The Laughable Notion Democrats are "Socialists"

It is true that in general Democrats are more likely to support government health care for all, lower drug costs and equal opportunity by subsidized education. But looking at the larger scheme of things, capitalism brings about many of the ends Democrats seek and may not be available under genuine socialism.

Racial integration gave us an example of how capitalism can drive liberal ideas forward when government may hold them back. The young Jimmy Carter, a peanut buyer in Georgia, made certain a black woman was not pushed to the back of the unloading line by bully white men.

Rosa Parks refused to move to the back of the bus. Others had refused before and no one forced them to move. The city bus service was owned by a private firm. That bus firm lobbied City Hall to abandon the ordinance requiring black people to sit in the back because, it said, drivers did not have the time or energy to police where people sat. They had enough to do just driving the buses.

The current controversy over abortion made me wonder how our privately owned medical system will respond to states that have passed laws making abortion illegal. Of course, we don't know what the courts will decide, but if they uphold these laws the demand for abortion will continue and there will be entrepreneurs who see a chance for profit.

I discussed at home abortions recently. But, when abortions are legal in other states the option of moving patients there will present itself. And like in the days before Roe, there may be lots of illegal abortions available and too few law enforcement resources to stop them.

Then there is the long border between Mexico and the U.S. A boom in low priced dentistry, optometry and prescription drugs has developed all along the border. In one small town, Algedones, there were at last count 117 dentists. An abortion network may follow. The same for Canada.

Medical issues with religious and political cache would be easier to regulate with socialized medicine. But, when there is money to be made, don't bet against capitalism.