Is Socialism Really So Bad?

It is my hope that this subject will cause some debate between my readers.

Does America seem to be "socialophobic" to you? I asked myself about Socialism and I realized that I had pretty much forgotten all I had learned in school about Socialism.  I hadn't really thought about it lately. The mention of Socialism just causes me a knee jerk rejection; bad, bad bad. So I thought I would try to answer the question, "is Socialism really so bad and if so why"?

I made several failed attempts before I found a way to present this information to you. It seemed overwhelming. So I will make a few comments on my conclusions and include the best of the web sites that I used for research so you may judge for yourself.


Definition of SOCIALISM by Merriam Webster
1: any of various economic and political theories advocating collective or governmental ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods
2a : 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 Marxist theory transitional between capitalism and communism and distinguished by unequal distribution of goods and pay according to work done
First Known Use of SOCIALISM  1837

The Founding Fathers knew that private property is key to our freedom.

Socialism does not allow the owning of private property.  It is difficult for me to imagine not even dreaming of owning my own home.  And what about my sewing machine?  My automobile?  Would I be expected to share my jewelry? 
　
One of the finest sources that I found on Socialism comes from the Illinois State University. It is an easy read and very comprehensive. (lilt.i/stu.edu/rrpope/rrpopepwd/articles/communism.html)


Definition of COMMUNISM by Merriam Webster
1  a : a theory advocating elimination of private property
b : a system in which goods are owned in common and are available to all as needed
2: a : a doctrine based on revolutionary Marxian socialism and Marxism-Leninism that was the official ideology of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics
b : a totalitarian system of government in which a single authoritarian party controls state-owned means of production
c : a final stage of society in Marxist theory in which the state has withered away and economic goods are distributed equitably
d : communist systems collectively
Origin of COMMUNISM
French communisme, from commun common
First Known Use: 1840

In the Soviet Union the Communist Party owned all industry, and property. The Party advocates the nationalism of banks, railroads and industries. (The railroads?. . . . maybe not such a bad thing.)  The Party is also in favor of one global government. (hummmm. . ..  I don't think so).  The Communist Party believes that the American people can replace capitalism with a system that puts people before profit - socialism.  Everyone who wants to work should be guaranteed a job or get unemployment payments until she/he can find a job.

 A good source of information about the Communist Party can be found at http://www.cpuusa.org/.

I concluded that as a conscience, Socialism has some merit.  Pure Socialism is well-meaning if misdirected.  The Socialistic ideas may have made our Democracy better.  But Socialism works against human nature.  Even a two year old  baby wants to "own" things.  "Mine, mine, mine!"  We can use our will to go against human nature but it is unsustainable.  Eventually we will tire and have revolution. 

Please, I would welcome your comments.  If you don't know how to comment go to the article listed under Archive, top right corner, October, How to post a comment.