Who is a socialist?

I have been called a “socialist” because I believe that every person in the United States (regardless of their birthplace) should have the same kind of medical care and education that is available to me and the members of my extended family at the present time.  I also believe that Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid are worthwhile programs and should be continued – that is also a “socialist” opinion to the conservative Republicans and the Tea Baggers.

The dictionary says that ‘socialism’ is: “a system of society or group living in which there is no private property.”  Who says that I want to give up everything I own?  If we want to get into name-calling or pejorative labels I would call my critics “fascists”.  The dictionary definition of ‘fascism’ is: “a political philosophy, movement, or regime that exalts nation and race and stands for a centralized autocratic government headed by a dictatorial leader, severe economic and social regimentation and forcible suppression of opposition.”

Our fundamentalist conservatives and the Tea-Party have a political philosophy that exalts our nation (no one is as good as we are), is racist (Muslims, Hispanics, Asians, Blacks), wants a small, autocratic, centralized government (NO, NO, NO, unless we are in control), pass laws that create social regimentation (abortion, homosexuality), and use smart bombs to subdue the opposition. This is very close to the dictionary definition of fascism.  Now, all we need is a dictator.  Perhaps Mr. Cheney or Mr. Rove would qualify.  They ran the Bush administration from the back seat for eight years.

A reminder: Jesus Christ was not a power broker.  Instead, He promoted unconditional love, prolific generosity, and true humility.  “Thy will be done, on earth, as it is in Heaven!”