I seriously hope you are not even beginning to suggest that I support Socialism as a government or believe it is ok. I am sure most here would agree with me when I say I am very Libertarian in my views. Did you even read my statements? Socialism could be without government backing if the private owners wished it. It isn't likely or even probable, but it isn't impossible. In the right situation it could possibly happen in some form. I am 100% property rights. Capitalism isn't a type of government, and neither is Socialism. They are types of economies. Libertarianism in government and Socialism in economy are not at odds if it isn't by government mandate. People can simply decide to be socialist with their own goods. It is almost impossible, but not entirely. I am sure much of what we do now on a every day basis would be 'impossible' when viewed by the people of the 1600's. To believe we might not change in the next 400 years to a point where we really wouldn't understand it is a pretty short sighted view. That being said: I will never again vote for a person who believes in state that forces Statism, Socialism, or Fascism on us. It just won't be. However, it is peoples rights to be Socialist if they want as long as they don't FORCE it on others. I must espouse this view because quite simply it is demanded by my Libertarian views of the world.
unbunch your bloomers homey.
your not getting it.
socialism means everything is OWNED by the state, thus precluding any free choice by the "Private Owners" since there ARE no "Private Owners".
if i own a farm, and put out a sign that reads: All Are Welcome, and let anybody who wants come in, till my land, and harvest the crops at their own discretion, thats a charitable preserve, i still own it but im sharing MY shit with you.
if i declare its no longer "my Farm" but it's "Our Farm" or "the Farm" and everybody shares and shares alike, thats a commune, and it is Communism.
untill i start giving orders to the members of my commune, and tell them to do as i command or GTFO. then it becomes Socialism.
when i slam the gates shut and shoot anyone who tries to leave,, then it's Stalinism.
when i starve my commune workers and brainwash them to worship me as a god, then it's North Korea.
socialism PRESUMES that anything (and also anyone) inside the state's borders belongs to the state (see Absolute Monarchy)
communism presumes that NOBODY OWNS ANYTHING and everybody shares the entire world (see Wooly Headed Dreamers)
capitalism presumes that SOMEBODY owns everything, and if you want to use it you must find that guy and rent it or buy it from him. (see Liberal Democracy)
anarchism presumes that I own everything, and i can prove it, if i am strong enough to hold it. (see Somalia)
so you see since "private ownership" is automatically invalid,, socialism awards all cash and prizes to the state,, and the state decides what meager pittance to allow the peasants.