The American people as a whole sure do fear "Socialism" in a vague and ignorant way. That's why bashing non-existent "Socialism" as bogeymen has been very successful propaganda for the GOP in recent years. It's all based on ignorance, and the fear that comes from being ignorant of how everyday things work.
Why should I connect the word "Socialism" with the Democratic party in the US? I can see your game (see above), but the fact of the matter is that South Americans have every right to react to centuries of
gunboat diplomacy from the US, that the former
banana republics have ample reason to reject ALL of the doctrines that the US stands for. I can't blame them one bit. This is a monster that the US created, and we need to accept that the US not only can be the "bad guy", but
often is.
When it comes to entitlements, I presume that you're hoping the reader will confuse it with welfare, right? Well that's not true! Entitlements are things that we are
entitled to! It's
our money! Money made by the sweat of our brow, taken out of our paychecks (FICA deductions) and put into trust funds so that we will have our money when we need it in our old age. It's none of the things that you're claiming!
Does Venezuela even have social trust funds? Or is this a snipe hunting trip?