Penguin Egg, your lack of a definition means you are operating based on a view of Socialism that is an incorrect generalization. In other words, you don't know what Socialism is, just what you have been fed.

You already have elements of Socialism. Social Security is one. If you are in Canada or the UK you have National Health Care. All social service programs are socialist programs.

Socialism is not discredited. In fact, here in the US, when they finally resolve the health care problem, it will be with a social program. When the powers that be decide to protect the workers ability to make a living, it will be with a social program.

Communism and Socialism are not necessarily the same thing. And Communism as practiced in the Soviet Union was not a good example of anything except totalitarianism. And it failed, as it should have.

I agree with Art. Capitalism has many advantages, but it will be the socialist types of reforms that will fix the ills.

And to answer your question, yes, I consider myself something of a Socialist.

All the best,

Mick