We've had a century of historical record that shows the failure of socialism. We've had two centuries of historical record showing the success of market economies free of government interference (in America until the mid 30's, in Hong Kong and elsewhere during the last century).
Why the confusion? Mainly a dearth of good education and a surfeit of brain washing in the socialist false doctrine. Without proper education, people don't know how the "invisible hand" of the voluntary free market works and trust instead of the very visible iron hand of government (disguised, of course, with a velvet glove that says "We're here to help"). People unwittingly choose the obvious, visible, but deceptive outstretched hand of coercive government over the benign but invisible hand of the voluntary free market.
It all goes back to the age-old, fundamental battle between the bravery, risks, and rewards of freedom from government versus the "security" of open (but lying) "guarantees" and hidden oppressive agenda of tyranny.
Actual unemployment is at least double and maybe triple what is being reported. Only the figures on the success of the governments five year tractor production and chocolate harvest are trustworthy.
For those who can't hear it, I am being sarcastic.