Poll: Support for ‘Socialism’ Dropping in U.S., but Millennials Still Supportive

[Whispered]

October 30, 2019
A new poll released Monday(*10/28) by the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation shows that while support for “socialism” is dropping in the U.S., the Millennial generation (23-38) remains the most supportive of the idea.
The poll, conducted by YouGov for the foundation, included 2100 respondents over the age of 16. No margin of error was provided as of the time of publication.

The survey reports that overall, 58% of Americans held favorable opinions of capitalism in 2019, down 3% from 2018’s figure of 61%. However, only 49% of members of Generation Z (16-22) and 50% of the Millennial generation see capitalism favorably.

Full article

Perhaps the demographic in this poll actually committed to the research necessary to inform against the Socialist model our American elected Democrats are pushing for our future. Sanders, Warren, AOC, and others.
Whatever the cause, it is good news that at least this survey group aren't going to fall for the Left's Socialist rhetoric.

 

[Dan_473]

October 30, 2019
A new poll released Monday(*10/28) by the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation shows that while support for “socialism” is dropping in the U.S., the Millennial generation (23-38) remains the most supportive of the idea.
The poll, conducted by YouGov for the foundation, included 2100 respondents over the age of 16. No margin of error was provided as of the time of publication.

The survey reports that overall, 58% of Americans held favorable opinions of capitalism in 2019, down 3% from 2018’s figure of 61%. However, only 49% of members of Generation Z (16-22) and 50% of the Millennial generation see capitalism favorably.

Full article

Perhaps the demographic in this poll actually committed to the research necessary to inform against the Socialist model our American elected Democrats are pushing for our future. Sanders, Warren, AOC, and others.
Whatever the cause, it is good news that at least this survey group aren't going to fall for the Left's Socialist rhetoric.

How people perceive socialism has a lot to do with what systems they think of as socialist, I think.

For example, people in the USA are divided about universal health Care, but the vast majority are in favor of free universal education for children.

At least that's my impression.

 

[Whispered]

How people perceive socialism has a lot to do with what systems they think of as socialist, I think.

For example, people in the USA are divided about universal health Care, but the vast majority are in favor of free universal education for children.

At least that's my impression.

The thing about Socialism and "Universal" anything, is that any program under such an umbrella, be it education or health care, has to be funded from monies that come from somewhere.

But in America, the Socialists here who were elected through the Democratic process of election append the term, Socialist, with Democratic.
Their base whom they hope to fool using that tactic are led to believe it isn't "true Socialism" then that their favorite Democrat is advocating. Rather, they're led to believe it is instead something less whatever, be it less threatening, less prone to the failure that Socialism has as a history, or something else that leads followers and supporters to promote what they believe is a new idea.

It isn't.
Democrats in American politics who claim to be Democrat Socialists, like Bernie Sanders of Vermont, a man who has never had a job, was on welfare at one time, and while running for highest office in 2016 named numerous countries as ideal examples of Socialism, not Democratic Socialism, successes. The problem there was, all the countries he named had abandoned Socialism years prior. Some as much as a decade.

But old dogs can commit to new tricks when they're comfortable as career politicians. And those who trumpet their identity as that of Democrat Socialists are actually identifying their Socialist agenda as that which, if enough people get on the bandwagon, will be voted into policy. Therefore, those Democrat Socialists see their self-title as correct because the American voter would, through the Democratic process, vote in the Socialist model those politician(s) are advocating. But it is still their intention to push for what has a miserable failure historically, and that is, Socialism.

America has programs in place that are Socialist in nature. Medicare, Social Security, are but two examples. That is a far cry from this Constitutional Democratic Republic becoming a Socialist state entirely.

 

[Dan_473]

America has programs in place that are Socialist in nature. Medicare, Social Security, are but two examples. That is a far cry from this Constitutional Democratic Republic becoming a Socialist state entirely.

Are you in favor of the USA having some socialist programs?

 

[Whispered]

Are you in favor of the USA having some socialist programs?

I was wrong about Medicare, it is Medicaid that is an example of a Socialist program in America.
Medicare isn't considered Socialist because while the government is the administrator, individuals and employers contribute to the funding.. And it is a for profit entity, which prohibits it being considered Socialist as well.
Programs that call for the redistribution of wealth can be considered Socialist, in the case of welfare and Medicaid , being American tax dollars go to sustain those programs, they qualify as a Socialist program.
Social Security is a government program of social welfare, but it exists under the Capitalism/Capitalist model in America.

To answer your question, I have no issue with those programs I've referred to, above.

 

[Dan_473]

I was wrong about Medicare, it is Medicaid that is an example of a Socialist program in America.
Medicare isn't considered Socialist because while the government is the administrator, individuals and employers contribute to the funding.. And it is a for profit entity, which prohibits it being considered Socialist as well.
Programs that call for the redistribution of wealth can be considered Socialist, in the case of welfare and Medicaid , being American tax dollars go to sustain those programs, they qualify as a Socialist program.
Social Security is a government program of social welfare, but it exists under the Capitalism/Capitalist model in America.

To answer your question, I have no issue with those programs I've referred to, above.

Do you consider public schools (kindergarten through 12th grade) to be a socialist program?

 

[Whispered]

Do you consider public schools (kindergarten through 12th grade) to be a socialist program?

In America our public schools are funded by people's property taxes. so as with welfare and Medicaid, being American tax dollars go to sustain those programs, they qualify as a Socialist program.

Are you going to go through a list of questions in that regard? Or do you have a point ?

 

[Dan_473]

In America our public schools are funded by people's property taxes. so as with welfare and Medicaid, being American tax dollars go to sustain those programs, they qualify as a Socialist program.

Are you going to go through a list of questions in that regard? Or do you have a point ?

My point would be that if you ask Americans if they want socialism, most will probably say no.

If you start listing various socialist programs, people will like certain ones and not like others.

I think the vast majority of Americans want some amount of redistribution of wealth as well as some amount of reward for hard work or risk-taking.

From what I've seen over the decades, the balance point of those two things tends to go back and forth almost like the tides in the ocean. If people perceive that there are too many wealthy people controlling the economy, then they vote for more redistribution. If they think there's not enough incentive to work hard or invest for the future, then they want less redistribution.

 

[Whispered]

My point would be that if you ask Americans if they want socialism, most will probably say no.

If you start listing various socialist programs, people will like certain ones and not like others.

I think the vast majority of Americans want some amount of redistribution of wealth as well as some amount of reward for hard work or risk-taking.

From what I've seen over the decades, the balance point of those two things tends to go back and forth almost like the tides in the ocean. If people perceive that there are too many wealthy people controlling the economy, then they vote for more redistribution. If they think there's not enough incentive to work hard or invest for the future, then they want less redistribution.

Could be. However, I think we'd have to define what demographic that observation- model would be referring to.

The vocal Socialists in American government today are appealing to Generation Z types. Millennials possibly , however at their age , early to mid 30's at least, they're likely realizing the value of the net wage and the impact of current tax rates on their gross income. Therefore, the idea of taking more from those who have more could be a dissuasive factor in their holding support for the Socialist front running for office. That Millennial could have a dream of becoming an executive in their field in the near future. Making more so as to pay those who work less wouldn't be conducive to those dreams.

While Generation Z types are already being told the rich are the enemy and poverty, homelessness, all maner of lack in our American society can be cured if we just tax the rich. As if there need be a monetary punishment for those who work hard to get rich. And goodness knows those who have inherited wealth are instant targets. Even among old money types.

Sadly, Socialists like Bernie Sanders, who grossed over $1 million last year and owns three houses, stand to great applause at the podium when on their latest campaign for president in 2020 after conceding to HRC in 2016. Something BS said he would not do and instead would fight all the way to the Democratic convention for the nomination if necessary.

AOC, is a staunch Socialist because BS is her mentor. She has gone on the record to say she has aspirations for highest office and that the Constitutions amendment that requires a candidate to be 35 years of age before qualifying to run applies only to men.
AOC is not that intelligent and yet because of her age, being the youngest candidate to be elected to her seat, that she is young and has accomplished that, makes her a role model for Gen Z's. Especially when they think, per her own public remarks, they can stay home and still garner a pay check in AOC's ideal America.
When AOC backs Sanders Gen Z's could too. Because they don't know any better.

And who's responsibility is that? When our college and university campuses are turning more and more Totalitarian due to Liberal politics.

The last woman in this piece is brutally honest. Uninformed, but brutally honest.The video following this, less than a 9 minute video,Why Are Conservatives Happier Than Liberals? , is eye opening. IMO
,

 

[Dan_473]

However, I think we'd have to define what demographic that observation- model would be referring to.

The demographic I was thinking of was the population of the USA as a whole.

I agree that as people go through different phases, they tend to be more socialist or less than at other times.

someone just starting out is likely to want socialist programs that will help them pay for college or buy a house.

In the middle of their working years, they want less socialist programs because they are bearing the burden of earning the money that pays for those programs.

Then close to retirement, they definitely want those socialist programs in place that help the elderly.

But I think the USA as a whole tends to swing back and forth somewhat.

If we look at the presidency since Ronald Reagan, there was 12 years of Reagan bush, then two full terms of Clinton a Democrat, back to Republican Bush for two terms, then Obama democrat two terms, and very likely a republican for two terms after that.

If you go back to the time of Roosevelt and the great depression, I think you see the same general swings.

 

[Dino246]

Taking an ideological step back from US politics...

Some programs which could be described as "socialist" are worthwhile, because they support the care of individuals who would be very difficult to care for by family. Prisons fit in this category, as do hospitals for the mentally ill (some of which are essentially, and necessarily, prisons), eldercare and much emergent care. Some people need help that the average person or family simply cannot provide, and that even a highly-functional and generous church body might not be able to provide. Specialization is a necessity, and it requires broad-based funding. As it is, many people fall through the cracks.

Unfortunately, Western governments fund a great many programs that are not necessary, such as endless, unaccountable welfare, refunded student loans, and artistic/cultural programs. Worse, they allow and even promote the expansion of "rights" without a comparable expansion of responsibilities other than increased taxes.

The problem, as it always has been, is sin. The solution, as it always has been, is repentance, the humility of trusting in Jesus Christ, and the infilling of the Holy Spirit, who alone changes consciences and worldviews.

 

[Lightskin]

Socialism: punishes hard work and rewards laziness. Sounds like a winner!

 

[Dan_473]

Some programs which could be described as "socialist" are worthwhile, because they support the care of individuals who would be very difficult to care for by family.

I talked about public education earlier. Would you put public elementary Schools in this category of socialist programs that are worthwhile?

 

[Whispered]

Taking an ideological step back from US politics...

Some programs which could be described as "socialist" are worthwhile, because they support the care of individuals who would be very difficult to care for by family. Prisons fit in this category, as do hospitals for the mentally ill (some of which are essentially, and necessarily, prisons), eldercare and much emergent care. Some people need help that the average person or family simply cannot provide, and that even a highly-functional and generous church body might not be able to provide. Specialization is a necessity, and it requires broad-based funding. As it is, many people fall through the cracks.

Unfortunately, Western governments fund a great many programs that are not necessary, such as endless, unaccountable welfare, refunded student loans, and artistic/cultural programs. Worse, they allow and even promote the expansion of "rights" without a comparable expansion of responsibilities other than increased taxes.

The problem, as it always has been, is sin. The solution, as it always has been, is repentance, the humility of trusting in Jesus Christ, and the infilling of the Holy Spirit, who alone changes consciences and worldviews.

Again, many programs people consider socialist in America are not.
That there are programs that may fall under the banner of socialist, as there is a difference between social programs, and socialist programs, does not make America in any way Socialist.
There is a difference between socialist programs and a Socialist State of America.

 

[Dino246]

Again, many programs people consider socialist in America are not.
That there are programs that may fall under the banner of socialist, as there is a difference between social programs, and socialist programs, does not make America in any way Socialist.
There is a difference between socialist programs and a Socialist State of America.

I certainly hope that the US doesn't drift any closer to socialism! Here in Canada, we're closer than the US, and some of the current practice is just stupid. I'm not sure what you know of illegal immigration into Canada, but our government puts up such people in hotels and pays their expenses... on my dime. Actually, it's far more than a dime.

 

[Whispered]

I certainly hope that the US doesn't drift any closer to socialism! Here in Canada, we're closer than the US, and some of the current practice is just stupid. I'm not sure what you know of illegal immigration into Canada, but our government puts up such people in hotels and pays their expenses... on my dime. Actually, it's far more than a dime.

Oh great, now you've given our American Democrats a new idea.

Amazing isn't it? Illegal! That's the keyword here. Illegal immigration into a country. But in America our Democratic party and the radical Leftists, there is actually a difference between them but it is slim, are claiming those who support enforcement of our laws concerning immigration itself are Xenophobic and racist. And they conflate immigration itself so as to charge we are against immigration, not illegal immigration, so that we who are all for law abiding immigrants entering our nation are instead made to look like the bad people.

While those Democrats and Leftists could care less that they are the bad people when they believe immigration laws do not apply to....illegals.

Our House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi, who was HS during Obama's terms and was so mentally off that members of her own party said she must be removed from the seat for the sake of the party, and later under Trump was re-elected to that same seat, claimed the wall at our southern border would be immoral. (We've had walls to our south for decades). Meanwhile, Ms. Pelosi lives in a gated community, in a mansion, and behind, you guessed it, walls. Oh, and investigative reporters discovered she also retains illegals for her hired help.

For a very long time now those of us who have followed the politic of this country know that when those on Capitol Hill talk about what needs to be done to curb yet more freedom, tax yet more people ,threaten gun ownership yet again, sustain criminal activity at tax payer expense, because we should be OK with MS13 members raping, killing, dismembering , our daughters, while a gateway to our south allows cartel drugs to funnel in above ground and through the tunnels system. A system that is said to run under the entire contiguous U.S., those politicians on the left side of the aisle in our Legislative hall are actually talking about the working class having to adjust to their whims. Not themselves nor their rich top 1% of those they rub elbows with at parties.
But us. We're to suffer criminal activity by illegals. We're to pay more taxes so as to insure illegals get all the benefits they don't actually deserve. While our elderly have to scrape by as their social security grows less and less secure.

But have you noticed? It is the same throughout recorded history since governance was invented. The few always rule over the many. And those few always live better at the expense and through the hard work of the many.

People in America want change but what many fail to realize is we are the change. Because we the people outnumber those who are letting us down. Be it on the federal level or in our state politics.

The same goes with Canada.
Do the math. Obviously, your politicians are not.
These times are what revolutions are made of.

 

[Dan_473]

October 30, 2019
A new poll released Monday(*10/28) by the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation shows that while support for “socialism” is dropping in the U.S., the Millennial generation (23-38) remains the most supportive of the idea.
The poll, conducted by YouGov for the foundation, included 2100 respondents over the age of 16. No margin of error was provided as of the time of publication.

The survey reports that overall, 58% of Americans held favorable opinions of capitalism in 2019, down 3% from 2018’s figure of 61%. However, only 49% of members of Generation Z (16-22) and 50% of the Millennial generation see capitalism favorably.

Full article

Perhaps the demographic in this poll actually committed to the research necessary to inform against the Socialist model our American elected Democrats are pushing for our future. Sanders, Warren, AOC, and others.
Whatever the cause, it is good news that at least this survey group aren't going to fall for the Left's Socialist rhetoric.

Some observations, which I will attempt to present in an unbiased fashion (just the facts, ma'am).

(I was waiting until the full results of this survey were released, and they should be available by now. But I can't find them on the web. If anyone can find them, please post a link!)


The link that the OP refers to points to this
https://www.endtime.com/prophecy-ne...pping-in-u-s-but-millennials-still-supportive


that Endtime page points to this
https://www.breitbart.com/2020-election/2019/10/28/poll-millennials-socialism/

The Breitbart article, published October 28, says
"The survey’s full results will be released later on Monday; only some of the data were public as of this writing."

I searched yougov.com, which did the actual survey, but couldn't find anything.


This website ordered the study
https://www.victimsofcommunism.org/vision

When searching for the socialism article there, this came up
https://www.victimsofcommunism.org/...ism-is-making-a-comeback-heres-how-to-stop-it

This article indicates that communism is making a comeback.

My opinion here, possibly these polls reflect common associations with the terms communism and socialism as opposed to the actual ideologies.

 

[Whispered]

I went straight to the source named in the OP article, Victims of Communism site
https://www.victimsofcommunism.org/2019-annual-poll

 

[Dan_473]

I went straight to the source named in the OP article, Victims of Communism site
https://www.victimsofcommunism.org/2019-annual-poll

I'm not sure what you mean by
"I went straight to the source named in the OP article"

I believe there are two links in the OP.

The one for "Full article" points to
https://www.endtime.com/prophecy-ne...-54033637&mc_cid=287fa82d4e&mc_eid=a28abceeea

which says at the bottom "More:" and contains a link to the Breitbart page.



The link in the OP for "foundation" points to
https://www.victimsofcommunism.org/vision

I believe that's the "Our Vision" page of the website that commissioned yougov.com to do the study.

As you say above, the actual page for the study is
https://www.victimsofcommunism.org/2019-annual-poll

A pdf of the survey can be found here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-Finnggps7JDvgoylYYWc_onPtP8UiR8/view

Unfortunately, I didn't see on that pdf what the actual wording of the questions was. I think that's important because how the questions are worded can have a big effect on the results.

 

[Whispered]

I don't know what the issue is. The source I linked, https://www.victimsofcommunism.org/2019-annual-poll
On the right of that page is the cover of the report. It's huge, and if you go to the right on that report page there's a scroll bar that lets you scroll down so as to access the entire report.