without an acknowledgement of the relative nature involved. To you, socialism=X. To someone else, socialism=Y.

Quote from: K-DogNowhere have I advocated for that.

I don't recall saying you have. You certainly have a political view (most do), one I am only vaguely familiar with based on your postings, as opposed to any single word you use to represent it. I am distrustful when folks try and encapsulate an entire structure of rules and thoughts and concepts into one term....and then believe others should know all contained within when they use it. Socialism sits in that realm.

The USSR claimed socialism. Right there in the title...proud of being it. Denmark,Sweden,Finland and Norway seem to consider themselves socialist in some form or the other. One of these is not the same as the others...yet they supposedlt are or represent the principles of socialism.

So if someone says "lets all be Socialist" it seems reasonable to ask....who's version of it?

Quote from: K-DogReasonable socialists are about structured, progressive contribution (taxation) for collective investment.  As things shift hedonism is replaced by freedom from want, resulting in tranquility. 

Good ol' tranquility. Certainly the USSR suffered tranquility all over the place as it was structured, wealth was evenly distributed (everyone was mostly poor) and no one went hungry, citizens had state housing where they had vodka to enjoy and jobs to work and all the freedom their socialism allowed. 

The Scandavanians seem to have things ok, but expensive. Both claim socialism type principles.

I'll settle for Orwell...."some animals are more equal than others" as this seems to apply to any manmade economic system/culture. And is the underlying principle you appear to be displeased with.

I don't blame you, wouldn't we all like to be Brezos?