Collectivism vs. Individualism

I keep talking about the Democrats (mostly) being socialists, and I get a blank stare. What I've found out is that most people have no idea just what collectivism (socialism) is! I even had to explain to my own SISTER that collectivism, socialism, fascism, and most of the other "isms" I talk about are ALL different forms of collectivism, which is ruled by this: "FROM each according to his ABILITY, and TO each according to his NEED," making "need" a DEMAND on the earnings of those capable and willing to earn their own way. You wouldn't cash your paycheck, then go around your neighborhood, asking your neighbors if they have any NEEDS for which you can give them part of your earnings for which to pay? No? Then why do you elect collectivists to government to do it for you? Did you know that your taxes would be HALF as much if the government weren't "taking care of" the "needs" of people you don't even know? That's what collectivism is: taking money from EARNERS, and giving it, UNEARNED, to those who will not or can not earn for themselves. I have no problem helping people who TRULY cannot earn their own way. That's called "charity." But I DO have a problem giving a regular check to able-bodied men and women who stand on the corners in their neighborhoods and do nothing because there is no reason for them to do anything constructive. I think we need to do a better job of DEFINING just what we mean when we talk about "collectivism" or "socialism." If they don't even understand our WORDS, how can they understand what we're saying?