Socialism?

Both McCain and Palin continue to accuse Obama of being a socialist, and his response about being accused of Communism because he shared his toys is great.

But, all misrepresentations about what socialism actually is aside, what are the implications of the Obama tax plan? He seems to have a long list of programs he'd like to spend money on but in the current economy, where is that money coming from? I work hard and would hardly consider myself wealthy but is it right to ask me to forgo my family's needs in order to better take care of someone elses' family? Do I give less to my children's college education fund? My own charitable contributions? My payments to my health or life insurance? This may sound cold but shouldn't we first make sure that people can take care of themselves and their own families before expecting them to take care of everyone else? In these ecomonic times, I imagine many families are struggling just to take care of their own needs.

McCain seems to have a better understanding of the need to cut spending but how realistic is his proposed spending freeze, especially given there are so many entitlement programs that no one--Republicans or Democrats--seem willing to cut?

When I sit down to pay bills each month, I have a budget. If we can't afford something, we don't get it. Or, we save to pay for it. I need to make sure the money coming in more than covers the money going out. Why can't government do the same?