Donald Trump and his Republican supporters
portray Democratic efforts to help the average person as creeping
socialism. Socialism is the governmental takeover of the means of
production and distribution. Cuba was an example of a
socialist country where the government owned everything and directed
the dissemination of goods and services. Bernie Sanders calls himself a
socialist which is a misnomer. He is not advocating extreme governmental
control but seeks to modify capitalism with
social welfare reforms.
Capitalism in the strictest form provides
protection for no one. Every person is on their own and the winners can
trod upon those who do not make the grade. Some extreme Conservatives
appear to want strict capitalism, with no protection
for anyone and the smallest possible range of government services. We
once approached a stricter form of capitalism but after a horrendous
depression Franklin Delano Roosevelt introduced social welfare reforms.
Those reforms did not turn us into a socialist
country and many have argued that he saved capitalism . One
controversial byproduct was the rich paid more taxes.
Why do the Republicans now want to destroy
Medicare and Social Security when those programs have been largely
successful? Why did Republicans pass a tax bill which gave the super
rich even more money creating a huge debt for our
children while giving a pittance to most of us. Republicans,
particularly under the direction of Trump are working to undo social
welfare reforms. Republican fear the lazy will take advantage, or that
complacency will replace innovation. Social reforming can
be done in moderation and is not a perfect solution. On the other hand,
life in the jungle is brutal leaving little energy but to survive.
Universal health care and affordable education will allow a broader
group of people to reach their potential to make
this a better United States. The perfect balance between social welfare
and capitalism will always prove elusive, but it is a better ideal to
strive for than a return to stricter capitalism.
Publishing history
Daily Freeman 2/23/19
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