[MD] The New Socialism - Wired Magazine

[Arlo Bensinger]

[Arlo previously]
"I recognize that the word 'socialism' is bound to make many readers 
twitch." ("Wired" magazine)

This has been one of the more vile examples of manipulated language 
in modern times.

[Craig]
After being used by both Marx & Hitler, the term 'socialism' didn't 
have a chance.

[Arlo]
For Marx, "socialism" was a transitory system not an "end". I don't 
know of many people who consider Hitler a "socialist", despite the 
use of the word in his party's name. Consider that Hitler despised 
"communists" and "Marxists" as much as Jews. And, I point out, China 
uses the word "Republic", and yet there is hardly a lot of 
fear-mongering over "republicanism" on talk-radio. ;-)

In any event, I was more referring the second half of that quote 
(which you omit). "It carries tremendous cultural baggage, as do the 
related terms communal, communitarian, and collective." As for the 
term "socialism" per se, let me remind you that government regulating 
marriage, drugs, the armed forces, roadways and waterways, public 
libraries, state game lands and parks, public oceanfronts and 
offshore waters, fire services and EMT (in most areas), and more, all 
of these are "socialist programs". Every time Hannity tells you the 
government should decide who can and who can not marry, you should 
clench your fist and yell "evil socialist!" at the radio.