What does it mean to be "left" politically?

[JFKvsNixon]

A communist wants total socialism. A Stalinist is prepared to support genocide to achieve it.

I1L2T3 is neither.

 

Stalin carried out his genocides to support Stalin.

 

Also I believe that it's wrong to lump Liberals and socialists in the same group. Ideologically they are very different.

[unbeliever]

Stalin carried out his genocides to support Stalin.

 

Also I believe that it's wrong to lump Liberals and socialists in the same group. Ideologically they are very different.

 

A liberal can be either socialist or capitalist.

Are you saying that a liberal is "left" whether they want more socialism or not?

 

I was hoping we'd get into that. That's why I put "liberal" as an option on the poll and allowed for multiple selections on the vote.

[JFKvsNixon]

A liberal can be either socialist or capitalist.

Are you saying that a liberal is "left" whether they want more socialism or not?

 

I was hoping we'd get into that. That's why I put "liberal" as an option on the poll and allowed for multiple selections on the vote.

 

From my understanding, Socialist want far greater state control, Liberals want far greater individual freedoms.

[unbeliever]

From my understanding, Socialist want far greater state control, Liberals want far greater individual freedoms.

 

My observations on liberals:

 

Liberals are chronically confused about whether "freedoms" means liberties or entitlements. Also whether said "freedom" is to be achieved by the state protecting free citizens from oppression by each other, or by removing oppressions of the state itself.

 

Those interested in minimal state oppression and liberties rather than entitlements are often referred to as libertarians for clarity.

[onetwo07]

Despite unbeliever's superb treatise on the subject, socialism is a term referring to the ownership and control of the means of production, which was developed (though didn't originate) during the upheaval of the Industrial Revolution.

 

If you believe in the workers' ownership of the means of production or, at least, democratic control of the means of production then you might be a socialist, otherwise you're probably not.

[I1L2T3]

Despite unbeliever's superb treatise on the subject, socialism is a term referring to the ownership and control of the means of production, which was developed (though didn't originate) during the upheaval of the Industrial Revolution.

 

If you believe in the workers' ownership of the means of production or, at least, democratic control of the means of production then you might be a socialist, otherwise you're probably not.

 

I would say we need the state to ensure universal healthcare, universal education, and at the very least stringent oversight of transport infrastructure and utilities infrastructure. If left to the free market there is a risk that those things, vital to the success and security of the economy and country, would not be adequately delivered.

 

That doesn't make me a socialist. It makes me a realist.

[Vague_Boy]

Not hating. But if you think the rich are chosen in a darwinian manner you need a reality check.

 

---------- Post added 14-11-2015 at 00:38 ----------

 

E.g. you have no idea what you are talking about.

 

Controversial Report Says Rich Kids Do Better Because Their Parents Are Smarter

 

Billionaires are smarter, study says

 

Rich People Are More Intelligent, Study Says

 

Why Rich Parents Raise Smarter Children

 

Darwinian

adjective Dar·win·i·an \där-ˈwi-nē-ən\

 

: of or relating to Charles Darwin or to the ideas and theories of Charles Darwin

 

: of or relating to a situation in which only people, businesses, etc., with the strongest skills or abilities are successful

[unbeliever]

Despite unbeliever's superb treatise on the subject, socialism is a term referring to the ownership and control of the means of production, which was developed (though didn't originate) during the upheaval of the Industrial Revolution.

 

If you believe in the workers' ownership of the means of production or, at least, democratic control of the means of production then you might be a socialist, otherwise you're probably not.

 

I still think you're describing a radical socialist or communist.

I seem to have a majority of over 80% in that opinion.

[onetwo07]

If I thought 80% of people called a car a fridge, it would still be a car.

 

You asked what 'socialism' was and I have defined it's key ideological principle. Read some Marx if you want to know about the difference between socialism and communism.

[JFKvsNixon]

My observations on liberals:

 

Liberals are chronically confused about whether "freedoms" means liberties or entitlements. Also whether said "freedom" is to be achieved by the state protecting free citizens from oppression by each other, or by removing oppressions of the state itself.

 

Those interested in minimal state oppression and liberties rather than entitlements are often referred to as libertarians for clarity.

 

I think that the difficulties/disagreements arise as you say when people want to use their freedoms to limit the freedoms of others. Then it becomes a lot more complicated.