A Rose by Any Other Name

Socialism.

Here’s a word that is typically viewed by Americans as a bad thing. But is it really? Let’s find out what this is all about.

Webster’s Dictionary has three definitions for socialism based upon the use of the word in the context of a sentence or discussion. Socialism is: 1) any of various economic and political theories advocating collective or governmental ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods. 2) a: a system of society or group living in which there is no private property, b: a system or condition of society in which the means of production are owned and controlled by the state. 3) a stage of society in Marist theory transitional between capitalism and communism and distinguished by unequal distribution of goods and pay according to work done.

In what is called the Cultural Dictionary, there is this definition for socialism: an economic system in which the production and distribution of goods are controlled substantially by the government rather than by private enterprise, and in which cooperation rather than competition guides economic activity. There are many varieties of socialism. Some socialists tolerate capitalism, as long as the government maintains the dominant influence over the economy; others insist on an abolition of private enterprise. All communists are socialists, but not all socialists are communist.

Within our own government we have experienced a slow movement in thinking, then policy, and ultimately programs that place us on the path to becoming increasingly more socialistic. Socialism is able to safely thrive in a democracy because a democracy is “the rule of the majority.” So if the majority of Americans can be persuaded to accept and embrace socialism, then this will be reflected at the ballot box.

During the past one hundred years, America has found it necessary to engage in wars that threatened, not just the very existence of other nations, but the existence of freedom itself. Our fathers, grandfathers and great grandfathers are today being denigrated and vilified as imperialists instead of the liberators they were, taking on fascism, communism, autocratic dictators and various other egocentric despots and defeating them.

I have been working my way through a book that is not light reading by any means. It has caused me to sit and mull over many of the things being offered. The book is, Common Sense, by Glenn Beck, a popular TV and radio talk show host. On the topic of government, he writes, “Our collective experience since the Founding has taught us that all governments of every stripe are fascist in nature. They will gobble up as much money, resources, and people as possible unless adequately checked. Governments are never static; they always grow. Communism, fascism, socialism, imperialism, and statism are all different ends accomplished through the same means: totalitarian, absolute government control over the individual. All these ‘isms’ simply reflect the mistaken belief that progressively larger governments are needed to address our problems.”

The first president to openly espouse socialism was Republican Teddy Roosevelt, our 26th president. Surprised? Don’t be. In a speech entitled, The New Nationalism, he said this about human welfare: “Personal property is subject to the general right of the community to regulate its use to whatever degree the public welfare may require.” Our 28th president, Democrat Woodrow Wilson, was in agreement. “It is very clear that in fundamental theory socialism and democracy are almost if not quite one and the same. They both rest at bottom upon the absolute right of the community to determine its own destiny and that of its members. Men as communities are supreme over men as individuals.”

If you’re like me, you probably found yourself having to stop and reread those statements by Roosevelt and Wilson. Both parties from that time till now have continued to erode the freedoms of the nation by encroaching on our individual liberties and freedoms.

Beck writes, “When Americans say that socialism is a better system than capitalism they are essentially saying they prefer to be led and fed by the state than be free. They are saying, perhaps ignorantly, that they prefer increased state control over their personal decisions because having a cap on success is an appropriate price to pay for also having a cap on failure.”

President Ronald Reagan warned us of the problem with government. He said, “Government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem.” A current Rasmussen telephone survey report finds that 59% of voters agree with Reagan, and just 28% disagree.

Our first president, George Washington, said this in regards to the problem with government. “Government is not reason, it is not eloquence, it is force; like fire, a troublesome servant and a fearful master. Never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action.”

In light of current events, and the fact that our elected officials are supposed to work for us, do you honestly believe the government is representing you? Are your rights as an individual being protected? Is Congress making decisions that protect our nation from our enemies?

Let me remind you again. There are mid-term elections in November 2010. Are you registered to vote? There is power in an informed electorate! Get informed and get registered. Start today!