Hello Everybody,
In another area of the Fidoverse, somebody of unknown
origin raised the question "What is socialism?" - and it
soon came to mind that everyone had his/her own idea of
what it is, but nobody wanted or was able to say.
Based on reading the opinions of various participants,
some conclusions can be made -
In the conservative mind, socialism means getting something
for nothing. Which is probably why so many conservatives love
to praise Jesus. Even if they do not really mean it.
I mean, think about it. Around 60% of America's wealth
is now inherited. That is how most Americans earn money.
Only the very poor do it the hard way, by actually doing
something in order to get what they want.
In the liberal mind, socialism means getting nothing
for everything. Just spend, spend, spend 'til you drop.
That is the ticket for success. Like Benjamin Franklin
once said, "There are two things in life one can never
get away from - death and taxes."
Conservatives never did like Benjamin Franklin.
"It is better to give rather than receive."
A Holy Man once said that.
True socialists act on those very words.
The wealthy support sociaistic benefits to enhance
their wealth. Which is another reason why they always
give glory and praise to His Holy Name.
Real socialism, if ever there could be such a thing,
is about public control of the economy and democratic
rule. But nobody in the world has that. Nor is it likely
that real socialism will be around anywhere in the world
at any time in the future.
Perhaps in a small community setting it might be possible
for there to be some limited form of real socialism. But any
attempt to do so would be short-lived, as that "death and
taxes" thing always gets in the way of everything, as if
it is some kind of a curse to do anything good.
But I am getting ahead of myself.
Socialism (for the rich) is using the instruments of the
state as a way to promote the interests of the rich and
privileged, at the expense of everyone else.
"Lord, make me an instrument of your peace."
~ St. Francis of Assisi
The Lord did as Francis requested, taking away all of his
money and possessions, including his clothes, and allowed him
to speak and converse with the animals.
The church never gave him any money (or clothes), but did
make him a saint. And look at what institution is the richest
institution in the world.
Another term for this process (socialism for the rich) is
corporate fascism. I did not coin that term. The first person
to do so was Benito Mussolini, in the Doctrine of Fascism.
Corporatocracy, by his lights.
Plutocracy is rule of the rich in the form of socialism for
the rich, which amounts to a form of kleptocracy or rule by
thieves. Kind of like Robin Hood in reverse.
Is that the way the USA is headed? Is that the way the rest
of the world is headed? There are many authoritarian rulers in
the world today. Many more than in times past. Maybe we do not
want to admit it, but socialism is very much alive and well.
And the rich absolutely love it.
--Lee
--
Food for the Fun of It
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