3. "What is the essential characteristic of socialism?" In response to In response to 0
I thought it was government mandated redistribution of wealth/resources. I think that does require what you describe (government control of resources) but you can have government control of resources that isn't socialism but just plain authoritarianism.
********** "Everyone has a plan until you punch them in the face. Then they don't have a plan anymore." (c) Mike Tyson