The term has lost it's meaning-we should now use the word "collectivist" to criticize somebody who we think wants too much government. So even thought Obama is ranked number 1 ahead of Bernie Sanders on that whatever rating I will still vote for him cause I believe he will put the resources husbanded by the gov to better use-say on health care instead of invading Iran. I course I also believe all the hookers who say they really like me.

The church I am a pastor of gives 15% of our donations to other agencies that help the poor.  When one church member found out about this he accused the church of being "socialist."  Unbelievable, huh!

No, Andrew, not unbelievable.  I've seen a few of those types in my career as well.  I don't envy you being his pastor, and having to try to talk him down.

I myself am not a believer, but I was run through the awful wringer of Catholic school, and I did learn a few things about Jesus, who was definitely a socialist.

Matthew 26:6-13

6 Now when Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper,

7 a woman came up to him with an alabaster flask of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on his head, as he sat at table.

8 But when the disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, "Why this waste?

9 For this ointment might have been sold for a large sum, and given to the poor."

Would Jesus sign the bailout bill? I guess my point is why does the religious right hate progressive tax structure?

Jesus should have been head of the Federal Reserve.  He made wine out of water as well as the Fed made money out of debt.

Every hardened heart can soften, given the right circumstances. I've been on both sides of the soup kitchen dispensing table--part of my general good fortune. Both sides softened me up. Actually, we're all on both sides of the table every day, even if we don't realize it.

Maybe no one has told Andrew's church member "thank you" lately. Something is going on there that we don't know about.

(lesserliz: if you shower first, tip, and look 'em in the eyes [and I suspect the answer is yes to all three], then more than likely they do like you.)

Could someone also explain to folks that socialists in Europe and other parts of the world were often on our side against the communists?  And after that could they maybe point out that Karl Marx and Karl Rove share the same first name?

...And after that could they maybe point out that Karl Marx and Karl Rove share the same first name?

...

Don't forget Karl Wallenda.

Enough about socialism.  What about the f-word, as in fascism, for describing modern Republican policies?  

Is this an accurate term  to describe economic policies favoring large corporations and concentrated wealth; using fear tactics to centralize power in an autocratic chief executive; promotion of an idealized, "real" America, while demonizing groups based on ethnic or religious grounds; and a disregard for civil liberties and the rule of law?