Redefine Socialism

 

I was a cub reporter covering a New England Town Hall in the middle 1960s. These meetings were made up of citizens (either the entire town or elected representatives) whose votes were binding.

The issue was adding fluoride to the drinking water.

"Creeping Socialism," one of the new representatives declared and people agreed. It was step toward Communism. Creeping socialism was defeated and cavities were safe for the time being.

At 16 I wasn't sure what the terms Socialism and Communism meant and it began a life-long research into the two economic philosophies and how they were implemented in different place. One thing that became clear both terms struck fear into the hearts of Americans including those that had no idea of the difference.

U.S. politicians can get the public to go against anything if they use the term Socialism. They use countries that have applied it and not done well like Venezuela as a horrible example.

Socialism and misery are not necessarily partners. 

What politicians don't point out, Socialism properly applied works well.

Six out of the top seven happiest countries in the world for 2024 were Northern European countries. Finland took top honors—for the tenth year in a row—with an overall score of 7.741, followed (in order) by Denmark (7.583), Iceland (7.525), Sweden (7.344), Israel (7.341), the Netherlands (7.319), and Norway (7.302). All are heavily socialistic. 

Why are these countries happy? Reasons include:

1. Taking care of social needs
2. Feeling of belonging to a community
3. Low corruption
4. Top education
5. Strong health care system 
6. A life balance

The U.S. was 24th. If 1-6 help to make a country happy it is easy to understand why the U.S. rates where it does.

 

Read the report https://worldhappiness.report/