Practical Socialism

In 1934, Psychologist Abraham Maslow postulated a "hierarchy of needs" for individuals. It wasn't all-inclusive.

Unlike "Tea Party" organizers or Glen Beck, Maslow deliberately excluded mentally ill, delusional or neurotic people, writing that "the study of crippled, stunted, immature, and unhealthy specimens can yield only a cripple psychology and a cripple philosophy."

Beyond Maslow, I'd argue that in addition to individual needs, there are familial, community and societal needs... Each with their own hierarchies, which must provide for their collective needs.

Would anyone seriously oppose fire departments, roads, airports, water systems or prisons?

All these public enterprises are organized at community level or higher for a perceived benefit to society.