Has the definition of socialism changed in recent years? [View all]

[Poiuyt]

I understood the basic definition of socialism to mean that the means of production and distribution of products is owned by the government. The Republicans have long used it as a pejorative for any liberal as it has connotations with the old Soviet Union (at least to an old timer like me). This has really taken hold since Bernie Sanders described himself as a Democratic Socialist.

Lately, I've been hearing Democrats also referring to the left wing of our party as socialist. I like to think of the progressives as those who want to see government as being the vehicle to provide for a better society—the strong help the weak, the healthy help the sick, the rich help the poor. A society is best when all are strong. But I don't consider myself to be a socialist. I don't think any Democrat wants to see the government take over all businesses, though I think some industries are more effective when they are run by a central government.

Of course, we shouldn't be concerned about labels, but as long as words are able to elicit an emotional response, then we should pay attention to how they are used.

So, has the definition of a socialist changed recently to be anyone who wants government to help the little guy?