One need only look at what is happening in Greece to see the results of a socialist state.  There are thousands of protesters in the street protesting their loss of whatever benefits had previously been provided by the state.  Translate that to whatever those persons still paying taxes in Greece had formerly paid for in their behalf.  But, consistent with Margaret Thatcher's statement, the problem with Socialism is that eventually you run out of other people's money, Greece has run out of other people's money.  From just where do these protesters think these benefits will come?  It is insane.  Yet the people in Greece protest for what is simply no longer there and things the government is no longer able to provide.