They pulled a switch on us.
They took our legit fear of certain autocratic Communist and Socialist regimes, and turned it into a fear of communism and socialism. The Cold war fears of Russia, China, and Cuba, thanks to the valid threat of nuclear annihilation, became a fear of Communism and Socialism.

They told us to be afraid of corrupt autocratic governments that took away the rights of their citizens, who might lob nukes at us. They used those fears to make us afraid of the economic theories that attempt to redistribute wealth more evenly, and make things better for the common folks. Why?
For One Reason:
To protect their wealth, power and control.

But it’s not the appropriate-ism that was ever the problem with China or Russia. It was the autocratic part. The corruption. Because corrupt autocrats seek to limit freedoms and take away rights.

And the nukes. Don’t forget the nukes. We now know that Communists ALL want to nuke everything good.

Socialism and communism are actually about social justice. They are about ensuring basic needs for people as human rights. They are about freedom from hunger and disease. Equitable distribution of wealth and goods. For all people, not just the ones who can afford it. Nothing to fear from, unless you have WAY too much and you’re worried someone will take it away and give it to someone in need.

You could actually make a better case that Capitalism is humanity’s grand problem, because of the inherent inequality and exploitation. Greed without controls or conscience is a recipe for mass cruelty. Capitalism is out of control in America, and Congress is complicit.

They want you to be afraid of Socialism and Communism because they would hurt the 1%. The ones who make the rules. Our owners, as George Carlin would say. Because the answer is simple. They would have to give up some of their wealth to make the system more fair. And THEY are the insatiable rich, who thirst for more no matter how much they already have. Gluttony. Greed. Capitalism. All one in the same thing.

Democratic Socialism is just capitalism with a conscience. Let the rich get rich. AFTER the rest of us are out of poverty. AFTER everyone can see a doctor and not worry about the bill. The important things that everyone needs must be a available to all. Owned by all. Not profit centers for the rich and shameless.
You can still make a killing selling people shit they don’t need…after we guarantee that everyone has the shit they DO need. Science says if you end poverty, crime is virtually non-existent, while productivity and knowledge increase…along with happiness.

Increased happiness goes a long way to solving social problems of all sorts. From shoplifting to school shooters. Happy people with their needs met (physical and psychological) don’t do that shit.

Authors Note: All opinions expressed here are just that: opinions. If you don’t like mine, I probably won’t like yours either. Let’s just nod, and walk away. Maybe come back with solutions instead of opinions. Because of the two, only solutions actually matter.