James Lambert
What's wrong with socialism? It's a disaster for our society, economically and culturally, and it threatens our personal freedoms
FacebookTwitter
By James Lambert
February 9, 2020

It clearly appears that there are a number of high profile Democratic and Independent party local, state and national politicians who have declared that they believe in socialism. According to (Webster's ) dictionary socialism is defined as "economic and political theories advocating collective or governmental ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods." It is "a system of society or group living in which there is no private property." It is "a system or condition of society in which the means of production are owned or controlled by the state."

The definition itself (as outlined above) should alarm a lot of voters and citizens. Do we really want to live in a country where our government has absolute control over business and social enterprise?
    1) Socialism gives too much power to the government and their administrators. We have already seen the devastation that has resulted in countries where socialism reigns supreme. All you have to do is look at countries like Cuba, Venezuela, Yugoslavia, Sweden and Nigeria. Socialism pushes people to become dependent on government.

    2) It provides for a system where a 99.5% of the population is subservient to the .5% of those in government. This is a system that can quickly become overtly corrupt.

    3) It removes (for much of the population) the incentive to work. Why have colleges? Why have business promotions? The people of this country have observed the hard working tradition to get ahead. They educate themselves and advance in order to increase their wages and provide for their families. Socialism runs contrary to this. It depends on a system where there are no incentives.

    4) Socialism slows down economic growth. Free enterprise is discouraged.

    5) Socialism pushes people to become dependent on government. Already our country's federal debt is growing by over $1 million dollars a minute. Most of this can be blamed on politicians in Washington DC who are more interested in placating their constituents than balancing the budget. With socialism this problem would significantly increase.
Socialism also opens the gates for increased bureaucratic corruption. All you have to do is look to the economies of the countries I've referred to earlier (*1). At least in a democracy you have an opportunity to change the direction of your country by your vote.

At least in a democracy you can own property. It's up to you. People have the option to work hard and progress in an occupation of their choice. People can work up the ladder and eventually increase their salary. They can further their education to be more attractive to a potential employer. In a free enterprise system, one can even start their own business or company.

All these choices are ours in a democracy. With socialism one has limited choices. In a socialist society, the individual becomes the slave of government.

© James Lambert

 

The views expressed by RenewAmerica columnists are their own and do not necessarily reflect the position of RenewAmerica or its affiliates.
(See RenewAmerica's publishing standards.)

Click to enlarge

James Lambert

James Lambert has a broad business background. After receiving his undergraduate degree from Linfield College (McMinnville, Oregon), Lambert pursued a career in banking by working in various management capacities for Crocker Bank, San Diego Trust & Savings Bank and First Interstate Bank (between 1973 and 1995). By 1990 Lambert received his Master in Business Administration from National University (San Diego). For 3 years, Lambert also taught Finance at Mira Costa Community College... (more)

Subscribe

Receive future articles by James Lambert: Click here

More by this author

June 17, 2024
Illegal alien entry through California border has dramatically increased of late


March 19, 2024
It’s time to get a Republican (like Steve Garvey) elected to the U.S. Senate in CA. It’s been 30 years!


January 28, 2024
Summer Camps are usually a very good experience for young boys & girls


January 9, 2024
U.S. federal debt is a serious impending national problem


December 18, 2023
Economic Disaster: Democrats are determined to end sale of new gas-powered autos by 2034


September 24, 2023
Why illegal immigration negatively affects our country


August 14, 2023
Remembering a nice friend from my teen days who sadly passed away recently


August 1, 2023
Gavin Newsom has taken action to fully eliminate oil extraction in California


May 30, 2023
Newsom & Democrats eliminate the freedom of dealers to sell gasoline powered equipment


April 10, 2023
Over 60 years: 7 heartwarming San Diego team appearances at National Championship games with only 1 win


More articles

 

Stephen Stone
HAPPY EASTER: A message to all who love our country and want to help save it

Stephen Stone
The most egregious lies Evan McMullin and the media have told about Sen. Mike Lee

Siena Hoefling
Protect the Children: Update with VIDEO

Stephen Stone
FLASHBACK to 2020: Dems' fake claim that Trump and Utah congressional hopeful Burgess Owens want 'renewed nuclear testing' blows up when examined

Jerry Newcombe
Reflections on the Good Samaritan ethic

Pete Riehm
It’s not identities; it’s ideas!

Rev. Mark H. Creech
From ministry to need: Seeking help in my darkest hour

Jerry Newcombe
Bible sales increasing

Tom DeWeese
Change the debate and take back liberty locally

Steve A. Stone
Truth will out...maybe...someday

Curtis Dahlgren
On the need for noble mothers (and fathers)

Tom DeWeese
If you are illegal, come. We’ll give you $thousands and let you kill and rape. If you are legal, go to hell

Stanley Zir
The sky is not falling, Chicken Little, under Donald Trump

Jerry Newcombe
How Thanksgiving became a national holiday

Frank Louis
Thanksgiving Thoughts: If you think prayer doesn’t work, think again

Kari Lee Fournier
Almighty God vs. Satan: Thanksgiving during demolition of the Deep State!
  More columns

Cartoons


Click for full cartoon
More cartoons

Columnists

Matt C. Abbott
Chris Adamo
Russ J. Alan
Bonnie Alba
Chuck Baldwin
Kevin J. Banet
J. Matt Barber
Fr. Tom Bartolomeo
. . .
[See more]

Sister sites