I do not want the state to own the means of production. I do not want farming to be done in big collectives. I do not desire a command economy.

You are conflating the following concepts. They are not synonyms. You are, shall we say, having sexual relations with the English language when you treat them as though they all mean the same thing:

1) Leftist
2) Liberal
3) Socialist
4) Marxist
5) Communist

I am a liberal in the modern, American sense of the word (not the classical meaning). The closest to socialism I get is the belief that universal health care is a moral imperative, and a belief in a somewhat progressive tax code (which we already have, though I wouldn’t mind seeing it tweaked a little. And yes, I mean a LITTLE before anybody puts words into my mouth).

I’ve paid my fair share of income taxes and I’ll certainly pay a heck of a lot more after I take the bar exam. I have zero problem paying a somewhat higher income tax rate, assuming my government doesn’t waste it (which, I’ll grant, isn’t a small assumption).

The word “Communist” has a particular meaning. You do a disservice to every American who put on a uniform to serve this country in opposing it when you use that word so flippantly. My father didn’t go to Vietnam, putting his life on the line, just so somebody could call him a “Communist” exactly forty years later.

You’ve got a lot to learn about people.

To answer your question? I believe in capitalism. Private actors are generally better able to use capital, and are generally better able to create wealth than state actors. I believe that individuals tend to do a better job of providing for themselves than any collective can, at least as far as their own personal wealth is concerned.

Where I would modify that system, somewhat, would be certain safeguards for the general welfare and health of all citizens. That includes a basic (and I do NOT mean comprehensive) health care for all, unemployment insurance, a minimum wage (right around where it is now, actually), and more shareholder rights.

I support capitalism, but I support it with certain guarantees that the least of us have a fair shot at success. That means a public school system that’s second to literally none. That means the knowledge that their parents won’t have to face a horrible choice – paying for their own health care or the education of their children. I’ve seen it happen.

Sir, I’m no “Communist.” I’m an American with whom you disagree.