| Sean, feel free to cut this reply, but I really have to say this guy above is an ass.
Yes we can discuss socialism and communism as viable concepts because they ARE viable concepts, however they rely upon mankind relinquishing hatred, jealousy, nationalism and selfishness. And private capital. In fact, all it would take is for people to live up to the standards advocated by Jesus, Allah, the first Buddha etc. So, and somehow my gut tells me you are Christian, if you could live up to the standards of Christianity, you yourself would fit right in with socialism.
For example, lets look at Europe for whether socialism is a viable concept. Lets see now, Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland all have working social democracies, which are the right wings of socialism. TADA! Now we can discuss these concepts.
Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery.
Winston Churchill |