The Short Short Version
Socialism = workers own the means of production
Communism = state owns the means of production
Welfare State Capitalism = private ownership of the means of production, with progressive taxation and social programs to provide a safety net for the poor.
#3 is what we’ve had since the 1930s. Good stuff, I think. Of course, the taxation is hardly progressive anymore, and those private owners are chipping away at the safety nets, too.
But anyway, next time someone tells you such-and-such policy or legislation is “socialist,” be sure to ask them which workers are being granted ownership of which means of production…
Posted: March 29th, 2006 under Politics.