http://larsivi.net disrupt / erupt Sun, 30 Oct 2011 20:44:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 http://larsivi.net/2011/10/socialism-vs-equal-opportunity/#comment-45 Matt C Sun, 30 Oct 2011 20:44:00 +0000 http://larsivi.net/?p=107#comment-45 I think it's important to look at systems, especially in Europe, as being Social Democratic (or Democratic Socialist) instead of just "socialist." Although there are plenty of democratic societies where regular socialist parties exist (aiming for very little to almost no private ownership), many societies in Europe are comprised partially of Social Democratic parties. Usually, in the case of countries like Germany, these parties embrace a welfare state, benefits for more people, and general promotion of equality, although the SPD has been accused of being influenced too much by money and since the 1960s or 1970s has gone further towards the middle relative to more Marxist socialist policies. Regardless of that, both the CDU/CSU and the SPD in Germany can generally be seen as being left of Republicans and Democrats respectively here. Social Democracy usually is considered reformed democracy, with emphasis on social programs and protections of minority rights. My belief is that we should get rid of the Republican party in the US completely, and allow the Democrats to be the conservative party here, with social democrats and greens being the opposition. I think it’s important to look at systems, especially in Europe, as being Social Democratic (or Democratic Socialist) instead of just “socialist.” Although there are plenty of democratic societies where regular socialist parties exist (aiming for very little to almost no private ownership), many societies in Europe are comprised partially of Social Democratic parties. Usually, in the case of countries like Germany, these parties embrace a welfare state, benefits for more people, and general promotion of equality, although the SPD has been accused of being influenced too much by money and since the 1960s or 1970s has gone further towards the middle relative to more Marxist socialist policies. Regardless of that, both the CDU/CSU and the SPD in Germany can generally be seen as being left of Republicans and Democrats respectively here. Social Democracy usually is considered reformed democracy, with emphasis on social programs and protections of minority rights. My belief is that we should get rid of the Republican party in the US completely, and allow the Democrats to be the conservative party here, with social democrats and greens being the opposition.

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