So many people misunderstanding, purposefully or otherwise, what socialism/communism really means. It is always assumed that it equates to totalitarian government control when in reality that is not always the case. If you want to look at successful example of socialism look no further than Burkina Faso under Thomas Sankara. Improved the lives of millions and managed to achieve it in only 3 years despite rejecting all foreign aid and allowed them to become food self-sufficient in that time.