What does “incompetent socialist” mean? I don’t think it means what you think it means.

Dick Morris says of President Obama:

We’re stuck not only with a socialist but seemingly an incompetent one.

To which Stephen Green replies:

Dick Morris accuses President Obama of being an incompetent socialist.

Uh… is there any other kind?

Here’s the problem: the phrase “incompetent socialist” is like a double-negative. Or an oxymoron – like calling an Olympic sprinter the tortoise of the 100-meter finals.

An incompetent socialist would be one who, probably unwittingly, promotes free-market principles. Capitalism, federalism, private property. Somebody who tries to achieve a centralized economy by telling everybody “just do whatever you think is best.”

On the other hand, a competent socialist would be one who nationalizes industries; takes control of basic services; takes steps to punish the ownership class.

So I can’t quite agree that President Obama is an “incompetent socialist.” He seems just a little too competent to me.