I often read letters that condemn socialism as some sort of evil force that will bring down our form of democracy. We are, in fact, a socialistic-democracy, and it isn’t dangerous or bad. Too often, though, it’s associated with communism and or dictatorships.
Socialism as best defined is a system whereby all programs are state run and funded. Let me provide you with examples of state run programs we all welcome with open arms: Social Security/Medicare, our school systems, our police forces, our fire departments, our prison systems and jails. These agencies and many more all receive government funding. Without it, they couldn’t exist. And I’m positive we don’t want to eliminate them.
Most conservatives scream and yell about taxes and waste and want to cut everything. I agree that funds should be cut for bridges to nowhere, thousand-dollar toilet seats, government air travel on private jets or first class, when coach would be perfectly suitable. There are countless other pork items in the budget that a line item veto would take care of, should that miracle ever happen.
What we basically have in America is an oligarchy of very powerful people who call the shots in government. If you don’t believe this, check the names of the movers and shakers that appear in every presidency, year after year, Republican or Democrat.
What American people need to do is to vote out of office all well-entrenched politicians who have indebted their souls to the powerfully elite that really run this country. We need more governmental regulatory agencies, not less, to keep these people and corporations in line. Until this happens, we, the people, will always pay the price for corporate screw-ups and their governmental lap dogs who let it happen.
I believe that President Obama is on the right track in turning around our past president’s failed policies. With bi-partisan support, he will succeed.
This article appears in Mar 5-12, 2009.