Socialism and Resource Distribution

It's my own design
It's my own remorse
Help me to decide
--Tears for Fears

Amusing sign that demonstrates a common perception of socialism--that of equal distribution of economic resources. However, that perception is imprecise.

Socialism is a form of economic organizing in which property and associated decisions rights are in the hands of the State. Many associate equitable distribution of economic resources with socialism, but that is not necessarily the case. Instead, various political processes can be employed for (quite literally) dictating how resources are distributed under socialism.

Fascism, for example, concentrates resource control and distribution in various verticals that are controlled by the state. It is unlikely that resources will be equitably distributed under this political process.

Communism, on the other hand, does espouse equitable distribution of economic resources, often in the name of 'the common good.' Theory and evidence, of course, casts doubt on whether this goal can be achieved.

I've heard it said several times over the past few weeks that this year's presidential election is shaping up as a choice between communists and fascists. There seems truth in that.