I think Americans view “Socialists” as something different than we do. Maybe they view that word in the same context as the word “communists?” The kind of replies you are getting indicate that our American friends feel differently about this word. I don’t know, but I looks like you are talking cross purposes.

"All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third it is accepted as being self-evident."

Sunshine