Socialism Takes Over America... Could it Happen?

I'm curious to know what others on ATS think about the possibility of the US turning into a nation governed by socialism. Looking at recent events in US politics, specifically the 28 Year-Old Who Won the Democratic Nomination for New York's 14th District Congressional Seat. Looking at this candidate's popularity level.. I am seeing a major shift in the beliefs of US voters.

Bernie Sanders has a very similar platform to that of this 28 year-old, Cortez: free healthcare (single payer system), free college tuition, etc.

I also reflect on organizations like the Trilateral Commission, and the Council on Foreign Relations. According to the Trilateral Commission themselves, their stated purpose is:

It is a non-governmental, policy-oriented forum that brings together leaders in their individual capacity from the worlds of business, government, academia, press and media, as well as civil society.

trilateral.org...

And the Council on Foreign Relations:

The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is an independent, nonpartisan membership organization, think tank, and publisher dedicated to being a resource for its members, government officials, business executives, journalists, educators and students, civic and religious leaders, and other interested citizens in order to help them better understand the world and the foreign policy choices facing the United States and other countries.

www.cfr.org...

Surely, many of these business executives, academics, religious leaders, etc. are not operating with the sole purpose of fulfilling their own goals and self-interest (in conflict with what the goals of a Sovereign America are).

Perhaps socialism is not the only form of government/authority that could take over. I could see a scenario in which the financial system that rules the globe, comes under pressure and threatens the global economy as we know it. This too could expose the US to potential threats to our democracy and current way of life.

I'm kind of just spit-balling here, but these are some big questions that I am genuinely curious about, and would love to hear from some of the bright minds of ATS.

Let the speculating begin

Real socialism would be good, but I doubt if that is what will happen in America. The type of socialism being pushed here is just a transfer of power to a group of unruly and pushy people who will blast anyone that does not follow along with their beliefs..

I do believe in socialized healthcare though, it is better than what we got for a healthcare system now.

a reply to: FamCore

I believe that your concerns are just.

I too have followed the Trilateral Commission, Council of Foreign Relations, Carlye Group, Clinton Foundation... etc on down the line.

They have been working towards such a scenario, but their efforts have been thwarted.

They never thought she would lose, Hilldog was absolutely essential to their plan and they have now failed.

What we are seeing is a fraction of what would have been.

Their cries of fascism, racism, sexism, NAZIS, etc on down the line are failing as well.

Their tactics are obvious and have only woke up the rest of the political spectrum.

Freedom shall reign in America and with that becoming an actuality it shall spread to the rest of the world.

a reply to: FamCore
Like a snowball in hells chance that the US would go socialist. The US is run by powerful "corporations" and big money dynasties and they want socialism like they want a hole in the head.
They will allow a little bit to appear to keep the populace calm, but full blown socialism, forget it.
Your statement about business executives, academics, religious leaders etc. yes, yes, yes, they are in it for their own ends. They only bother when something affects them directly and that's only to protect their own interests.

There's no speculation needed. Socialism has been a dismal failure 100% everywhere it's been attempted. All one has to do is a little research on history and look at the body counts it's created. Those who fail to understand History are damned to repeat it. Period.

a reply to: FamCore

originally posted by: rickymouse
Real socialism would be good, but I doubt if that is what will happen in America. The type of socialism being pushed here is just a transfer of power to a group of unruly and pushy people who will blast anyone that does not follow along with their beliefs..

I do believe in socialized healthcare though, it is better than what we got for a healthcare system now.

Real socialism is a myth though. It looks really good on paper, but it relies on the idea that every human being really will push to work to the limits of their ability without any recognition beyond receiving an equivalent allotment of what is produced. It also relies on the idea that all humans want and need exactly the same things without individual needs and preferences.

It has happened.

Social security.

Medicare.

Medicaid.

Universal healthcare.

There are actually idiots in this country that want the STATE to provide for the materialistic WANTS of the masses.

By the exploitation of a minority until it no longer exists.

Then everyone will be equally miserable paying for those goods and services with no effing way to pay for.

Prime examples?

Europe. Venezuela.

a reply to: rickymouse

The two most powerful parties are right leaning for a reason. Just one has 'some' socialist ideas and the other is more capitalist based. But both won't touch a socialist government with a ten foot pole for a reason, it's just not what most American's wants. The Dem. socialist party might gain some power over the next decade or so, but probably will never see a president seated to be honest.

a reply to: SecretsoftheBlueApples

It is the natural condition of mankind throughout history to live in grinding poverty underneath brutal dictators.

originally posted by: ketsuko
a reply to: SecretsoftheBlueApples

It is the natural condition of mankind throughout history to live in grinding poverty underneath brutal dictators.

That's not being cynical... just realistic

a reply to: FamCore

Socialism isnt a form of government, its an economic paradigm.

Its creeping in everywhere, and yes, ultimately, some form of it will take hold in the US.

originally posted by: ketsuko
a reply to: SecretsoftheBlueApples

It is the natural condition of mankind throughout history to live in grinding poverty underneath brutal dictators.

If you want to get down to the biology and evolution of humans, it's also in human nature to not be enslaved by brutal dictators, someone will always rally up the people power to live free. Empathy and compassion always trump fear and hate.
It's one of the reasons why N.Korea will never actually change unless it's people start to wake up and revolt.

originally posted by: TonyS
a reply to: FamCore

Socialism isnt a form of government, its an economic paradigm.

Its creeping in everywhere, and yes, ultimately, some form of it will take hold in the US.

We already have some form of it- and it's been a dismal failure.

IMO, the chunk of my paycheck going to the federal government is a form of socialism- taking my money without my consent to provide things to everyone. They do it at the state level- and even the town level. If you think the government isn't a dismal failure when it comes to their socialist shenanigans, just look at the thread covering pentagon finances.

originally posted by: TonyS
a reply to: FamCore

Socialism isnt a form of government, its an economic paradigm.

Its creeping in everywhere, and yes, ultimately, some form of it will take hold in the US.

You can't really attempt socialism without government though. Human nature more or less prohibits it. Unlike capitalism which is simply the term for the natural economic activity humans undertake, socialism is unnatural and must be legally imposed.

a reply to: strongfp

If that were true, why aren't there more free/libertarian societies in the world? Oh that's right ... We must be dictated to "for the children."

a reply to: strongfp

Ugh, phone posting/double post

a reply to: FamCore

I think quite simply they wanted a young woman in there...she is quite charming and happens to be other than white. I'm sure she subscribes to many tenants of socialism but now that I have kids I would love free college tuition and healthcare..I think she's more progressive but I'm genuinely excited to see a ever so slight fracturing of the true veil of the democratic view on inclusivity..

Naturally if she makes a few impactful speeches the masses will now look to have her run for president. We live in the moment..I'm excited to see some new blood enter into politics..even in a smaller capacities..hope there is a flood that changes the landscape...we need more parties up at the plate to make it harder for the left or right to have it so easy..

a reply to: ketsuko

You can't really attempt socialism without government though. Human nature more or less prohibits it. Unlike capitalism which is simply the term for the natural economic activity humans undertake, socialism is unnatural and must be legally imposed.

Capitalism= Organic.

Socialism= GMO

originally posted by: ketsuko
a reply to: strongfp

If that were true, why aren't there more free/libertarian societies in the world? Oh that's right ... We must be dictated to "for the children."

Well, within' the last 300 some odd years, more or less socialist ideologies have have been front and center, french revolution, american revolution, russian revolution, all were driven by people who just had enough, but in the end they all had their turbulent times and some still do. France has made it work out very well. The US kind of made a libertarian society work, until relatively recently with oligarchies and capitalism taking over, Russia went full socialist and it turned into a form of government. But they all had their beginnings, and they were all similar as well, to fight some sort of dictatorship, monarchy, etc.

a reply to: FamCore

Half the country is moving in that direction. Many of them do not actually believe in it, but they will vote for it nonetheless.