1. You shouldn't assume someone who holds an opposing view is just unread. A leftist living in the USA cannot help but read things that oppose their view. Most of what I have ever read and experienced was written from a capitalist point of view and operates with the same ill-defined use of socialism as a centrally planned economy with a strong state running things.
The road to serfdom is nothing more. Its simply a criticism of state socialism, central planning, and the soviet style system with a lot of narrative of how those systems are connected to fascism. 2. None of that has anything to do with my view 3. or anyone in this thread. I am on the opposite end of the spectrum (libertarian left). Medicare for all and not government takeover healthcare nor is it central planning. These candidates you call socialists are really just center-left liberals. These policies are just a form of welfare, regulation, or "stimulus". 4. Posting those links makes me think you have ignored the proposals by these candidates entirely and just listened to conservative news calling them socialists. 5. No one wants central planning.
Moderators don't like it when I just say "OK" to something like this
So
1. You're right
2. It really should
3. Wrong but also right: most politicians are lacking the understanding of how their policies negatively effect economic outcomes for the individual --or it's too profitable for them not to understand...and we as citizens don't seem to have much respect for the individual anymore.
4. You should re-read your #1 quote
and
you've got it twisted:
My views come from a deep and growing appreciation for Milton Friedman ---aside from his books, series and at least 50 (free) hours of online interviews-lectures;
today's politicians and pundits are constantly trying to attach themselves to his ideas.
5. Prepare for collective cognitive dissonance.