What the hell is an "avowed Democratic Socialist," anyway?

[JDPriestly]

35. democratic socialism. The European system. Especially in German, Austria and Scandinavia.

I have read and heard that when German tribes first invaded England, they lived in societies in which leaders were chosen by the people and there was little social hierarchy. It may be very traditional in those areas of Europe. I don't know. I have lived there. These are basically capitalist societies that believe in taking care of all people. I enjoyed living there. For one thing, people kept their environment relatively clean compared to our country. Maybe sharing a bit and respecting others makes them want to take care of things better and take more responsibility. Also, a lot of life was more sociable. Our apartment building in one location was very, very old. Instead of having our separate backyard, we shared a "Hof," a sort of garden in the center of the building with our apartments kind of circling it on all sides. We did not have as much privacy as we have with our small back yard, but it was great for raising children. My neighbors would watch my children as they played if I needed to go to my apartment for a moment. We had universal healthcare, great childcare that was free, free education (excellent). Hard work and talent were rewarded as they are here. The rich were less rich than they are here but there were still great differences between the very rich and the very poor. Good transportation. I could ride trains even into the mountains to some extent. Great freeways. Factories were privately owned as were stores and other businesses, but labor unions and labor laws were strong and taken for granted. The newspapers discussed the details of the national budget which was always a topic that was thoroughly argued.

It wasn't that different from the social system in the US, just generally better organized and more focused on the rights of the majority and less on the influence of the wealthy or influential few. Oddly enough, that is in countries that still have the remnant families of the feudal lords and nobility.