It is hard to describe, but

   it doesn't have ti be a confusing mess.  Peoples' faith holds them sway.  Routine works for a lot of people.  There's medicine.  And, persinal fave--creativity!

  Even colonials had a hard time with colonialism.  I mean that is why we birthed a new nation.

  We've never been socialist or communist and have had collective run ins, glances, heard all about its about people who have to live that way, and that has only strengthened resolve to stay American.

  There were old raging debates about rational v "feelings" that endeavored to seal gray areas shut, and yet, some people do wrestle with compassion.  Compassion in all matters is extremely challenging.  And it seems like we've only incrementally added compassion to otherwise brutal situation.  While there's accusation that human nature is brutal, even in cultures that never knew about Jesus, there is evidence and witness to something other than brutal.

  A lot of youthfulness in life is about just that.  That's not being a socialist and has not necessarily anything to do with "socialism".

  Nor is "social media" or "socializing" necessarily form of socialism.

  Just like the words liberty and freedom there is texture and contour and other characteristics to the word "socialism".  It is not a blanket or a net for the McCarthy types to use in a round up of everyone but themselves.  To discuss the concept is not contagion.  Even to compare one political way to it will not turn someone into it.

Gotta go to work.  Have a good day.

  I will tell you that as kids we were so afraid of it and so afraid of being it, we worked up the nerve to ask permission to eat "salsa".  Our mom said finally, "Okay, we can try it.  But that's pushing it." We all studied Dad's face after he got through not trying something new.  He liked it!  Even licked the little dish when we emptied the jar while describing the experience.

  As an adult I've always found the antidote to the grip of a delusional socialism as an American to be realism.  That's what motivates me to talk with all kinds of people and read and write.

  Sometimes in the midst of political transition for us we have not a tabula rosa but a deveiling of the emperor's clothes.  For example, businesses can't take the place of a doling out government; so there's a big adjustment while people see where we are realistically.  I know I can't afford to eat out much.  That's just realistic.  And survival of self doesn't work very well when what money I do manage to generate as income goes for somebody else to eat.  Just doesn't work realistically.

  The theory is the same for nation as it is for individual.  We have to be realistic about getting involved militarily for instance.  It's heavy stuff, but to be imaginary about life doesn't really survive people either.  So, here we are.