Dbass

This is my first post in the politics region, so I'm sorry if this forum is just on American politics.

I've been looking into this increasingly since I've met a Finnish exchange student: Finland, a Scandinavian nation, is run by a democratic socialist government. What it means is that there is a president, but he or she (currently she) is a figurehead, and the prime minister makes most of the decisions. There is a parliament, which functions much the same way as in Britain. However, the main difference is the socialism part - basically, while someone pays about 50% income tax and pays much heavier taxes than are typical in the US, they receive free healthcare, free education, guaranteed housing, free house cleaning, and free transportation in cities (where most of the 5 million person population lives). The country (and this is less to do with governing than with my own excitement about the place) is huge, and if you choose to live outside the main 3 city area, you are likely to be the only person for about 100 square miles (a mixed blessing). Also, the economy is excellent and the air is pollution free because there are almost no cars, everyone bikes or walks and most people are in excellent health. Also, Nokia comes from Finland.

Anyway, my vote is for democratic socialism!

Dwayne

I voted for other. I want a totalitarian state that I run. I will force people to be good to each other and force people to not fight.

Coppertop

Yeah, me too. Except I'd kill the one who don't listen to me. See Coppertopia for more details.

Justsomeguy

Monarchy. Greek philosophers/scientists thought it was a good idea. They seem like pretty cool guys.

Mephisto2

Democratic socialism.

Though these labels are often unsafe. My "democratic socialism" could easily be "rampant capitalism" to another.


Mr Mephisto

Dbass

Good point...but as long as the people are well educated (for free, perhaps?) there's a good chance they won't go south.

Thanks to tecoyah for the poll thingy

djtestudo

Similar to Dwayne, but I'd just want the monarchy

Seriously though, I like the idea of the republic. You get most of what you get in a pure democracy, but don't need to have the same amount of civic responsibility from the entire citizenry for it to work.

I don't know if it is because of where I grew up, or if it's an actual unbiased opinion, but it's my pick.

At least whenever I play Civilization

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