Socialism, eh?

Winston Churchill, in an electoral broadcast prior to the British general election of 1945, said: . . . a socialist policy is abhorrent to the British ideas of freedom. Socialism is inseparably interwoven with totalitarianism and the object worship of the state. It will prescribe for every one where they are to work, what they are to work at, where they may go and what they may say. Socialism is an attack on the right to breathe freely. No socialist system can be established without a political police. They would have to fall back on some form of Gestapo, no doubt very humanely directed in the first instance. I reckon that's what many Americans think of "Socialism". However, a "social democracy" ain't quite like that. Indeed, contemporary social democrats support: ⊗A mixed economy consisting mainly of private enterprise, but with government owned or subsidized programs of education, health care, childcare and related services for all citizens. ⊗Government bodies that regulate private enterprise in the interests of workers, consumers and fair competition. ⊗Advocacy of fair trade over free trade. ⊗An extensive system of social security (although usually not to the extent advocated by democratic socialists or other socialist groups and communists), with the stated goal of counteracting the effects of poverty and insuring the citizens against loss of income following illness, unemployment or retirement. ⊗Moderate to high levels of taxation (!!) (through a value-added and/or progressive taxation system) to fund government expenditure. Social democrats also tend to support: ⊗Environmental protection laws (although not always to the extent advocated by Greens), such as combating global warming and increasing alternative energy funding. ⊗Support for immigration and multiculturalism. ⊗A secular and progressive social policy, although this varies markedly in degree. ⊗A foreign policy supporting the promotion of democracy, the protection of human rights and where possible, effective multilateralism. ⊗As well as human rights, social democrats also support social rights, civil rights and civil liberties. I find it curious that governments arrange for roads and bridges to be built, free primary and secondary education, power transmission, the safety of drugs, seat belt use, water distribution systems, etc. etc. etc. This government intervention is not "Socialism" ... until they include universal healthcare. P.S. Though Social Democracy means different things to different people, I reckon it always includes: ⊗Political democracy = equal right to vote. ⊗Social and economic democracy = equal right to an education, medical care, pensions, employment and safe working conditions.