>>Not completely so. As much as socialism relied on "elevating the social consciousness", it still took care that important matters of state and society, like education, social security, health protection system (to differ from "health industry"), police, firedousers (translated term), were not on the mercy of the "consciousness", but made sure they were funded from tax (or tax-like deductions from your salary). I have never heard of policemen or firepersons having a fundraiser, or calling citizens on the phone asking for contributions. The only organization I can remember having something similar is Red Cross.
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>Not much of the monies collected by the Red Cross have often reached the intended persons in need. That is historical fact. However, the Red Cross Directors, etc. have done well in receiving pay raises.

That's why we never gave money to it. Old or outgrown children's clothes, most of the time. And I kept donating blood. Nobody can make much money on it.

Among other scandals in the wake of Milosevic's demise, was the discovery of underground connections between Ministry of Health, local Red Cross officials and SPS (his party)... where they tried to direct most of the foreign humanitary aid to Red Cross, and from there into their own pockets. It was pretty much a public secret that Red Cross was run by SPS.