The Encyclopedia Britannica defines socialism as "the goal of a socio-economic system in which property and the distribution of wealth are subject to control by the community." Socialism has been a cornerstone of many countries over the years, including North Korea, Cuba, and the former Soviet Union. It is also featured in its more "moderate" form in other countries like Sweden. The main points of socialism, as I understand them, are that of re-distribution of wealth and a "mothering" of citizens (for lack of a better term) where services are provided not by free markets but by the government.

In a socialist environment, wealth is believed to be a zero sum game. If I have wealth, that can only be because I have deprived someone else of it. Taxation is a great socialist method to achieve re-distribution of wealth in this case, because it takes money away from "wealthy" citizens and gives it to the government to accomplish whatever "mothering" activities it sees fit.

Barack Obama advocates tax policies that increase taxes on "wealthy" Americans (although his definition of wealthy is less broad than the targets of the tax increases). Barack Obama advocates a government sponsored health care system (clearly "mothering" there).

In fact, Obama's official campaign posters bear an uncanny resemblance to the old Che Guevara posters. (Che was a noted Latin American Marxist revolutionary back in the 50's who was instrumental in helping to bring Fidel Castro to power in Cuba.) It's no wonder, then, that Obama wants to talk with leaders from Venezuela, Cuba, and North Korea -- idealogically, they would seem to have much in common. 

Is this the America you want to live in?