Reality vs. Belief in Politics

A political position of certainty is one based either on the firmness of accurate observation, or on a belief staunchly rooted in the opinion of an accepted “authority” whose philosophical stance converted the ones holding that belief. In other words, observed and provable viewpoint versus “good-sounding” imagination are the two main political positions displayed on the stage of political action. The first (capitalism) is based upon accurate observation and knowledge of history, while the other (socialism) is based upon opinion and thus a belief that the system must be good because the believer wants it to be so. When first presented, socialism sounds plausible and even “good.” Still, history falsifies it.

This discussion is about capitalism vs. socialism. The system of free-exchange under conditions of freedom is labeled capitalism and is the observed system of growth that has developed the great United States of America. The system of governmental central control and suppression of individuality is the ethereal system known as socialism, which is sold by shameful and misleading claims and opinions of what “should be.” It is the system that when applied in groups, communities, and nations has failed historically in all instances by creating poverty, slavery, and even murderous suppression on a large scale.

Today, the label “socialism” doesn’t seem to evoke the disdain it deserves because of the lack of understanding that it once enjoyed in this country. Therefore, a list of comparisons is placed here to refresh an earlier, more accurate description.

Positive Features of Capitalism: 

1. It is based on private ownership of the means of production and the individual ownership of private property.
2. Under capitalism, initiative, innovation, and self-reliance develop and thrive.
3. It causes business efficiency, growth, and improvement.
4. Capitalism develops private property, wealth, and prosperity.
5. It provides for the wants and needs of consumers in the best and most efficient way.
6. Free people can work and save, then with savings, invest.
7. It develops “win-win” contracts (based on trust) and voluntary, free associations.
8. Capitalism gives rise to free-market economics.
9. Free-market economics require life, liberty, and private property.
10. Capitalism demands democracy.
11. Under US Democracy, free-speech, freedom of religion, and tolerance of opposition thrive.
12. Under capitalism, each individual’s future depends upon the efforts of each individual.
13. Under capitalism, self-interest and self-defense are moral concepts.

A radio commentator recently commented that the only thing she could recall about socialism was that it was the “central control of the means of production,” but that didn’t seem to mean much to her. The following should give her a more accurate clarification and could, therefore, secure a greater understanding for her.

Negative Hallmarks of Socialism:

       1.   Socialism means government control of the means of production; i.e., industry

             and the economy.

       2.  Socialism is the governmental control of society by a central committee or

             despot.

       3.  It abolishes ownership of private property.

       4.  It redistributes wealth by taking property (mostly by taxation) from the more   

             productive people and entitling it to those who have less, so that all people will

             have the same. This eventually results in poverty for all.

 5.  Socialism reverses liberty and controls lives.

6.      It represses initiative, innovation, and self-reliance.

7.      It subjugates the individual to the state.

8.      It promotes racial preferences.

9.      It creates and promotes class-envy.

10. It is advanced by fraud, and false promises.

11. It rewrites history, and it undermines the US Constitution.

12. Socialism subverts moral standards and education.

13. In order to promote socialism, its proponents relentlessly criticize capitalism, capitalists, and conservatism.

14. It suppresses religion, free-speech, and all opposition.

15. Socialism requires coercion, and in some countries it requires putting people in concentration camps (and even resorts to murder).

16. All attempts at socialism have failed to bring the greatest good to the greatest number of people.

It is my objective to bring more accurate understanding to these two systems, so that readers can make and preserve valid and sound decisions.

David L. Wood, M.D., Long Beach, CA, April 9, 2009; word count 682.