When Karl Max made that theory, he perhaps never envisaged that it would be as bastardized as it was in the recent history of the world.
One common feature of socialist systems is the loss of freedom of the individual. There, everyone is expected to follow a pattern, whether or not you agree with it. And with such a strict system comes the loss of "individuality", of innovations of diversity.
Perhaps the best example of that, and which of course has over the years tended to communism is China. They've found a way to adapt both socialism and capitalism with the government maintaining huge influence in every day Life in the country.
When the model has worked well for China, evident by its massive growth and growing economic power, a number of other countries have suffered at it. Take Cuba, Venezuela etc.
So, the point must be made, whether socialism or capitalism, perhaps it is how the system of government is operated that really matters. In today's world, capitalism wins. But even in capitalist States, some form of government control, minimal sometimes, exists!
So are you @bigtom13 a socialist? You are free to choose what you want to be- in a capitalist society that is. Lol.
Thanks for the piece by the way.
China and Vietnam present a problem for the 'experts'. Whether they should be classified as Socialist with Capitalist parts, or as State Capitalism. I brushed by it for the most part in this post, I would bet that the piece on Capitalism will mention them too. The implication for those two is clear. Capitalism works (generally speaking) even if some of the business is state owned. An interesting situation to be sure.
Thanks for a really considered comment.