Socialists are Turning the Capitalist Freedom Argument on its Ear



The argument for capitalism has always been opportunity. That is, everyone has an opportunity to accomplish what they want and government does not hold them back.

The problem with that argument comes when a majority of the public feels it is held back by capitalism itself. Capitalism is now being blamed for lack of opportunity and socialism is becoming seen as a road to opportunity. It is not difficult to see how so many, especially young people, have come to this conclusion.

If you are a college age young person, the cost of college may well seem daunting. If you are a recent college graduate, you may have loan payments stretched out in front of you that make the future look dismal. When a politician promises public help no doubt it sounds attractive.

We all know of people put behind the financial eight ball by health problems and the bills that go with them. When a politician promises help from the public sector the thought is no doubt, yes. With both of these groups capitalism is a problem, not a solution.

It's not as if boosters of Capitalism were not warned that this development was coming to take it away. In the mid 1800's a famous writer said that if capitalism went to far in ruining the lives of ordinary citizens they would send it packing. That writer was Karl Marx. Politicians during his time recognized his advice and flattened, to some extent, the economic class structure.

The stage is set for a political change that chases capitalism off into the woods. It would be wise for the political class to take heed.

Comments

  1. UnknownAugust 27, 2018 at 5:02 PM

    I consider myself a democratic socialist. I also have been self employed and an employer for most of my adult life. I believe that there should be a measure of opportunity to own and run a business but if you have employees they should have a say and protections from unfair treatment. In a word a union contract. I was a Union Drywall contractor.

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