I work in what is perhaps the most socialized sector of the American economy. And it's great.
For starters, I have fantastic health care coverage. Everything is covered 100% - no deductibles, premiums, or co-pays. When I got really sick last year, they relocated me and paid for me to get treated at one of the top hospitals in the country for my particular problem. Total cost: about $100K. I paid nothing.
Dental, medical, and vision are all included. So are prescriptions, mental health counseling, and a variety of "wellness" programs, such as smoking cessation. Family members also get similar coverage with only token payments.
That's just the beginning, though.
Defined-benefit pension plan AND a 401(k) option? Check. European-style educational benefits, including getting PAID to attend grad school? Check. Top-notch fitness facilities, free? Check. Free housing? Check. Reimbursement for public transportation commuting costs? Check. Free food? Check. "Company stores" offering name-brand groceries, department-store selections, all at reduced prices? Check. Cheap life and disability insurance? Check. Automatic salary increases tied to your time with the company and level of responsibility? Check. Relocations? Covered - with extra cash to cover the incidentals of moving. Travel for company business? Completely covered. Required training? Paid for.
I could go on. This just skims the surface. Sure, they don't cover everything - I had to pay out of pocket to see an osteopath, and to get contact lenses (although I was able to do the latter at a non-profit "company store" eye clinic for much less than the for-profit places). Someday, when I do the cosmetic dentistry I want, it will be on my dime. Instead of the insurance industry pushing useless tests for their profit, sometimes I've had to push a bit harder to get the health care coverage I thought I needed. And there are always horror stories. But by and large, our "socialist" health care program is the stuff of American dreams. Just ask my co-worker whose toddler girl had extensive surgery and reconstructive therapy at one of the country's top children's hospitals - all at practically no cost to him.
There are trade-offs. Being government property is one of them. And the in-processing medical exam excludes many with pre-existing conditions (although family members are covered regardless of their health). But here's my simple question: if "socialism" is good enough for our troops, why is a "public option" so anathema to the average American?