Thursday, October 9, 2008
Socialism? What do you think?
So, I keep getting told that I'm an alarmist for thinking this country is heading down a road that could lead to real socialism (as opposed to socialist programs like we have now) or even worse towards communism. So, here's my thinking. The definition of socialism is: a theory or system of social organization that advocates the vesting of the ownership and control of the means of production and distribution, of capital, land, etc., in the community as a whole (government control of these things) or procedure or practice in accordance with this theory (acts taken that are in line with the previous idea) or according to Marxist (communist) theory, the stage following capitalism in the transition of a society to communism, characterized by the imperfect implementation of collectivist principles. So, who would like to be the first to argue that social security (as currently constituted) is not a socialist program. It certainly fits the dictionary definition. In addition, the idea of government health care that so many people are excited about. Socialism, pure and simple. How about the concept of political correctness that is so endearing to Democrats. Socialism at its very core in that it declares what speech is good and what is bad based on communal principles. Finally, when the economy turns sour as it has now and we see people struggling, what does the government do? It makes the taxpayers pay for the mistakes of the companies and is now even discussing nationalizing some or all of those companies, or at least "owning a stake" in those companies, which is the same. What's the next step. The government is going to own all these bad loan homes, right? Is property the next casualty? If so, socialism in entirety. Now, I don't know about you, but I don't think we spent 50 years after WWII trying to defeat the obviously flawed concepts of communism to allow our country to slowly transition into the very thing we were fighting. After all, in the definition above, socialism is the in between step from capitalism to communism, so why go down the socialist road at all if we don't intend to keep going down it, which therefore leads to? At any rate, I was raised to rely on myself and my community (those I choose to associate with). I really don't understand why anyone thinks reliance on government or government control of anything is a good idea. So, are we becoming more socialist? Absolutely. Therefore, Democrats should consider this. They (Democrats) constantly rail against the authoritarianism of Republicans (while of course completely ignoring it in themselves (political correctness, etc.)) while supporting all the while a system (socialism) which opens the door to authoritarian practices and even despotism or communism. Don't believe me? Ask the people in China or Venezuela what they think of their leaders. Oh, that's right, you can't because they live in despotic societies and would be shot or simply just disappear for speaking out against them. Consider this as you espouse more government control because it would only take one election of the wrong person, be they Republican or Democrat, under the system you are espousing to destroy every single freedom we have.
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2 comments:
I agree with your concern.
Extreme economic turmoil has often been the opportunity for radical movements to take over (think: Hitler, Castro, Chavez, Hussein). The public feel helpless and will accept "change" for change's sake. It's that type of overreaction that will open the door for unfettered access to our lives, money, possessions, markets and futures.
We are headed to Big Brother (or Big Sister(s): Ms. Pelosi and if you believe the rumors, Ms. Clinton as the new leader of the Senate). I don't think Obama could become a dictator. First of all, he's not bright enough. But I do see the indifference to our freedoms as the expense many Americans are willing to pay to get over this financial issue. And that makes the "government" at risk of becoming the dictator of too much of our lives.
For all of the corruption in the business world, and there's enough of it, there's far more corruption among those who would oversee the rebuilding (Barney Frank). The wolves are guarding the hen house.
It's always refreshing to see you writing about this, as when I first met you, you were a self-proclaimed socialist. But you were also 16 years younger.
While I don't think I ever came out and self proclaimed myself as a socialist, I can see where I might have said some things (a long time ago) that might have painted that picture. However, I still hold myself up as a proud independent largely because I know way too much about politics to ever trust the politicians or the political parties.
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