Financial news site Marketwatch denies U.S. slipping into Socialism. Calls it a "myth." (Reagan, healthcare)

[70Ford]

Meanwhile, federal spending, about 25% of the economy this year, is expected to fall to about 23% by 2013. In 1983, under Ronald Reagan, it hit 23.5%. In the early 1990s it was around 22%. Some socialism.

These days, three-fifths of the entire budget goes on just three things: Insurance for our old age (through Social Security and Medicare), defense, and debt interest.

The three biggest lies about the U.S. economy Brett Arends' ROI - MarketWatch

I don't know if it's obvious to anyone else here, but these people are clearly covering for Obama by saying he spends less than Reagan did. Or something. Unless somehow the data from the Reagan years was corrupted by Obama, reaching backwards through time. He does have super powers and stuff. Super Socialist Powers.

[Ira500]

Originally Posted by 70Ford

Meanwhile, federal spending, about 25% of the economy this year, is expected to fall to about 23% by 2013. In 1983, under Ronald Reagan, it hit 23.5%. In the early 1990s it was around 22%. Some socialism.

These days, three-fifths of the entire budget goes on just three things: Insurance for our old age (through Social Security and Medicare), defense, and debt interest.

The three biggest lies about the U.S. economy Brett Arends' ROI - MarketWatch

I don't know if it's obvious to anyone else here, but these people are clearly covering for Obama by saying he spends less than Reagan did. Or something. Unless somehow the data from the Reagan years was corrupted by Obama, reaching backwards through time. He does have super powers and stuff. Super Socialist Powers.

In socialist countries, there are no private corporations. The government runs the companies.
In the US, the corporations run the government.
If Obama is a socialist, I'm a Swedish supermodel.

[Lowerdeck]

I remember reading an article not too long ago, legit socialists were saying that Barack Obama was not one of them.

The Socialist Party candidate for president in 2008 went on the Daily Show sometime last year too saying Obama was not a socialist.


And then as Ira said above: the corporations run the government. We're more likely in 20 years to see Jennifer Government than a socialist nation like France or Sweden.

[kemcnyc]

Meanwhile, federal spending, about 25% of the economy this year, is expected to fall to about 23% by 2013. In 1983, under Ronald Reagan, it hit 23.5%. In the early 1990s it was around 22%. Some socialism.

Depends how you define Socialism....

Did Reagan try to enact a National Healthcare system? Cap and Trade? Financial Reform increasing Gov't influence? Did he push to raise taxes?

Call it whatever you like.... at the end of the day, Obama is pushing to INCREASE the Federal Governments power and influence over the the freedom of individuals.