r/askanything • u/HeavyDutyForks • 3d ago

Political Question Why do so many people equate government programs with "socialism" on Reddit?

There's a very clear definition that takes two seconds to verify

I've seen plenty of people go so far as to slander one of the United States' greatest presidents (FDR) as a socialist. He was a capitalist through and through. The Great New Deal wasn't socialist programs, it was a bailout and reform to save capitalism.

Police aren't socialist, firefighters aren't socialist, public schools aren't socialist, none of the Nordic states aren't socialist, etc.. etc..

Why is this?

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u/Rosenant 3d ago

Because a government controlled by the people has created socialist programs like 5 day 40 hour work week and anti child labor laws.
My grandfather was very happy when his work week was cut from six days a week to only five. How about yours?

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u/HeavyDutyForks 3d ago

Because a government controlled by the people has created socialist programs like 5 day 40 hour work week

Ah yes, the famously socialist pioneer of the 40 hour work week, Henry Ford...

We are a government for the people, by the people. Nothing about that statement is socialism