Why do Americans run scared when they hear the word "Socialist"?

Question

If you look at some of the top countries in the world for quality of life, health, with strong economies they often have a socialist government. Look at Sweeden, Denmark, Norway, Canada (the Conservatives are in power but they are probably more socialist than what most Americans think), etc.

I asked my friend this who lives in Detroit and he said that it's for a couple reasons. Number one, most Americans get all upset because they think the socialists are going to take their guns away. Secondly they are upset because they automatically think that a socialist government is going to tax the heck out of everyone and free money will be given to the people that don't deserve it. They obviously don't understand how a socialist government functions.

What are your thoughts?

Answer 1

Because of one thing, and one thing only.

A man once murdered a part of the world under a socialist party, the National Socialist Party (n**i's).

People tend to always place that over any intelligent conversation that involves the word socialism.  

Answer 2

People on this thread are so stupid!

Why is it so difficult for Americans to understand that socialism and communism is NOT the same?!!

I’m Danish, and I, my family, my friends, and the rest of my countrymen have it better than Americans ever will. And before you say **** like “at least we are free”, let me tell you something; We are FREE. More free than the average American. Trust me! Danes are both smarter, happier, richer and healthier than Americans, and our government is one of the reasons for that…But if you want to be so stupid and ignorant, fine with me. It’s not my country that is going down the toilet…

Answer 3

Historically Socialism does NOT work!!!!

Answer 4

Ummm, the citizens of Canada, Sweden, Denmark and Norway are NOT allowed to own firearms, or they have severe restrictions, and they do have high taxes.

What were you talking about again?  Misconceptions about socialism?

Canadian conservatives tolerate the socialist policy that's been put in place, but they do not like it.  I was in Canada a month ago, many of them complained the government spends so much on health care that education is suffering horribly.  Most Canadians outside large cities have terrible computer skills and are in dire need of technology education.

Answer 5

No we obviously do understand how they work. THEY WILL TAX the heck out of everyone. Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Canada all have HIGH tax rates and small populations!!

Your sister , you and your Father did not pay ZERO! You have all paid higher TAXES thus not zero. You pay more in taxes then you would have paid for a private insurance policy

Answer 6

Socialism and communism are actually nice words. If they are looked at without the media conditioning that Americans have, the words mean living together peacefully and supporting one another, a community that is close together. Our Zionist controlled country doesn't want the US that way, though. They want us divided and separated, feeling scared and fighting each other. That way we are distracted and powerless because it makes it harder to form groups like labor unions which would threaten the Zionist.

Answer 7

Because Socialism is another word for Communism and other examples of those types of governments are China, Yugoslavia, Hungary.