The problem starts with the belief in simplifications that in no way reflect reality. “True capitalism” doesn’t exist, can never exist, and is as undesirable as the plague. The connection with “free markets” is a feat of propaganda. This idea that socialism has no “free markets” is proof of the propaganda’s success. Economies depend on markets. The capitalist idea of organisation is an anathema to free markets. While socialism is the closest one can get to a functioning “free market” system.

Getting back to farming subsidies, and subsidies in general. The issue is the distortions introduced through lobbyists and corporate machinations. The provision of subsidies is not governed by the question “what is best for the population?” Rather, it is about staying in power, serving clients, not people.

Curious, where was that actual socialism? As far as I’m aware of, any country that had (attempted) socialist policies got bombed, their leaders were assassinated, and/or got their economies crippled via crippling sanctions.

Yeah, sure, some people who know fuck all about anything, and who’s only ability seems to be making ludicrous statements online, might have made that idiotic connection. But, saying a “ton of people” is stretching it a bit.

No, it’s shit. Period.

Replace “socialism” with “handout(s),” and it works. “It’s never called a handout when giving billions to banks. But it’s handouts when ever poor people receive money.” Or “Bailout == Good; Handout == Evil”.

But calling it “socialism” makes zero sense. Making matters worse, it continues the myth that socialism is about government handouts, instead of workplace democratisation, and worker control over the means of production.