With the recent primary win by former bartender Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez we have witnessed socialism unleashed in her words and rhetoric. Senator Bernie Sanders is a close second, but even he knows the money to pay for his schemes and political races comes from the capitalist system.
Of course, the final culmination of their political efforts is pure socialism, so they lean to the extreme left of the political spectrum, and they want to steer the Democrat Party to adopt their extreme views. Bernie has never had a real job in the private sector his whole life, always has been an “activist” or been in politics. Ms. Ocasio-Cortez is following in his footsteps.
Now I don’t blame people for thinking socialism is a great way of life — everything equal, everybody equal, “from each according to his ability, to each according to his needs” is the Karl Marx slogan to which every socialist aspires. It certainly sounds good, especially to the young minds full of mush, and in Bernie’s case, he never grew up or maybe he never wanted to mature.
I am an avowed capitalist, because that is the only system that raises those at the bottom up from grinding poverty. But when I was young, I asked my father what was wrong with socialism (aka “communism”). First he just looked at me, probably thinking what he did wrong to get that thought in my head. He told me socialism is where everyone is equal — equally miserable.
The people don’t prosper because none of them have any stake in the outcome of production for food or making things in factories. They all get the same — same money to spend, same housing, same food allotments (unless they have a disaster like a drought). Of course, there are those at the government top who over-rule the system that run by graft and corruption. Of course, when you’re born into socialism and known nothing else, you don’t realize there is another economic and governmental system.
When you are raised in a capitalistic system, you have choices. You can be lazy or you can be open to opportunity. Work cures all ills, everyone (unless you’re born into a rich family) works to advance. Work well done advances and opens your avenues to more and better opportunity. Where can you start as an 18-year-old kid in a factory, with virtually no skills other than getting to work on time and doing what you’re told and by showing a work ethic you are selected for better and better jobs with more responsibilities and more compensation?
Socialism is great in a capitalistic system until you run out of other people’s money to spend. Socialists always “give” ideas like free health care, free education from K-college, minimum money (based on $15 per hour), etc. I don’t know what is so magical about $15 per hr. but that is the figure always cited. It’s always funny to see the expression on someone’s face when they do come from minimum wage to $15 per hour after looking at their gross to the net and all the taxes taken out. They are amazed, then confused, then angry. “Look at how much they take out.” Yup, welcome to the real world! We are quasi-socialists as the government tries to make us pay for more and more for other folks well-being.
Of course, our education system is lacking in two areas; teaching of capitalism and how to manage money. They teach about the different government systems and economics, but nothing in a patriotic and practical way, just theory. Our educational system tells students what to think, not how to think and reason. Learn this, this is right, this is wrong, PC, PC, PC, blah, blah, blah.
I suspect there are many reading this that dispute my viewpoint; such is your option and everyone has a opinion. But don’t sputter that crap to me that socialism is better than capitalism, not even a close comparison. You want socialism, move to Canada or better yet to Europe or Russia. Then when you find out what more socialism is like, please stay there — you wanted it, you got it!
The rotting of America from within continues…
Mr. Ranger Rick,
Well said, our form of capitalism has produced the best nation in the world. Thanks for the column.
With respect, our form of capitalism has produced a very corrupt nation in financial terms. And our country, subjectively, is far from the best nation in the world. Look at US rankings in terms of education, prison incarceration, overall health, infant and mother mortality, and poverty. We fall seriously behind other countries. The sad facts are, one, that the US was once the greatest nation in the world, and that, two, we can only return to that status when we agree that our values have fallen short of those we supposedly adhere to as a Christian nation, and strive to regain the high standards we once held dear.
Capitalism can be the preferred road to greatness only when it is tempered with charity, compassion, and conscience.
Ms. Mandeville, I agree with you; the country has certainly gone astray by not following the Constitution and turning away and not trusting God.
People turn their lonely eyes from God and rely on local, state, and especially federal government to solve their problems. It used to be all education, police and fire protection was local. Now it is shared/regulated by all. How many people know anything about economics, handling and investing money, and even balancing their own checkbook? But they sure know how to use any electronic device.
We have it too good for our own good and health. We overconsume, overeat, and place loved ones last on the list of priorities..
Are we really better off with all the federal programs? Just think what your retirement would look like with all the money taken out of your earnings for SS and Medicare invested and your healthcare savings account instead of Mediscare.
You can vilify me all you want, but address the issues instead of attacking the messenger.
I like our form of government, too, although it is not perfect. It’s a blend of capitalism and socialism. Most of us (that actually do pay our taxes) appreciate some of the socialist programs in place, like Medicare, Social Security, police and fire protections, the postal service, public schools, the roads and on and on.
Mr. Basura,
Sir,
“Definition of socialism. 1 : any of various economic and political theories advocating collective or governmental ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods.”
Socialism is a system of government control of the economy. All forms of government provide, services to the people. Please do not confuse our system of government with socialism. You are correct all forms of government are a combination of many types and no government is a pure form of any system as no one system will work for long.