Argument: How can you say that Americans live in a true capitalist democracy? Ever since the social security system was instituted under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, socialism has been part of the American economic system. President Obama has initiated several programs that mirror socialism. He proposed to raise taxes on the wealthy to fund social welfare programs such as medical reforms and health care for the impoverished. He has sunk billions of dollars into private industries to “bail them out”. The government owns interest in many private banks and the auto industry. Government ownership of industry is socialist ideology. Do you agree or disagree with the argument? Why?

What separates the U. S. from other socialist systems?

Would you be willing to pay a larger portion of taxes each paycheck to fund programs that may reduce the costs of travel, health care, education and other basic services if they were put in the hands of the government? Why or why not?