my thoughts on socialism.

Socialism is really neat. They basically teach the people to do what we teach our children, that is, the basics of being a good human being and common sense.

1. Be nice. Be kind to others and they will be kind to you. Don't be a douche, an asshole or jerk. Just be nice and a decent human being.

2. Play fair. Don't lie, cheat or steal. Be honest. Don't take what's not yours, don't assert what's not true, don't try to trick people to benefit yourself, and treat others with respect as human beings.

3. Share. What's yours can be theirs too. Be generous with what belongs to you. There's no "I" in team. We are all in this together. It's ours, not yours or mine. (I actually read on an Orientation to Sweden guide that there is no real private property here. In other words, it's OK if others want to enjoy your property. It's the right thing to share everything.)

Last night, as we were leaving the Lochness Bar, I saw a drunk, disoriented man standing outside the bar. He couldn't stand up straight and obviously had too much to drink. The security guard came outside, gave him his change, then patted him on his back, as if saying, "take care of yourself."  Then he hopped into a taxi. I was really touched by the act of humanity. I have never seen this outside of any other bar anywhere I've ever been. It's moments like these that renew my faith in humanity. This is what made me realize that socialism makes people more humane, in a way, because it's about us, not you, or me.