Hi Piece2Yourpuzzle,that is because conservatives have no idea what socialism is and have been brainwashed by those who fear socialism will force them to pay ""their""share of tax,that is if they are paying tax at all such as Trump who won't disclose his tax.

But Norway gets cold in the winter.

@JWDiaz And, you are dead wrong. Right now, European social democratic countires are more democratic and more economically stable than American under the idiot Trump and today's morally bankrupt Republicans.

@JWDiaz -- Just a little simplistic and misleading there, my friend. Venezuela has never enjoyed a secure government in its entire history. There has been cultural and political upheaval in the country since its inception and continues today. Chavez was never a democratic socialist. He was an out and out socialist from the start and rapidly moved toward a Russian style communism. Since his death, things have gotten much worse. The following article is an interesting timeline for the country.

[bbc.com]

There is a large misunderstanding regarding what constitutes democratic socialism and what outright socialism is. You may not believe this but the United States has been a democratic socialist state since the late 30s. Perhaps even earlier to a lesser extent. Any time a state moves into public works through the use of taxation it is operating in a socialist environment. It really boils down to extent of programs and level of authoritarian control and forced distribution of wealth that determines the difference between a democratically operated social state and a full blown social/communist state. I maintain that no state can provide properly for its people without some degree of socialism.

@JWDiaz -- But not stable. They've been lucky to make it through ten years without a change in government. Their longest lasting government was a dictatorship under Juan Vicente Gomez that lasted just under 30 years.

The government you mentioned lasted a very short time. They at one time were making a killing in oil, but that was badly handled and turned into a disaster. Then came Perez who had to deal with a rapidly collapsing economy, and was subsequently ousted by Chavez. So, they had a shot, blew it, elected Perez who mishandled the financial crisis and got bumped by a wannabe dictator with communist ideals. So much for the most progressive government in the Western Hemisphere.

It should also be pointed out that the country was in an economic shambles before Chavez took the helm. No excuses for Chavez because he was a total ass and not competent to lead a grade school picnic, but he inherited a basket case. I'm surprised he lasted as long as he did.

To be fair, socialist countries are also mostly capitalists in the way they work.

@JWDiaz I live in a Damocratic socialist country New Zealand,where there are State Houses owned with low rents for low income families,there is free inpatient hospital care,I have spent over 137 days as a patient in hospital at the tax payers expense,in the main centres bus and train is free for over 65 years old,there are family welfare packages and unemployment benefits and pensions 40 hour working week with morning and afternoon tea spells,give me socialism any day .