Socialism in the United States
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Many people fear that the United States is headed for a socialist economy. With a failing economy and the government “bailing” out so many failing businesses, it seems that socialism may be inevitable.
What is Socialism
Socialism is the form of economic system designed by Marx and Lennon in which society owns and controls land and capital used in large scale industry. In this kind of economy, the government seeks a more equal distribution of income than that obtained under capitalism. In other words, you take from the haves and give to the have nots.
What will be taken over if the US converts to socialism?
- The banking system-the Government will control and own the banking system
- Public Utilities
- Transportation
- Communication
- Power companies
- Phone companies
3. Large Scale Industries
- Steal Industries
- Oil Deposits
4. Large Scale Retailers
What is Capitalism?
Currently, the United States can enjoy the pleasures of Capitalism. Capitalism was developed by Adam Smith, also known as The Father of Capitalism. Below is a list of the characteristics of Capitalism:
· Private Property- The individual has the right to own land and capital (buildings, tools) and use it for personal gain.
· Freedom of Enterprise- Gives each individual the right to do business as he/she feels is best. This gives our economy flexibility.
· Role of Self Interest- Capitalism embraces the role of self interest.
· Freedom of Occupational Choice- Allows individuals to choose where to work
· Competition- Allows companies to compete with their prices.
· System of Markets and Prices- This is the communication system of Capitalism. This system balances supply and demand.
· Freedom of Contracts- Gives individuals and businesses the right to have legal binding contracts.
· Functional Distribution of income- Allows people to make what society is willing to pay for their services.
Socialism VS Capitalism
Socialism embraces the idea of everyone being treated equally. This means taking from the rich and giving to the poor. This would mean that everyone has to be charitable and want to give all the time.
On the other hand, Capitalism embraces entrepreneurs. It is designed to allow people to make as little or as much as they want. This economy allows individuals to propel towards economic success.
This leads to the original question; is socialism coming to the US? We can judge that by the things going on around us. First of all, there is the $11 trillion deficit in the United States. China will own the United States someday if we don’t get our act together. Next, the government has started buying all of the big car companies, and companies like Freddy Mac. Does that sound a little like Socialism?
Another thing that concerns me personally is Obama’s health care plan. I am sure that many people will benefit from this, but what is the cost to the hard working entrepreneur? Also, I know that people were really excited to get those economic stimulus checks in the mail, but, where did the money come from to pay those checks. It surely did not come from the government funds (-$11 trillion).
In summary, Capatilism is a way of life that American's have become accustomed to. If someday the United States converts to Socialism, the American people will have to adjust to the change.
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Comments
Thank you for your comment. However, not likely does not mean "can't happen."
True, but for 20 years or so many countries have been moving away from socialism to market oriented economies. (de-regulating) The pendulum could be swinging back as a result of the current world economic situation.
This was a great "Point" and "Counterpoint" hub UK. I really enjoyed your story on how to catch a wild pig!
Yes, I agree with you that this country is slowly and steadily moving towards socialism perhaps even fascism. Should the Patriot Act survive and fade into Patriot II, we will lose our Bill of Rights and all of our freedoms. There is real speculation that Obama is creating his own police force that will do espionage. I'm not joking. I'll find the article. Thanks again.
Just curious, who is "speculating that Obama is creating his own police force that will do espionage?" What's your source for that wild claim?
As usual I enjoyed reading your hub though I find it hard to understand why people in America are so afraid that Obama is taking the country somewhere they don’t want to go. You live in a democracy if Obama does things that you don’t like then he has to deal with the consequences you can vote him out or he can be impeached the power is still in the hands of the people. I am not a Marxist, Leninist or a communist but many of the failings of States that followed their teachings have come undone not because of the teachings but because self interest of the powerful prevailed. Those at the top with power and money have feathered their own nest and escaped the consequences of their own corrupt practices.
Many people in this recession have found themselves in financial trouble that is not of their own making. People in the banking industry have played fast and loose with other people’s money and have lost. They have forced people who have worked hard to build up a business that is successful but that has a cash flow problem i.e. lots of orders but not the cash available to fulfil those orders and the banks are not willing or able to lend them money to do so. This has caused viable business to fold with the loss of jobs homes and all the stuff that goes with it. Not all the poor vulnerable unemployed and elderly are slackers looking for a free ride. Most of these people are not slackers or freeloaders and God help them if they or members of their family get sick during this time.
I am not attacking your point of view I’m just saying it is not black and white not all capitalism is fair just ask those who work in the sweat shops not through choice but necessity and not all socialism is bad just ask those who have benefitted from the minimum wage. I am sorry this has been such a long comment I should have written a hub Lol
sorry hit the button twice
Maggs,
I am not attacking Obama in this article. I just feel that the US is slowly converting to socialism. Capatilism is all that I know because it is all that I have experienced.
As you know from my writings, I personally do care about the elderly and less fortunate. I was simply writing about something that popped into my head as I always do.
I know that the recession has been hard on alot of Americans. Many people have lost thier jobs and thier homes. I also know that for me personally, I have always worked very to provide a good life for my children. It seems to be getting harder and harder to do that. The economy is messed up in the US, but it is not my fault. All I have ever done is work and pay my way to the things that I "needed" in life to make it.
My main concern is that the freedoms that I have always enjoyed, are going to slowly be taken awaqy. YOu say vote the president out. In reality, there is very little that I can do about the things that go on in with the government. We Americans just have to keep busting our tails to try to make it finacially, and hope that we have a job tommorrow.
Not sure why everyone's in an uproar about socialism and why it's so evil. Of course, I wouldn't want the Cuban variety, but the Western European variety wouldn't be so bad. They seem pretty happy with it to me. I never hear european businessmen complaining, do you?
Useful Knowledge - If Obama had the slighlest inclination of moving the country towards socialism or any other direction not favorable to the American People, or favorable for that matter it would be a lost cause. Don't forget that Obama just came into office. Most congresspeople and senators have been around for years - some for generations like the Kenedys. My point is that Obama is one man and all his ideas need to be blessed by both parties, the congress, the senate, and a whole host of special interest groups. The check and balance system of the US government will always maintain the status quo, good or bad...such as it is!
Management of resources in America is market driven and the pendulum never sways too far in one direction or the other no matter who is president. Therefore, for the next four years you will see a little socialism, a little communism, liberalism, conservatism, and a few ism's not yet identified. But overall what will you see mostly is democracy - good and bad! Americans are just simply weird, but it works for us!
Great hub - thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Very interesting, opinion is important to get to the best solutions.
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Ralph Deeds says:
4 months ago
The U.S. is not likely to "convert to socialism."