Most of Scandinavia are democratic socialist states (my preferred system) although they are slipping to the right slowly. The "truer" socialist states in existence now are generally in Africa/The middle east To me democratic socialism is the balance.

1/3 That’s my preferred model, too, and I think it would be most people’s if they were informed. What bothers me about capitalist-bashing is that, in my view, it distracts from building that model. 'Capitalist rhetoric' - aspiration, hard work, enterprise - seems to appeals to many people...

2/3 ... but all of it is possible in a social democracy with free markets, strong regulation, socialised key industries, and excellent safety nets. In fact, social mobility is far more likely in such a society than in explotative economies like the US or the UK.

3/3 Often, the left highlights only the other side of the model, leaving the aspirational vision to the right, even though they oppose real competition, 'new money' etc. and just want to protect the status quo.

Agree, human necessities need control to keep them at an available price Historically science and technology only thrive with state funding so that's necessary a halfway house And luxuries and recreation are the places where capitalism really shines: food, drink, entertainment, home goods etc.

But the left really does have a communication issue as you say, because we don't differentiate between capitalism and the free market There's really strong appeal globally for democratic socialism, the messaging just needs to change with accurate wording critical to leaving aspiration open to folk