Tell me again why I should hate socialism?

I often write about conversations I've had with people of note. When I started, I focused on the getting the perspective of well known or famous people I was lucky to meet, hoping it would give me perspective on life. But I have found most of the really interesting and sometimes profound conversations are with people who share my status or come from similar backgrounds.

A profound conversation.

I was one of two people in the auto parts store and having a friendly conversation with the counter guy, when it turned to politics.  He had ask about what I did for a living, I replied about being an economic developer and also having run a non-profit until I retired. I added, that my economic development job was to travel the state showing communities how to recruit business develop their economy and create jobs for their citizens.  He said, so you are a promoter of our economic system? Well yeah, folks gotta have jobs and communities need to know how to generate them.

He then, turned his head and looked behind seeing no one said, “So, tell me again why I am suppose to hate socialism?” My boss told me to hate it and all my elected leaders tell me the same.  Before I could speak, he continued, I know, I am supposed to love capitalism because of all the opportunities it affords me. I am also supposed to hate socialism, because it impedes me from getting rich.  

But here's the thing, I am in my 40s a high school graduate and a year of college, I work 2 jobs, don't have health insurance, haven't had a vacation in years, afraid if my car breaks down, I will lose my other job which is 30 miles away, same thing happens if I get sick.  I started  by responding, “about being working class and all the bad jobs I had over the years, before starting my own business, he nodded and continued.”

“My wife only works part time because we have two  kids and we have to work around their time in school. Neither place I work has a pension plan, so retirement is only a distant dream. I responded, “Thank heavens for Social Security.”  “Well yeah, but I am not looking forward to surviving on benefits from mine and a part time worker's.  It appears my only hope, is for my children to do well so they can support me in my old age.”  I started, we always hope our children will... do better...

He continued, I hear some socialist countries have guaranteed jobs, healthcare, pensions and vacations are required. Then, I hear from the rich and powerful, we are the one indispensable, exceptional country. 

So tell me again,  “why I should hate socialism?” he then turned, moved down the counter toward  the other customer.

I wanted to tell him we are all just “free enterprisers” selling our labor or time for a return in dollars.

I smiled and waved on my way out of the store. But his question still lingers.