Spread the wealth

[AMoore]

I admit I am a bit confused.  How is Obama's plan any more socialist than other plans that have been implemented in the past, yet in the past, the USA wasn't considered to be a socialist nation? Weren't the wealthy (that were not able to avoid taxes) taxed at 50% previously?   Is it possible that republicans are exagerating with their use of the word "socialism"? 

Are public schools, free libraies, recreations centers, police and fire departments, military, etc. socialist agendas?  They all require sharing the wealth.   If not, where does socialism begin - daycare, healthcare, cheaper prescription medicine?  Welfare rolls are way down, and there is no plan to fund additional welfare.  Isn't Welfare a state controlled program? 

On a scale of 1 - 10, communist = 1 and anarchy =10 (both impossible to achieve), democrat =5 republican =6, socialist=7, libertarian=4.  There really is not that much of a difference between democrats and republicans, which is why this country has been able to transition so often, so easily.   I'd be willing to bet that if Obama wins, our economic system will not be similar to the former USSR, China, Sweeden, or even France.  Those who work hard and work smart, will have substantially higher incomes, and live more prosperously, than those who do not.