You talk about 'social restrictions', 'a critique of capitalism' and 'a socialist model'. In fact it is just a democratically elected government passing laws that they think benefit society - just as we have done in this country over the years. It is not socialism at all. Sweden would quickly go down the pan if all means of production, distribution and exchange were in the hands of the state.

I have read all the posts, and I have to say the socialists ability to ignore the nose on their face is staggering beyond belief.

When socialism fails (as it always does) it's always the nasty capalists fault for not wanting to pay 50 quid for a loaf of bread, and a tenner just for the pleasure of wipping your arse.

The USSR failed. North Korea Beyond a joke, Argentina in the s***, Venezuela going down the pan, Cuba slowly rotting, Bulgaria piss poor.

Capitalism is far from perfect but it's the only way.

"It's not the bullet that's got my name on it that concerns me; it's all them other ones flyin' around marked 'To Whom It May Concern.'"

Venezuela has the world's highest rate of inflation, at 100% and forecast to hit 150% by the end of the year. The exchange rate is shot, hyper inflation just around the corner - with such an abundance of natural resources, this is some feat.

This is how I see socialism as a working model within a capitalist world, as a means of social provision. I don't really abide by the idea of communism at all, which promotes tyranny, but the idea of the will of the people and the state serving the best interest of society.

In terms of socialism, I regard the vanguard approach of Marxist-Lenninism and Moaists as being a 'failed experiement' as it forces socialism by force of arms and tyranny, but proscribe to the approach of Marx where in Socialism must grow out of the failures of capitalism by the will of the people as a social change (similar to how capitalism grew out of the industrial revolution and the demise of agrarianism, which replaced feudalism).

Sweden also requires very strict laws on the economic stability of companies, that would be considered Marxist by any other standards, that are specifically devised towards ensuring a company security for the benefit of employees and the state, rather than the directors.

so for me, Sweden represents the way forwards, capitalism coupled to a social or socialist priority. I believe in the freedom of the individual (being more of an anarchist than a commie), and democracy that represents each and every single person. These I feel are vital to prevent tyranny of the majority (which communism, represents).

As for the UK passing laws for the benefit of society, that I disagree with, for most of my life I would say we pass laws based on maintaining the support of the parties voters, and primiarly the interests of corporations.

"One Nation Under God, has turned into One Nation Under the Influence of One Drug"
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The most content, best run countries in the world are mostly borderline Socialist with a bit of healthy capitalism thrown in: Denmark, Finland, New Zealand, Canada, Holland, Norway. The usual suspects.

S'funny how that lot aren't repulsed by aspects of leftism and yet are pretty successful at 'society'. If only they would listen to the deep thinking, rational, anti-left ranters on here the could do it so much better. As good as the UK and USA even.

Edited by Kermit8 (05 Nov 2015 2.05pm)

Big chest and massive boobs

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And you'll find quite a few of those counties, the European ones in particular, are among the highest payers of income tax in the world - with the exception of Aruba that is.

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