Opinions regarding socialism and capitalism are both making substantial gains with the American public, but the economic middle ground is shrinking fast. The Roper/Fortune survey has polled American adults since 1942 regarding the merits of socialism and capitalism.  The first poll taken shortly after the Great Depression found that 40 percent described socialism as a bad thing and 25 percent as a good thing, and 34 percent had no opinion.  The most recent survey released in late May found that 51 percent described socialism as a bad thing and 43 percent as a good thing, and just 6 percent had no opinion.  Capitalism made gains, but socialism has almost caught up. Socialist gains are more apparent when adults were asked what the current economic mix of the United States is between free markets (capitalism) and government control (socialism).  Roper/Fortune found 34 percent rated America as more free markets, 25 percent rated...(Read Full Post)