"Together the two can work very harmoniously and very well...as they do right NOW in all developed societies...and there is no reason whatsoever to demonize either socialism or capitalism in an all or nothing fashion."

I disagree with this utterly - where does this happen?

You can't work capitalism and socialism side by side because by definition a socialist does not accept that the capitalist ideal of free market economics can be applied to all areas of society and the economy.

Healthcare is the best example of this. Here in the UK our excellent NHS should be providing high quality healthcare for free, regardless of social class, income or location. Free dental care, free eye care etc etc. However, as the powers that be have gradually privatised the NHS we find we now all have to pay for healthcare to some degree, and the rush to profit from people's illness and misfortune has led from everything from the phones the patients use, to the cleaning/portering services to the management of top-rank consultants being run by outside agencies whose aim is to make a profit rather than provide the absolute best in healthcare (you pay extra for that).

In truth, the NHS should be paid for totally by taxation and be totally inclusive. The idea that healthcare should have to turn a profit for shareholders is an anathema to socialists, and quite rightly. No-one expects the military to be profitable - that's why it's OK to rain bombs that cost 25k a time down on mud-huts in Afghanistan.

I'll declare my politics loud and proud - I'm a Socialist with a leaning towards certain aspects Marxism, and here's why. I firmly believe people need to be able to realise their potential, to be free from suffering and oppression, and to live peaceful lives, in the manner of their own choosing. I believe that capitalism fails utterly in being able to deliver these objectives both locally and internationally - it keeps the poor in the gutter, the rich in the penthouse and those in between distracted by trying to sell them tat they don't need. The dreams it offers are mirages - unobtainable and ultimately, hollow. In the UK, the combination of capitalism and the odious class system we still live with means gradually the most vulnerable in our society are being marginalised in increasing numbers whilst the wealthiest top 2% in our society get richer whilst contributing less and less.

I'm not against a certain amount of free-market economics - it might even be essential as people need choice and the possibility of advancing themselves materially if that is what they wish, but not at the expense of all other human endeavours and the quality of life for a significant part of society. Unfettered capitalism has led the world to the brink of environmental disaster, I see no evidence unregulated capitalism offers any solutions to the worlds problems - and that has to change.