Being a democracy has NOTHING to do with socialism, NJ.
Socialism simply refers to a notion that SOME systems within a society should be operated by collective principles, for the benefit of all regardless of profit.
The very CONCEPT of a democratic government IS SOCIALIST- Democracy is collective negotiation for the the general good.
Government, itself, is intended to provide services to the public WITHOUT profiting from those services, to ensure that we are not paying MORE for those services than minimally necessary.
Thus- the ARMY is a socialist solution to common defense.
Social Security, Labor unions, the 5 day work week, national holidays, the Police and courts... aid to women with dependent children... unemployments insurance...
ALL of these staples of our society are entirely socialist initiatives.
Great Britain and most commonwealth nations have a Labor party that pushes a Greater role for government in civil society- arguing that Government should DO more ( like regulate the financial markets ) is arguing a socialist solution.
Socialism is, therefore, NOT at odds with democracy, but the precise opposite... it is the foundation upon which ALL FREE societies are built.
IT has nothing to do with voting rights- people all over the world who vote often vote for socialist parties.
Socialism is the idea that government CAN do a POSITIVE good for its people.
Unregulated privatization is what GOT us into this mess.
IT is predicated upon the idea of "every man for himself"
Socialism is predicated on the idea that " We are ALL in this TOGETHER"
A true civil society MUST balance individual self interest- with GROUP interest.
IT why we HAVE police.
Its why we HAVE Law and government.
The one great failure of modern conservatism is to have demonized the idea that Government MUST serve the whole of society- or government cease to be of value to the people.
The people who think they are the fittest are always in favor of 'survival of the fittest"-
Socialism is where Civil Rights spring form.