This either/or argument isn't valid. As the monopoly issuer of our national currency, the US government can support "real" free markets while also assuring its citizens of a dignified lifestyle.

A government that works for its people and creates the money supply with them in mind is not "socialist". Governments serve the common welfare via public-purpose spending and their institutions while regulating commerce as needed.

The concept that anything that aids or enables the working class and poor is socialism is pure propaganda meant to keep both indentured to capital and committed to unlimited gains that capitalists will distribute at their whim.