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Socialism has failed everywhere it has been tried, and it will continue to do so despite the best efforts of the die-hard true believers in the Obama administration and the rest of the world.
The most recent example of this failure: Euro-socialism is presently bankrupting the countries that embraced it in Europe. This will result not only in more social and economic upheaval, but also the ultimate demise of the ill-conceived European Union.
The original and current proponents of socialism fail to take into account one basic but immutable factor: the fundamental nature of the human race. The most dominant trait mankind has, as do all living creatures, is an innate desire to survive and prosper.
While some may willingly choose to pursue subsistence on their own terms, to the vast majority of the human race, the path of least resistance is the most desired. Thus, mankind is susceptible to financial scams, gambling, crime and resentment or violence toward those who may have more.
But above all, people are very open to the concept of a central authority providing them with the means of livelihood.
A secondary characteristic of human race, again shared by other species, is the need by some within the group to conquer or maintain control over their fellow man. Thanks to modern technology and weaponry, gone are the days when a megalomaniac could by sheer force of determination and arms conquer and impose his will on others.
Faustian Deal
The mid-19th century saw the Industrial Revolution and the rise in living standards and education for the populace in Europe. It was during this same period that the advent of socialist-Marxist theory occurred. Those who considered themselves superior to the masses, and in the past may have achieved ruling status through the power of intimidation over the illiterate and unwashed, now had to look to other means to achieve control of the levers of government.
The easiest course to assume this power was to promise, in return for the support of the people, that the state through a new ruling class would provide the citizenry cradle-to-grave economic security. Thus, a Faustian bargain encompassing the desire by the majority for ease of survival and others for the need to rule would be entered into. The populace, having committed itself to this compact, would expect never-ending freedom from adversity.
However, within this arrangement is the seed of its own destruction. For socialism to succeed, it must have an economic underpinning that can provide the foundation for massive social spending. The Soviet Union, as early as the 1920s and '30s, proved that complete state control of the means of production was a colossal failure, as it could not produce sufficient wealth to support the population.
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Posted By: Worldcitizen(5) on 5/27/2010 | 4:17 AM ET
I find the article naive and it is confusing poor fiscal management with social security. Having grown up in Sweden and benefited from free health care, free education incl. univ, also seen innovative approach to business (Sweden is No 7 in the world in Patents/capita; US number 40) but having lived for a number of years in the US and now in the UK one can see a link between risk taking and social protection. Central planning does not work, nor is corruption - even if called lobbying.
Posted By: jpdwn(735) on 5/27/2010 | 12:12 AM ET
Obamaite: Help me understand "quite well". The average person in poverty in the US has a higher standard of living than the average European - full stop. And I'm glad we have the Europeans to defend us against our enemies (or do we carry that burden?). Have you lived in Canada? Have you had major medical care in Canada? How many Nobel prizes go to Swedes and Norwegians versus US citizens? Life changing innovations in the last 100 years came mainly from what country? Oh yeah, Greece.
Posted By: jpdwn(735) on 5/26/2010 | 11:53 PM ET
It took centuries for Western Europe develop the political/economic insights that allowed Capitalism to prosper. Those insights are virtually unknown to the mainstream voter and are dismissed as out of date (hence, the "Living" Constitution). In democracies, Capitalism struggles; in a Republic governed by the producing class it can flourish. We have not only Socialism to battle, but also Democracy, since Democracy so often leads to Socialism through the tyranny of the majority (see Greece).
Posted By: Obamaite(5) on 5/26/2010 | 11:34 PM ET
Please explain the success of Norway, Sweden?? They seem to be doing quite well. And Canada has high taxes but their living standards are quite high.
Posted By: procapitalism(145) on 5/26/2010 | 11:16 PM ET
This article misses. Socialism has been embraced because most people uphold the altruistic morality it is based on. They consider it their moral duty to self-sacrifice to the needs of others -- the poor, the sick, the proletariat, etc. America needs to do more than recognize that socialism inevitably leads to poverty. We must reject altruism and uphold each individual's right to his own life. Otherwise, any reversals of Obama's policies will be only minor and temporary.
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