Socialism isn't intricate, there isn't more to it, and it isn't the "backbone" by any stretch of the imagination. A perfect system would be one wherein everyone wins-- human nature makes this impossible, and that's not "wrong" by any means. In lieu of that, we practice-- or we're supposed to, anyway- the system that self-corrects, that allows for individuals to have as much of a shot as possible.
It's not that the greed and corruption you mentioned doesn't exist, it's that its influence on a free market system are less detrimental than the others. The others systems are fueled by that greed and corruption whereas freedom is the only shot we have at suppressing greed and corruption. People have ideas, and it is the only system that allows them to even have the slightest shot at seeing them come to fruition. I'm no fan of corporate greed just as I am in no way in favor of the money that has consumed politics, but if I have to choose between "the lesser of two evils", I won't make that choice between two scum-sucking politicians that garner support of half the country through stupid buzz words and empty promises, but by betting on a system that allows for people to make more money and be employed more often than not.
Reagan, try as much as he did, couldn't even practice Reaganomics. Free market systems cannot exist within a progressive taxation, thieving scheme-- and no politician, left or right, has come even remotely close to killing that for good.
But whatever. The point is that liberals seem be pretty high and mighty about all that they "give". As pitiful as Republicans have been for a few decades, at least they stand a little bit closer to the actual promotion of liberty and freedom than Democrats do. To include Clinton. Enough to make me vote for them? Nah, not yet. But it's funny how the Tea Party (which I am also not a "member" of) gets lip service for preaching the ideals of liberty, limited spending, and the power of the free market and is branded as the "radical" wing of the Republicans. Perhaps a few of their spokespeople need to take a hike, or just be quiet, but for all of the people on Reddit who claim to be "non-partisan" or to not enjoy "choosing sides", you think it would be about time they recognized that the Tea Party's principles are more centrist than anything this country's seen since the Revolution.
The country was founded upon the ideals of republicanism. Republicanism is what allows democracy, and not the other way around.
I live in the reality beyond my personal opinion you speak of. I've served the country in a number of ways from my early 20s, through today, and I'll continue to do so. I'm just a regular guy- not too special by any means- but I've seen the world from well beyond the perspective of the average Redditor. Considering we're supposed to be a nation of engaged individuals, that do more than simply sheep-along to the beat of a drum that's been beating exactly the same for years, I'll consider what I've done for now enough to take a stance from what I consider a higher road.
Socialism kills. And it'll kill Chicago soon enough.