Just as much of the rest of the worlds economies are moving toward the free market, the US is becoming heavily socialist. The US brand of socialism benefits the wealthy, however, rather than provides needed services to the poor and middle class.

Be that as it may, it's socialism, or communism and is being pushed upon the populace by the Conservatives.

Now what if it were the oil companies? Nationalized oil would be a great deal. Profits would flow into the Federal government, the prices could be kept down, and the nation would benefit from this great natural resource. A prime cause of corruption would be removed, and government employees could continue to screw each other rather than rely upon outside companies to provide benefits.

How would Conservatives react to that? Well, we know. When Venezuela nationalized their oil the US started working to overthrow the democratically elected government, demonizing it at every turn. The first Muslim democracy in Iran was toppled and the Shah installed. And so on.

The difference is, of course, the effect upon the wealthy. The US is assuming the losses from a free market in the one case, and guaranteeing the continued profits from a de facto monopoly in the other. In both cases The Great Unwashed get a giant, ongoing wedgie as they are frog-marched into financial oblivion.

And anyone proposing nationalizing oil would be considered a goddamned communist, commited to the overthrow of the US government, subject to endless investigation by governmental agencies, an enemy of the people. By the same Conservatives who are pushing socializing the financial markets. OR, even worse, having the government GIVE money to the wealthy to bail themselves out.

It's an overused word, hypocrisy, it really is. Probably because it's an overused practice.

Arf