Who does socialism truly serve?

Socialism is only when the government provides goods or services at taxpayer expense. EVERY modern, developed, successful country uses some combination of socialism and capitalism. In the US, we are probably the most capitalistic country on earth, but we have SOCIALIZED education, police and fire protection, roads and bridges and dams, electrical and water projects, and dozens of other things. Because over the years we've just found that's the best way to do these things, to make them available to everyone regardless of their financial status.

The modern, enlightened approach to health care is that a certain level of health care is a right of citizenship. Every other developed country sees it that way. Every other developed country has socialized either health insurance or health care itself. And they all pay a lot less than we do, for measurably the same care. Medicare is 'socialized medicine', and not only does it provide the same or better care than commercial insurance, it has higher customer satisfaction!

Anyway, those of us who favor Obamacare see it only as a first step, a good start.

Do you mean actual socialism or the welfare state?

In the USSR the managers could punish workers for being late, and it was illegal not to have a job.

Socialism serves the government and its deadbeat citizens. They're the only winners.

Anyone willing to bust their tail can thrive in a capitalistic society. Socialism puts the shackles on its citizens, especially the high achievers. A Canadian friend of mine put it best: the U.S. allows you to fly as high as you want to go, without a secure safety net to catch your fall. Canada restricts how high you can go, but has a solid safety net if you fall. I'll take my chances with the former. I know my decisions have consequences, and I'm fine with that. I'm motivated and responsible. Just keep the government the hell out of my life.

14 trillion. no try $15,789,104,033,603.79 and the debt PER CITIZEN to pay this off would be $51,139.54

Huh, I don't tremeber reading any of that in the constitution. Can you quote the parts that say that or is it impossible to quote your 'feelings'?

The socialist elite.

It serves only the ruling elite and their cronies.