Politically Incorrect Guide to Socialism (Politically Incorrect Guides) [Paperback]

This is a US conservative's view of socialism. It thus takes a sceptical line on what would be more acceptable in the European political mainstream, so it might come across in tone as a tad bombastic. However, the author provides some conversation points on the origins and values of public educational systems, modern health care and the welfare state in this Great Recession. He also very well illustrates the fatal flaws of social planning via the Von Mise's pricing model. Minor drawbacks are the Author's use of chunks of text which are never properly contextualised and his dismissal of the Swedish model which seems a little too sleight of hand. Overall a worthwhile read for a conservative.

Edit, 12.5.12
While I don't recall posting this review on Amazon.com, I was disappointed to see how many (presumably) Americans proved the points I made in my review. Even the author, Mr. Williamson involved himself in an obsessive attempt at self-defense. (How many other authors on Amazon attack negative reviews of their work?). I haven't seen it before, but it may happen among the less-than-confident scribes.

I encourage anyone reading this to read the comments under my review. The accusations made, just to name a few:
-I haven't read the book (an accusation made by the author himself)
-I am an elitist (despite my claiming otherwise in the review...I am very much a populist).
-I have misunderstood the situations in Denmark and Finland (despite living in both countries)...Denmark actually has no free speech (according to my detractors) and Finland is broke (despite having a much better trade balance than other countries--such as America!)

It worries me that so many have so little substantive (much less true) things to say.

While I don't think only educated people should write books, I do believe certain topics demand intellectual abilities that are beyond the uneducated (PhDs), which includes myself. (I don't think Williamson has a great deal of education, but he seems to say enough against Marx to please conservatives, despite the truth value of the book as a whole).
Please don't be generous with praise of this book simply because you dislike Socialism!

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I have lived in Sweden, Denmark and Finland.
These are not "socialist" countries, but Democracies. Per usual, Americans do not distinguish between democratic countries with high tax rates (and working healthcare system for all) and Communism. This is a very foolish book, based on flawed premises. I am opposed to Communism; there is nothing "Communistic" about the Nordic countries. In fact, I am much more pleased living in Finland than in the U.S. I understand that many Americans (and some such as myself) are opposed to such things as abortion. This, however, is not a necessary pre-condition for a social democracy.

I am amazed every time I read some American's assessment of "Communist" Europe (or Canada), which has its base in a 1960s anti-Soviet propaganda film. I would be against any form of government that limits people's basic freedoms. Yet, why is it considered "evil" by Americans to care for those in society with the greatest hardships? Perhaps it is the greater moral good to spend that money on destroying other parts of the world, looting their natural resources to make them "free".

The more I read from this book, the more I am convinced that conservative America is being led by the patriotic, though poorly educated (e.g., Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, none of whom have finished a basic Bachelor's Degree.). I am not an elitist. I only mean to express (in horror) that people in America seem to be easily led by loud-talking persons who may not necessarily know the facts involved. This book an example of such a case.

People in the Nordic countries own property, vote for representation in government, have freedom of religion, etc...none of which is possible in a Communist state. Please, Americans: learn the difference between Socialism, Communism and Social Democracy. The stability of the Nordic countries would be envied by any American who would care to learn about the system as it really is. Even the educational system is better than the U.S.'s (Finland is ranked as the best in the world; research this for yourself). This book reveals why the Nordic system couldn't work elsewhere (it mentions specifically Sweden). Patriotic drivel.

I would assign negative stars to this book if it were possible, as this nonsense will only strengthen the opinions of the poorly informed or willfully ignorant.

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Exactly where should I start with this one? It is a deep and unique story that is insightful, well written around a host of colorful theme or idea. Our world needs stuffs like this that pricks or prods the mind and that has a solid intellectual base. I read samples of the The Union Muzhik and this justs adds to some of the reveal facts I got there. It is a compelling read, with a smooth flowing approach and witty writing.