And this is what really cracks me up, as to why Americans fight so hard not to be a social economy. Australia is a social economy, so our's look something like the advertised, though it isn't exactly that rosy. There is a dip at the poorer end and an increase at the richer... but nothing like the US one. It is more like what people expect it to look like.
Australia is more like what Americans idealistic view of America is. I think the above chart for socialism is a little to example centric... and the below ideal view is more realistic of a socialist country.
All countries have rich people... but that wealth has to be distributed, otherwise you endup like the American curve, with 1% having 40% of the countries wealth, which simply makes a country volatile and unstable to a handful of people.
Our rich get taxed heavily, our poor don't: [DLMURL]http://www.ato.gov.au/content/12333.htm[/DLMURL]
Whilst Australia, socialist economy, is one of the most expensive countries in the world to live... even if you're homeless, you're still entitled to emergency health care that is equal to what the richest person will get here. Lesser, nice to have things... obviously not, but emergency care when your life is threatened, everyone is equally treated. Dental is an issue for the poor here, no doubt about it. Seems to be an issue amongst the world actually... dental is neglected.
Even if homeless, you are still entitled to welfare to assist you to eat, drink, smoke, whatever you want to do with the money... which the wealthier are paying for, and should pay for, to keep all people atleast equal in the sense that we're all humans and deserve to live with the absolute basics. You can choose to be homeless and have nothing, absolutely... but welfare is also there for you if you want it. Free and reduced cost housing as well. Yes, there are limits... but it does exist.
There are obvious flaws in all systems though.
Most commonwealth countries are like this... being a socialist economy. The rich are rich, but they don't hold such wealth to destabilise the country. The rich get taxed explicably, to keep things in check and the economy balanced as best as possible.
I've been around the world to many countries, and I just don't understand why Americans believe they're lucky and free. From what I've experienced myself, it's anything but lucky or free. People are chained to being poor, struggling, dying due to lack of health care and the list goes on. Not even the basics to life are provided for those less fortunate.
I just don't get why more aren't listening to the facts... and putting a stop to the top 1%. Citizens create change, but in the US all I see is politicians creating change based on what that wealthy few want. The wealthy few are useless when the majority demand different.
