Obama is *trickle-UP* economics. Trickle-up MY ass. It's more like Obama places his foot on your head and keeps you down with his measly hand-out, while removing jobs and investment from the economy by over-taxing businesses and raising capital gains taxes.

Your definitions of Capitalism and Socialism sound extremely uninformed.

You should try talking to an immigrant from Poland or some other Eastern European country who lived under Soviet rule during the 60s and 70s. I have had such discussions, and it would open your eyes to what Socialism really is, and why Capitalism -- i.e., freedom -- has made the United States the greatest country on the planet in all of history.

Do you not remember the years of 1977 - 1979, or were you too young at the time? Do you not remember the last time we had a president who over-taxed "rich people" to the extreme? Do you not remember what happened when Reagan cut all those taxes?

BTW, Socialism came into the discussion when Obama told Joe the Plumber that he wanted to "spread the wealth around". When later asked about his remarks, Obama stood by them.

Why do you think McCain keeps talking about Joe the Plumber?

I'll tell you: Because it was a seminal moment during the campaign, when Obama's true intentions became crystal clear in a way that regular citizens (non-economists) could understand.

You're exagerating a little on the surplus - which some say is a myth. http://www.letxa.com/articles/16

I agree with Todd, your capitalism/socialism definitions are at best over simplified and in actuality inaccruate. Socialism was brought up after Obama stated his "share the wealth" comment.

So, what exactly is wrong with "share the wealth"? The EIC has been around for a while, right? Well, there is nothing wrong with some assistance from the government - we have to help those who really need help. So what is the difference? Well, Obama wants to take money from small business that make $250k or more in profit (or is that $200k or $150k or $120k whichever). This means that the profit this business owner makes cannot be reinvested into the business with new equipment, new product development, etc. That means the business will dies a slow death. No investment capital, no business, no jobs. Obama is going to tax millions of jobs away.

This isn't about the uber rich. It does not affect them. They have their wealth. Socialism to them means no competition for the top rich-guy spot. Warren Buffet remains the world's richest man forever - or however long he lives.

By preventing the accumulation of weath, socialism takes away incentive. With no incentive there is no new business, just existance. As Todd says, just ask someone who has grown up in Eastern Europe.

Trickle-up will not work because there is nothing to "trickle-up".

Something we need to all think long and hard about: Obama wants to change America, McCain wants to change Washington. What kind of CHANGE will you vote for?

Todd, I love how you compare Poland and other countries to what Obama wants. Talk about exteme. And as far as making this country the greatest because of capitalism, well....we're definitely paying the piper for it now.

It's time to help the people for a change instead of greedy overpaid fat cats. People will never understand that point.

Piaceri...If I was making 250 thousand, and I knew I could help others less fortunate as with healthcare, my cost would be about 7500 a year. People in that range of income pay that much to the IRS every month. Give me a break.

There's nothing inherently wrong with capitalism. But you can't play any game without rules. When you lose you're out of the game....no do overs. Capitalists cannot turn to socialism when it befits them. Any bank or company who is partaking in our "bailout" is now a socialist entity. Anyone who voted for this bailout is a socialist. Bush, Paulson, Bernanke, Obama, McCain, Pelosi, Dodd, etc. are all socialists.

What's in a label?

I agree Rick G. Even "Joe The Plumber" who is a "socialist by deeds" (accepting a handout) then turning his ideals back to capitalism, getting an agent to start him a "brand."

It's only fair/right/just to people when they're on the receiving end.

BTW - I have never heard 1 Bush elected voter/McCain hopeful explain what happened to the surplus, whatever the size, and why it's okay that we continue to spend $10 Billion dollars on the Iraq war. Let me guess, the democrats spent it all, okay.

"Piaceri...If I was making 250 thousand, and I knew I could help others less fortunate as with healthcare, my cost would be about 7500 a year. People in that range of income pay that much to the IRS every month. Give me a break."

Voluntary giving is much better than mandatory giving. I can better decide where to spend my charity than the Feds can. After all, it is MY money, not theirs, right? - apparently not under Obama's plan - what is your money is the Fed's money to do with as they please.