some have failed - some have succeeded. The UK is governed by a socialist based party, as are other countires around the world. It is intersting to note that some countries that have enforced a system upon it's inhabitants have rebelled against it.
2. Were any of these nations imperialistic in nature, meaning did they expand beyond their national borders and conquer territory not in their possession prior to the Bolshevic revolution of the early part of the 20th century?
Have a look at the British Commonwealth and just how many countries are part of it - could add the USA to it on past criteria.
3. Were there "exceptions" to the socialist philosophies of these countries, meaning did any of the ruling class own nice automobiles or houses that were well beyond "....his needs"?
Probably so - the idea of socialism is to work together and help those around you to better everyon'e lives. It does not mean people should not have 'nice things'.
4. If inequitable distribution of wealth is the cause of crime and social injustice, how do you explain people who are wealthy that committ crimes?
Greed, love, jealousy. I'm prettys sure there are murderes in prisons from all walks of life.
5. Is brute labor the only force that is essential to the prosperity and equality of a society?
No, of course not. People voluntarily working together to acheive a goal can accomplish a lot.
6. If wealth were to be "redistributed" from the "20%" of the world's population that control it, and then given to the other 80%, will despotic rulers and tyrants be disposed to give this wealth to their people, or keep it for themselves?
Are the 80% all despotic leaders and tyrants? - what of 20% leaders? Do you give the leaders the money and say 'here it is' and leave them to it, or do you agree schemes and projects that help the most needy and take an active role in how it' is allocated.
7. If they did give the money to their citizens, would the social and physical infrastructure of these other nations immediately improve? If so, how?
Immediately? Possibly not - such an underastking takes time. If a hosptial can buy several £million of new equipment for it's patients it will still need to train technicians and and staff on how to use them etc
8. What incentive does a person who has guaranteed health care, housing, food, water, and clothing have to strive for a better life?
He strives for an even better life - helping those around him to ensure it.
9. For socialism to be truly implemented, the government must assume vast powers. Once assumed, what guarantee is there that the government will not abuse these powers?
Vote them in, vote them out - they don't need to be all powerful - tghe electorate (the people) still have ultimate power.
10. Do people try to accumulate more or less power?
As a whole? I don't know. It seems politicians cancertainly lose sight of issues for personal gain.
11. What if 1 or 2 people in said country decided they didn't feel socialism was right for them. Would the government be justified in using any and all means to implement the system for the greater good?
They are free to live wherever they feel as long as they abide by the people's wishes. They do not have to stay where they do not agree with how things are being run.
12. Is force justifiable in the redistribution of wealth?
Ask the IRS, or the taman, or the parking wardens.
13. In a socialist system, who's interests should/will take precedence in case of child rearing? Parents, or the State?
Parents decide on how to raise their childen. The state should be there to protect them, and both should work together to ready the children for life as an adult.
14. Should religious institutions be permitted in socialist societies?
Absolutely - free speech and beliefs should be permitted everywhere.
15. Of the examples the world has known so far, socialism as implemented in Cuba, China, North Korea, Soviet Union, etc; and capitalism as seen in the US, UK, Australia, etc: Which has offered the greater personal liberties to it's citizens?
I disagree - Communism has been implemented in some of those countries you mentioned - not socialism.
16. Given that the socialist death toll is at 100 million and counting, vastly outpacing "facist" numbers, does socialism get a free pass because it's more "altruistic"...at least on the surface? Can any ideology that results in the death of even one life be considered to be altruisitic?
Again, that is not a socilaist death toll - it a commnist based one and enforced on the people.
17. What is the difference between Facism and Communism? Do they not both lead to state control of the economy, thus making ideologies irrelevant?
That really isn't about socialism, but is you wish I'll come back to it later.
18. What is the difference between Marxist-Leninism vs Communism and can the more "pure" forms be implemented without innevitably deteriorating to totalitarianism?
That really isn't about socialism, but is you wish I'll come back to it later.
JediSage - what is your definition of socialism? and how does it differ from Communism?