Judis, John (2005) Socialist evolution THE NEW REPUBLIC, 7/4 P. 42

Regardless of the form of socialism nowadays, it appears not to work. In some instances, it can reduce not enhance democracy.

What this essay is trying to indicate is that capitalism has won the great race in making things and providing services. The best for working and middle class is that socialism become associated with a group of principles around a safety net. That net is funded by the entire public and granted to those who lose their jobs or retire. Socialism would oppose the “ownership society” because it puts back risk in an already risky system.

A private economy appears to foster innovation, technology, and growth. Socialism provides the expressive component of society of protecting all those who have fallen on bad times. For those who are always poor and not wanted by industry, they must work for the government on the infrastructure. Health care means a public health insurance with private practioners. It must also be stratified. Those who put in more, get more out of it. However, the very bottom still gets services, drugs, and support from mainly Para- medical staff like Nurse Practioners.

Democratic procedures and rights are also necessary. Freedoms such as free assembly, speech, and the like must be protected.

This type of socialism is now called social democratic capitalism, welfare capitalism, workfare capitalism, or the welfare state. Sweden is nearly all private but is thought to be socialism because of its protections. It is a capitalist country in the sense that nearly all or all of the means of production are privately owned.