It seems all the recent references to socialist societies refer only to failed dictator-based countries, almost to the point of deliberately obfuscating the fact that successful democratic socialist societies actually do exist.
What is left out is that successful democratic socialist countries have, and are, doing quite well. Countries such as Finland, Sweden and Norway, as well as many others, have well-run medical, schooling, infrastructure facilities. Such countries also enjoy secure family-leave programs and retirement systems. These social benefits are funded by fair taxation throughout all income levels. This includes taxing higher incomes at higher levels that reflect the higher advantage enjoyed by those earners due to the added benefit of a better-educated and healthier work force and convenient, well-maintained infrastructure.
Granted, the overall taxation rate is higher, but the benefits derived make for a happier, less stressful day-to-day experience and overall sense of well-being knowing that financial calamity is not at risk because of some illness or job change. These countries also have some of the highest rates of citizen happiness in general. Remember that when countries such as Venezuela are given as examples, they are strictly socialist like the Soviet Union was, and not democratic socialist like the successful ones.
