i am so happy to read your reply to my post, thanks for reading.

I think that you are on the right track - any system with a heart will be a good one, and socialism with an evil dictator is as bad as capitalism and greedy private interests that corrupt our governments. An honest leader is the answer, but that seem impossible anymore, we just do not see them. Maybe Chavez eh? I have seen no credible critisizm of him - YET!! I hope he is genuine, I really do.

I heartily agree that 'incentive to do more' comes from being able to get more, but it can also be from 'being glad for what you have', and that you will not have to make do with less this year than you had last year. We ARE making do with less than last year in most of the western world, other than the elite wealthy who have seen a huge increase while the middle and poor classes have gotten less.

But , ya, we allready agree that capitalism isn't great.

Venezuelans are inspired. Chavez has inspired them, and not with promises of having more material goods, but that the daily struggle will be tolerable now. We are spoiled in Canada and the USA - most of the world would be glad to have stability, and thats what socialism brings.

We cannot grow - as capitalism demands - anymore, except 'upwards and inwards'. A socialist leader with a heart will help us do that, and we have to choose a path with a heart for the human race - I believe I have that vision, a path with a heart. I want equality of rights, access to essential things for all, and a sustainable lifestyle - simple stuff that is actually going to happen almost naturally as soon as we get out of the way with our greed and un-balanced economy.