ShepherdsDog ShepherdsDog:
The way I see it, you are confusing classical liberalism with socialism. The tenets of classical liberalism and limited libertarianism(anarchists see themselves as the ultimate libertarians) are at the heart of the beliefs of small 'c' conservatism. The modern Liberal and Conservative gov'ts seem to be all about big government with lots of interference in the markets and individuals lives.
No disagreement at all. I agree 100%.
$1:
Social entites(police, schools, military etc.) aren't elements of socialism, as some have tried to point out, because they can be be found in all societies from the beginning of time. They are necessary for any society to establish itself and flourish. However the Socialism sepoused by Chavez isn't purely fiscal in nature. They are trying to reoder society(or make people believe they are) from the ground up. It won't and can't work because humans aren't that altruistic as a a group and it's too expensive.
"From the beginning of time"? Nice try.

Education has not always been socialized--indeed in Canada it probably becomes less socialized every year, especially higher education. The Roman military towards the end was highly privatized. The military, the police,and primary education in Canada (as well as regualtion of law, running the prisons, a good chunk of helath care) are all centrally planeed and funded from the taxpayer through the government. To me, centrally planned and publicly funded is the definition of socialism.
$1:
The socialist system espoused by almost all failed socialist movements/governments is one of the most prone to corruption, because rather than the people having a say, committees of the elite(The Party) are formed, and they tell the ruled majority that they are going to be making everyone's descisions for them. The poor masses are just too confused and uneducated and need 'time' to see the 'right way' of doing things, which can turn into a decades long nightmare.
Well, there are several examples of pretty socialist modern countries--Canada for one. Sweden and Germany. It's an optimization problem. In every enterprise--health, military, education--you find the right mix public versus private involvement given the context. In my opinion anyways.