During that time period though the main communist power in the world was the Soviet Union, and they treated their own people awfully.  So a lot of Americans just assumed that came with the communist economy.  Although, it does seem to be the case, just look at China as well. 

Communism survives on the idea of scarcity and a low faith in humanity.  Everyone is fighting for scarce resources, so instead of fighting everyone else, give one group the power and have them distribute the resources among the people as they see fit.  And they will argue that this type of situation, even if the people will all the guns are corrupt, is better than everyone against everyone. (coming from Hobbes' Leviathan) That's an oversimplification of course, but that's basically where communism got its roots.  Then Marx comes along later and will expand upon those principles and will actually say that all nations will eventually convert to communism and communism is the natural end of humanity (end as in end goal, not demise).

It's not the idea of a communist economy for reasonable Americans, it's the human rights issues like James said.

Obama needs to take action immediately on this.  This is unacceptable.

This album's going to reach number one any day now.

Piece of My Heart

Agreed.  That's what I was alluding to as well.  These people who are grossly negligent with their finances get depressed when you start to tell them they might have to change their habits (which they need to do).

There is no conceivable way that we can continue the way we are indefinitely.  Different people predict different timelines, but they all predict some end.  Personally, I would rather see us change before we find who's deadline is right.