bobsizzle t1_izykl0y wrote on December 12, 2022 at 8:17 PM

Reply to comment by TDGroupie in A very Bernie Christmas by Otter-ific

It's not that simple. For one, Norway has a small population with a lot of oil. And most of these countries spend little on their militaries. The US could stop spending to protect Europe and use that money on other things. America tried to be the world's police and it came at a cost. We need to stop spending billions to defend other countries that don't pay their share. NATO is mostly a bunch of hanger ons. If America cut military spending to below the 2 percent, or even to 1: percent GDP that some NATO countries spend, we'd save hundreds of billions a year.

TDGroupie t1_izyt4v6 wrote on December 12, 2022 at 9:11 PM

What’s not simple? For someone to learn the difference between communism, socialism and democratic socialism? That was, after all the topic at hand. There are endless ways for the US to improve the lives of its citizens but it wont happen when half of them scream against “sOciAliSM!” because that’s what the corporate propaganda machine tells them to do so they can keep fleecing them for every last penny.

bobsizzle t1_izyzbzm wrote on December 12, 2022 at 9:51 PM

You're referring to the quality of life in those countries. I am Norwegian. To imply the quality of life is better isn't straight forward. My point is, if America spent the percentage of GDP that Scandinavian countries spend we could spend more improving quality of life here. But it's not all roses in those countries. Hardly anyone lives there and it's not a fair comparison. I like Bernie, but he's made a small fortune from capitalism.

TDGroupie t1_izz262v wrote on December 12, 2022 at 10:10 PM

Democratic socialism is not anti capitalism because it is not socialism. Mentioning Bernie’s wealth is a tired old right wing talking point that only illustrates their commitment to misinformation in pursuit of furthering their corporate agenda.

bobsizzle t1_izza9hs wrote on December 12, 2022 at 11:05 PM

That kinda depends on who you ask. Some democratic socialist want all out socialism. Some reject capitalism. I won't say those forms of government don't have their merits. Capitalism has it's merits too. Although I think resources should belong to the people and all profit from natural resources on public land should go to the government coffers. Instead of royalty payments.

And saying Bernie is Rich, isn't misinformation. He is a millionaire. But I don't hold that against him. I like Bernie. Even if he has lived off of the tax payers for half his life. I'd prefer term limits in Congress, but without those, I'd rather have a voice like Bernie's over some other standard Republican or Democrat. I think Bernie means well. Even if he personally benefits from his career.

TDGroupie t1_izzugl2 wrote on December 13, 2022 at 1:33 AM

I’m not saying the misinformation lies in the right wing pointing out Bernie’s wealth, it has to do with them doing so in a way that makes him seem disingenuous. Bernie is not anti wealth, he is simply against wealth consolidation into the hands of the few. You started off saying some democratic socialists want to full blow socialism. That’s simply wrong - people that want full socialism are, in fact socialists. Apples and oranges. Democratic socialism is a capitalist based system that simply aims for a more equitable distribution of wealth.