Apparently most people think that having just a LITTLE regulation in the economy automatically counts for Socialism or Communism. First of all many nations in the world have slightly regulated economies and still count as Capitalist Society's. Countries like Sweden have more economic and Political Freedom then the United States and they have a universal health care system. They have welfare but almost nobody in unemployed. They are what we call a Social Democracy. For those of you who don't know what that is here are some guidelines. * A mixed economy consisting of both private enterprise and government-owned or subsidized programs of education, health care, child care and related social services for all citizens. * An extensive system of social security (although usually not to the extent advocated by socialists), with the stated goal of counteracting the effects of poverty and insuring the citizens against loss of income following illness, unemployment or retirement. * Government bodies that regulate private enterprise in the interests of workers and consumers by ensuring labor rights (i.e. supporting worker access to trade unions), consumer protections, and fair market competition. * Environmentalism and environmental protection laws; for example, funding for alternative energy resources and laws designed to combat global warming. * A value-added/progressive taxation system to fund government expenditures. * A secular and progressive social policy, although this varies markedly in degree. * Immigration and multiculturalism. * Fair trade over free trade. * A foreign policy supporting the promotion of democracy, the protection of human rights and where possible, effective multilateralism. * Advocacy of social justice, human rights, social rights, civil rights and civil liberties.So tell me why doing things like what we're doing here in the United States not counts for Socialism? btw Socialism is more extreme and Communism is the most extreme. But consider how I mentioned Sweden. Having that little Regulation and having more eco-political freedom then we do.