Do Canadians understand Capitalist and Socialist?

[TheNewTeddy]

I've seen these terms thrown about, with people suggesting on one end that Cuba is an example of Socialism, with the implication that Finland would be a Capitalist country. I've seen others suggest that Massachusetts is Socialist, and that only some parts of some US states qualify as Capitalist, implying that Finland would be Socialist. Better yet I've seen others try to suggest that a country can not be both, implying that Finland has to be one or the other.

I picked Finland because it's a pretty good example, in my mind, if a mixed economy. All economies from the deepest reaches of North Korea to the deepest reaches of rural Texas are mixed. Each has a little bit of one or the other. I'm wondering if Canadians understand this, or if they do not "get" the terms at all, and are scared by them.

[eyeball]

I'm wondering if Canadians understand this, or if they do not "get" the terms at all, and are scared by them.

I bet most simply couldn't give a rodent's butt one way or another.

[stopstaaron]

Canadians don't understand how Parliament works so why would they understand this?

[Vendetta]

Canadians don't understand how Parliament works so why would they understand this?

It doesn't help that the crime minister regularly lies about it.

[Bryan]

I've seen these terms thrown about, with people suggesting on one end that Cuba is an example of Socialism, with the implication that Finland would be a Capitalist country.

Good examples. While Cuba is more socialist than not, it is still very much a mixed economy. Plenty of capitalism going on there. This does confuse a lot of people.

Edited April 8, 2012 by Bryan

[WLDB]

I think more Canadians undestand these concepts than Americans judging by the reaction those terms get down there these days.

[punked]

Whatever works I say.

[bleeding heart]

I think more Canadians undestand these concepts than Americans judging by the reaction those terms get down there these days.

I'm really not seeing it.

[Topaz]

Isn't the bottom line, that a government that keeps the people contend socially, with capitalist mixed in, doesn't have too many problems. Right now, in Canada, people are getting restless socially, too many on welfare,and EI, people are feeling threaten by policies this government is making. people out work, then the country has more breaking of laws, like stealing and break and enters etc. It not a happy time.

[Tilter]

There is no such thing as socialism.

Think about it.

Under socialism no one would be any richer or poorer or have any better living conditions than anyone else.-- no where on this world does this type of existence exist.

[TwoDucks]

There is no such thing as socialism.

Think about it.

Under socialism no one would be any richer or poorer or have any better living conditions than anyone else.-- no where on this world does this type of existence exist.

Proving at least one Canadian doesn't understand the term.

[Tilter]

Proving at least one Canadian doesn't understand the term.

I understand fully---- it's the socialists that don't--- including you.--- Oh I forgot, we aren't supposed to insult other posters but I can't see how to avoid it with the self-admitted lefties.

[bleeding heart]

I understand fully---- it's the socialists that don't--- including you.--- Oh I forgot, we aren't supposed to insult other posters but I can't see how to avoid it with the self-admitted lefties.

Lefties, like righties, and for that matter the self-described centrists, tend overwhelmingly to believe in mixed economies.

The blanket generalizations you're using remind of the Protestants vs. the Catholics, or the Sunnis vs the Shias. Degree is everything.

[TwoDucks]

I understand fully---- it's the socialists that don't--- including you.--- Oh I forgot, we aren't supposed to insult other posters but I can't see how to avoid it with the self-admitted lefties.

Wait, wait. I thought socialism doesn't exist. How can I be a socialist if there's no such thing as socialism?

[Topaz]

Wait, wait. I thought socialism doesn't exist. How can I be a socialist if there's no such thing as socialism?

That's a good question so I guess most of us are confusionist, cause by socialist and capitalists? LOL!

[jacee]

Having a 'socialism VS capitalism' debate is kinda like having a 'vitamins VS minerals' debate ... ie, it's ridiculous because obviously we need both.

If we don't have capitalist opportunities, where does the money come from for necessary social programs to support those who are temporarily or permanently unable to progress financially?

If we don't have socialist programs, how do we ensure that we all have opportunities to progress?

It's a non-issue.

[Tilter]

Wait, wait. I thought socialism doesn't exist. How can I be a socialist if there's no such thing as socialism?

My point exactly--- you just think you are. It's called being delusional. (another word for leftist)

[August1991]

Caisnadians don't understand how Parliament works so why would they understand this?

But older Canadians understand mortgage rates and RRSP rules while younger Canadians understand minimum wage rules and how to get a student loan.

We tend to know well what we need to know.

Knowing how Parliament works, or the difference between capitalism/socialism, is not critical knowledge.

----

IME, women tend to understand the rules of rings better than men. If a person is married, do you know on which finger they wear a ring?

And what about Muslims/Hindus? How do you know if they're married?

Edited April 9, 2012 by August1991