[Jim Sims]

The first thing that popped into my mind is how do you define "socialism versus the free-market or capitalistic system"; all extant systems are a blend of the two. Exactly when does a government function become socialistic? Are the armed forces socialistic? Are public health systems socialistic - do you think disease will respect the boundaries of a gated community? One will always be paying taxes for things or activities one doesn't think they personally need or that they do not personally support. One has little use for the fire department until one's house (or the neighbor's house) is on fire. Also, if part of society, one will always have to live with some restrictions on one's behavior/actions and even expression.

My second thought was the elimination in the developed world of the killer epidemic diseases caused by poor sanitation and fouled water systems.

My third thought was the US Interstate Highway System.

My fourth thought was about the unhappiness of the "angry fringe".

Cheers, I'm off to drop my old 911 engine and begin replacing fuel lines in the tunnel.