One of the biggest loads of horse manure socialists try to sell us is that it isn't "socialism" unless the government "owns" the means of production.

What this ignores is the massive control the government has over the means of production, varying depending on which country you live in. Even in largely capitalist nations, the government has something to say about almost every aspect of how you run your business. Countless mandates, some well-intentioned, most unnecessary. The ideal for those running Europe is every "private" corporation needing permission for the smallest action.

Let's say you own a nice sports car. But your neighbor has the right to tell you how much mileage you can put on it, what gas and tires you can buy, what bumper stickers you can put on, where you can park it, and who you can give rides to.

At the end of all that, does it really matter who has the "pink slip?"

Where I've been hearing this gag lately is with nationalized health care. Proponents declare that it isn't "socialized" since doctors, hospitals, and medical companies wouldn't be "working for the government."

No, it's just that all their money--salaries, contracts, fees--would be coming from the government. Not like working for the government at all, right?