IT IS WHAT I SAY IT IS. ABRACADABRA!

Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain!

This is and old story, but it is so amazingly breathtaking that it bears repeating:

In the United States calling someone a socialist is often an insult, striking at the heart of American individualism and raising the fear of government fingers in everyone's business.

The word's powerful negative connotation prompted Obama to call The New York Times back after an interview to belatedly respond to a question on whether he was a socialist.

"It was hard for me to believe that you were entirely serious about that socialist question," Obama said,

defending his policies as consistent with free-market principles. (Reuters)

Why the HELL would anyone think he's socialist? His plans? His actions? Every mentor and ally in the past being Marxist? I just don't get it.

(image via But as for Me)