A recent poll showed 81% of Republicans believe “socialists” have taken over the Democratic Party. On what basis did they arrive at this conclusion? Did they do research [in legitimate mainstream books, paper, sites]? Did they do historical analysis, especially of those countries, accused of, or actually practicing some form of “socialism?” OR – did they buy into another bumper sticker slogan? OR – did their favorite politician[s] say this, and therefore they “must” believe this?
The Preamble of the U.S. Constitution states the purpose of the American government is: “..to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity…”
What does that government have to do to “form a perfect Union?” To “establish Justice?” To Insure domestic Tranquility?” To “promote the general Welfare?”
Any government required to do these things MUST have much concern for the welfare of its citizens. It MUST be required to do certain things to achieve “justice,” “tranquility,” and “promote the general Welfare [greatest good for the greatest number].”
“..promote the general Welfare..” A dictionary definition of “welfare:” “the good fortune, health, happiness, prosperity, etc. of a person, group, or organization; well-being..” A dictionary definition of “well-being:” “a good or satisfactory condition of existence; a state characterized by health, happiness, and prosperity.”
SO – what does a “constitutional” American government to to “insure..the good fortune, health, happiness, prosperity..the satisfactory..existence..” of the American people?
The Declaration of Independence: “We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that amoung these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness – That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted…”
SO – one of the unalienable Rights” of Americans is “the Pursuit of Happiness,” and, it is the DUTY of any American government to “secure” this Right.
SO – what does it take to foment Happiness” for Americans?
If one were to look for possible answers, one example would be that recent multi-year polls have shown that the “happiest” people on earth usually live in “Scandinavia>” If this is true, year after year, what are those societies doing to “pursue Happiness?” What are they doing “to promote the general Welfare?” What are the philosophies that “insure..the good fortune, health, happiness, prosperity” of Scandinavians, year after year?
AND – if this is THE recipe – WHY isn’t America doing these same things?
An encyclopedia definition of “socialism:” “is an economic system, a political movement, and a social theory…Socialism calls for public ownership of land, factories, and other basic means of production…socialists believe that a nation’s wealth must be distributed more equally and justly. They strongly oppose social inequality and discrimination. Socialists aim for a society based on cooperation and brotherhood rather than competition and self-interest.”
The American government owns land. It doesn’t own factories [so even in a pandemic, it must require private factories to produce necessary medicines for public benefit]. The American “safety net” includes Social Security, Medicare, unemployment and disability pay, veteran’s benefits. Which of these would anybody like to eliminate? According to one study, the “average”American family receives $10,000 annually in government “transfers.” Subsidies to industry and agriculture are “normal” budget items.
When industries – auto, etc. – received government “bailouts” was this considered “socialism?” When the government bailed out 1980’s S & L’s, was this considered “socialism?” When the government bailed out Wall Street [crooks] after it caused the 2008- “Crash” – was this called “socialism?”
Are free K-12 public schools “socialism?” Free libraries? Toll-free roads? Free parks and playgrounds? Free public restrooms [visit another country!!!]?
“to promote the general Welfare.” Does giving away reverse Robin Hood tax cuts for the top 1% [“campaign contributions buy a lot!] “promote the general Welfare [as they blow up the national debt]?
The Christian Bible has 2,000 plus references to the poor and obligations to the poor, including: “The righteous considers the cause of the poor, but the wicked close his eyes to them.” [Proverbs 28:27] “Jesus said to him, “If you will be perfect, go and sell what you have, and give it to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven, and come and follow me.” [Matthew 19:21] “You have despised the poor. Is it not the rich men who oppress you, and drag you before the judgment seats?” [James 2:6]
Does economic inequality represent “a good and satisfactory condition of existence?” Does massive post-1980 economic inequality “promote the general Welfare?” Does it “insure domestic Tranquility?” Does it “secure the Blessings of Liberty?”
Does it satisfy a ‘socialist” goal “that a nation’s wealth must be distributed more equally and justly?”
Please read Richard Wilkinson and Kate Pickett’s “The Spirit Level [Why Greater Equality makes Societies Stronger]” or Nobel Prize winner Joseph Stiglitz” “The Price of Inequality [How Today’s Divided Society Endangers Our Future]” for specific data and analysis on this unsustainable wealth division; and what the top 1% income share is, and the 400 richest Americans making $97,000 an HOUR; the true source of “capital gains” income; the cost of financializing the American economy [YOU didn’t benefit].
Stuart Stevens, a 25-year top Republican Party campaign operative, wrote “It Was All A Lie,” meaning the last 50 years of Republican policies. He said: “..but I do know that i feel enormous sorrow and personal shame” about what the Party had become and his role in what happened
The statement or belief that “socialists” have taken over the Democratic Party is also “All A Lie.” They’re simply honoring the principles of the Declaration and the Constitution. And – also the wishes of Jesus Christ – they we love our neighbor, not despise him.
With Justice For All 