Your point puzzles me, Wolgang. I was not implying any similarity between calling a person a "racist" or calling them a "socialist". I was simply taking note that in the USA the term "socialist" is used as a labeler to demonize people and attack them. "Socialism" seems to be seen as evil in the USA. I don't think it's used that way anywhere else, at least not by very many people.

As for racism, that is seen as evil anywhere....as it should be.

I was taking about several different things in one post, but not necessarily implying links between them that you suggest...simply thinking about several different things, that's all.

Clearly, to label someone a racist falsely, merely to do them damage, is to be slanderous and dishonest, correct? The question is...ARE they genuinely racist or not? If they are, fine, you can call them "racist" and be on solid ground. If they aren't, then to call them so is just a mindgame you're playing that is intended to damage them publicly in some way....and I've seen some examples of that from time to time. I'm sure you have too.

But to think that you can damage someone by calling him a "socialist"?????? Only in the USA! ;-) That's what's so weird about the USA.

So what was your point?

Look, Wolfgang, I don't read any toxic beliefs into the things you say, I assume you're a good, rational person with sensible ideas and high ideals. I would appreciate it if you were equally generous to me in that regard.