During the Cold War, there was almost no insult worse for an average American than to be called a communist. Anyone labeled with the tag might lose his or her job, be shunned by neighbors or undergo government surveillance. Now politicians prone to demagogue are turning to a new punching bag: socialism.  

Ahusband and wife come home from a long day at work and sit at the dinner table to discuss the day. When asked how his day was, the husband answers, Pretty good, lots of meetings.