Everyone shouldn't have the image of some Russia type of civilization in mind when we talk about "Socialism". That's just scare-mongering. Instead, should have the image of The Netherlands, or Sweden in mind.

And saying "Marxism is socialism" is akin to saying "Calculus is mathematics". Marxism shares some fundamental economic and political principles but its not completely the same thing.

And finally, the word "Socialism" is being used in the US like I would use "child molester" when in reality we have lots of very good socialistic systems in place here that we rely on. Be thankful that when we dial 911 we aren't also hoping that our credit card isn't maxed out before they can come save us.