On 4-16-19, the topic "4014 Excursion" devolved to a discussion of the difference between fascism and socialism. Dr. Z opined that the Veteran Administration is a form of socialism. Can't speak for that, all I know is that it is a government program that furnishes services to veterans, not the general public. In exchange for years of lives devoted to "defending" the US, the public provides services to help Vets.
In my case, it is Hines VA Hospital in suburban Chicago. However, I don't see it as socialism, rather I see it as a prime example of the so-called Military-Industrial Complex.
As a patient, I provide work/educational experience for 1,000's of Americans. Ranging from medical students at Loyola Medical School, wheelchair/walker/cane makers, pharmacists, psychiatrists, doctors, nurses, sociologists, to janitors, elevator mechanics, police, typists, schedulers, physical therapists, truck drivers, MRI operators, neurologists and on and on.
Not to mention the people who make the equipment, drive the trucks and trains, run the warehouses, deliver the equipment, deliver the mail/drugs and service the ATM machine.
Multiply me by thousands and you have slews and slews of men/women who depend on us for a living.