Socialism refers to a broad array of doctrines or political movements that envisage a socio-economic system in which property and the distribution of wealth are subject to social control. "Socialism." Encyclopædia Britannica. 2006. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. . As an economic system, socialism is usually associated with state or collective ownership of the means of production. This control, according to socialists, may be either direct, exercised through popular collectives such as workers' councils, or it may be indirect, exercised on behalf of the people by the state.

The modern socialist movement had its origin largely in the working class movement of the late-19th century. In this period, the term "socialism" was first used in connection with European social critics who condemned capitalism and private property. For Karl Marx, who helped establish and define the modern socialist movement, socialism implied the abolition of markets, capital, and labour as a commodity.

It is difficult to make generalizations about the diverse array of doctrines and movements that have been referred to as "socialist." The various adherents of contemporary socialist movements do not agree on a common doctrine or program. As a result, the movement has split into different and sometimes opposing branches, particularly between moderate socialists and communists. Since the 19th century, socialists have differed in their vision of socialism as a system of economic organization. Some socialists have championed the complete nationalization of the means of production, or decentralized ownership in the form of cooperatives or workers councils. Others have proposed selective nationalization of key industries within the framework of mixed economies. Stalinists insisted on the creation of Soviet-style command economies under strong central state direction. Others advocate "market socialism" in which social control of property exists within the framework of market economics and private property.

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L.A. Times - Politics

DEA's expertise gives it a role in investigation of Michael Jackson's death
Fri, 03 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700
The agency's involvement is a sign that the use or abuse of prescription drugs may be suspected, a law enforcement official says. The state attorney general's office is also joining the probe. The Los Angeles Police Department's request for federal drug agents to join the investigation of Michael Jackson's death indicates that illegal activity may be suspected in the dispensing of painkillers, sedatives, antidepressants or other medications to the 50-year-old entertainer, according to a law enforcement official.
Washington Post scraps plans for 'salons' after uproar
Fri, 03 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700
Fliers sought money from lobbyists wanting to mingle with lawmakers at the publisher's house. The Washington Post's publisher abruptly canceled a series of policy dinners Thursday that were to have been underwritten by lobbyists or corporations willing to pay thousands of dollars to be in the same room as journalists and lawmakers, saying the marketing department had misrepresented the newspaper's intent.

Politics

Ryan Lizza: Sheila Bair, FDIC, and the financial crisis.
Ryan Lizza Mon, 29 Jun 2009 04:00:00 -0000
Last month, Sheila Bair, the head of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, received a Profile in Courage Award at the Kennedy Library, in Boston. Each year, the Kennedy Library Foundation presents the award to public officials who it feels have exhibited political bravery. Bair was recognized for her early, though . . .
James Surowiecki: Caveat Mortgagor
James Surowiecki Mon, 29 Jun 2009 04:00:00 -0000
In 1937, the Massengill Company began selling a health product called Elixir Sulfanilamide, which contained one of the antibiotic sulfa drugs. Unfortunately, it also contained diethylene glycol, a solvent that happens to be deadly to humans. In a matter of months, the elixir killed more than a hundred consumers. The . . .
Hendrik Hertzberg: Stonewall Plus Forty
Hendrik Hertzberg Mon, 29 Jun 2009 04:00:00 -0000
The most improbable of America’s mass movements for civil rights--improbable at the time, inevitable in retrospect--got its start at a most improbable hour in a most improbable place. The hour: two in the morning, forty years ago. The place: the sidewalk in front of the Stonewall Inn, a . . .

Wash Post Politics

Book Review: 'The Waxman Report' by Henry Waxman
Robert G. Kaiser Sun, 05 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400
"The Waxman Report" explains, at least, how Congress can work, and it is fun to read. You finish it with gratitude to the voters of Beverly Hills and nearby areas who keep returning this ornery fellow to the House to challenge entrenched special interests.
Advocacy Groups Should Halt Attacks on Moderate Democrats, Obama Says
Ceci Connolly Sat, 04 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400
President Obama, strategizing yesterday with congressional leaders about health-care reform, complained that liberal advocacy groups ought to drop their attacks on Democratic lawmakers and devote their energy to promoting passage of comprehensive legislation.
Analysis: Once Again, the Enigma That Is Sarah Palin Plays It by Her Rules
Dan Balz Sat, 04 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400
Sarah Palin demonstrated once again yesterday that she is one of America's most unconventional politicians, following an unpredictable path to an uncertain future.

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