[WalterBright]

The PX is subsidized by the taxpayers, and it's a benefit provided to members of the military and their families. A military base is a socialist paradise, which only works because taxpayers pay for it.

My dad grew up a socialist. He was cured of that affliction after living on military bases for years. For example, the economy on a base on the surface looks like a money based economy. But it isn't. The actual economy is based on rank and a currency of mutual favors. For example, the guy who allocates base housing to you obliges you to return a favor if you get better quarters.

Having a higher rank means you can grant more favors, and so get more favors in return.

The USSR economy ran like that, too, on a massive scale.

P.S. The USSR's actual prices on things included the time spent waiting in line. People would pay others to wait in line for them. Talk about inefficiency!

[RandomLensman]

Not sure what the means of production are that are under societal ownership with respect to the military.

Anyway, how non-human relationship driven do you think the private economy is?

[WalterBright]

Personal favors do play a role in the private economy, but money is still the dominant currency. Under socialism, the dominant currency is favors. Favors are a form of barter, and barter economies are inefficient. I can explain why if you like.