I have been hearing this more and more recently. I don’t believe anywhere near a majority of the voters feel this way, but I worry that it is even becoming an acceptable thing to say. I
While most of us may have heard of it through history books or word of mouth, I’m sure that few people alive today remember “The McCarthy hearings” (1950-1954). Senator Joseph McCarthy, a Republican out of Wisconsin, was a U.S. senator who wielded great power during the time of “The Red Scare” after WWII when many Americans feared that Communists had been infiltrating American life through politics and Hollywood since the 1940’s. McCarthy, at one point, charged that over 200 “known communists” were in the Department of State.
America has gone from a country in which being associated with Communism or Socialism was a stain that ruined many lives and careers to a country that has successful politicians supporting socialism, at least in some forms.
On paper, socialism (A political and economic theory of social organization which advocates that the means of production, distribution, and exchange should be owned or regulated by the community as a whole- from the Oxford Dictionary) seems like a euphoric type of society in which everyone is equal, with equal wealth and opportunity. The truth is, however, that the people coming to our country are often fleeing Socialist societies so, somehow, Socialism is not as wonderful as one might think.
Off the top of your head, can you name 5 socialist countries that are thriving? Can you name one? I can’t.
Our American society, which has lead the world almost since its’ inception, is based on Capitalism (An economic and political system in which a country’s trade and industry are controlled by private owners for profit- from the Oxford Dictionary). We are a country founded on the belief that “All men are created equal” (The word “men” was accepted at the time to mean “people”- the wording is not mine) and thus deserve an equal opportunity to find success.
As humans, it is in our nature to constantly be searching for a better way, a better life. Sure, I’m happy with my suburban life. I’m glad to have a roof over my head, live in a safe neighborhood, and I am not overly concerned about where my next meal is coming from. But, you know, I sure would like to be able to buy a house on a lake with, maybe, a boat, a dock and a couple of spare bedrooms for visitors.
Nobody has a problem with me dreaming of a better life; even though the life I live is what most people pray for. That’s what humans do. When I owned my own automotive repair business, I hoped to meet the girl of my dreams and settle down. I did. When I had a secure job in the jail, with a promotion promised, I was looking for the greener grass of a patrol job. I was lucky enough to get it. We had the large family I had prayed for and secure employment, but money was tight with all of the expenses that come with raising a large family. If I could only get that part-time adjunct professor position to bolster my income in a consistent way, then I would be happy. Well, I got it! But being human, I continue to see how I might be happier. Nobody has a problem with that, do they? Don’t we all dream of improving on the good we already have?
Sometimes my dreams of a better life didn’t pan out. I took 24 hours of overtime over a weekend and didn’t feel right for days later. It seemed like a good idea, I thought I could pull it off, but the toll it took on my body was unbelievable. There are other examples. I tested for sergeant after only a couple of years on my patrol job. I think that might have offended some people because I was seeking a promotion so early in my career. Looking back, I think it did hurt my career in the long run.
I believe, in America, everyone one is created equal; meaning, all things being equal a minority applicant has the same chance of landing a job as anyone else looking for the same position. I am a White male. According to the “Systemic racism” theory I should have gotten every job I wanted over any minority, right? I should have gotten every promotion I put in for when I was competing against a minority, right?
I didn’t. Blacks, Hispanics and females were given many assignments and promotions that I had tested for.
Just a thought for discussion, do you think everyone IS EQUAL? I’m not talking sexism, or racism, I’m saying, “Is everyone you have met equally competent? If you think some are more prepared than others, why should everyone make equal money? I believe that a guy who is smart enough to design a rocket should make more than I do. Is that wrong?
I have a diverse group of readers. I submit that all of you have not gotten jobs or positions you felt you should have. I would like to add that you might have gotten that “dream job” you did not think you were qualified for, or you suspected the guy who interviewed before you had a better chance at. This is a part of life. This is a part of every life!
Yes! There are homeless in America. Yes! There are people who go hungry in America, that’s the same as every country in the world.
I believe one of the beauties of America is that we are all working for ourselves whether we have bosses or not. By this I mean, if we feel we are not being compensated properly we can ask for a raise, shop around to other employers, start our own business, go to school and become a better candidate, or do any number of other things. That, to me, is one of the many beauties of Capitalism!
Another beauty of Capitalism is that the employers have the same options. If they hire an employee who does not perform as required, they have the option of firing that worker. You may be shaking your heads but, that is a beauty of Capitalism. It encourages all of us to do our best.
If Socialism is an option, where are they going to get the people who put forth the effort to become surgeons, researchers, leaders? If we are all equal, what would compel a person to do all of the extra work and study that’s required to become the best, when adequate pays the same?
A part of happiness, for me, is hoping to improve my situation. I like my life, but I would like it better if I had the money to go on a long vacation every year. For me, there would be no flavor in living under Socialism. I want an opportunity to better myself! I want to know I can take a second job to get vacation money. I want to know that I can earn that house on the hill if I want it. I don’t want to be mediocre. I don’t want to be “one of the workers.”
Every job I have ever held, and I have had many, there have been people who excelled, people who had to be let go, and people who were average. In college I worked the midnight shift in two factories. In one I worked hard and earned a promotion within three months. In the other I did not fare as well. I made wrong choices, I learned from those and I have been a better worker since I learned those lessons.
If everyone is guaranteed an equal outcome in socialism, where is the motivation to work going to come from? If I come into work knowing that if I complete one assignment or twenty, I will get paid the same as the guy next to me, who just might be sleeping, where is my motivation?
I was always a hard worker. I received good reviews and was promoted at most of the jobs I held. A lot of my energy came from competing with my co-workers, whether they knew it or not. Would this happen in Socialism?
Think about your experiences in school. I recall being in classes where there was that one kid who knew all of the answers and aced all of the tests. There was also that one kid who had no clue. The kid who was looking out the window and when the teacher called on him/her they weren’t even sure what class they were in.
Call me crazy, but I don’t know if I would want to have the kid who didn’t have a clue putting a key part on the car I purchase. And I don’t know, if I was the smart one in the class, if I would want to make the same money as all of the people who knew less than I.
One last point about Socialism, take a look at the countries where it has been tried. Russia, Cuba, Venezuela people who leave those countries, in most cases, are risking death to escape. Remember the saying, Freedom lost is never recovered!
Thanks for reading until the end. I appreciate it. Please comment about what you liked, or didn’t like. What you agree with or disagree with. If a comment section does not come up, tap on the title and it should. Sorry for any inconvenience.
Thanks, Phil