Socialism Is American

It’s as American as the apple pie grandma can afford to make you because she collects a Social Security check. Stop demonizing the word! From ignorance of their own history, economy, and government, most Americans flinch at the word “socialist.”

Communism is not an inevitable “next step” after socialism. The Soviet form of communism was not the communism Marx and Engels envisioned. Soviet communism was a cloak for a totalitarian dictatorship, just like fascism was a cloak for Hitler and Mussolini.

It is an oversimplification of the facts to assert that socialism is incompatible with democratic institutions. In fact, that myth which is repeated ad nauseum by conservatives, ignores the socialistic programs initiated by the government in FDR’s time. Social Security, workman’s comp, and the welfare safety nets created then have served Americans well ever since. These programs need updating and reform, just like most every other government program does. Their need for reform is not proof that they don’t have a crucial role in our society.

A series of articles in a recent issue of the Nation highlight important points related to modern socialism and why Americans need to get over their fear of the word. Please read:

“The Left Needs More Socialism,” by Ronald Aronson

Taming Global Capitalism Anew, a series with the following article titles: A Progressive Response to Globalization, by Joseph Stiglitz

A New Domestic and Global Strategy, Thea Lee

Re-creating Public-Interest Politics, Will Hutton

Taming Predatory Capitalism, James K. Galbraith

A North American Social Contract, Jeff Faux

Build the High Road Here, Joel Rogers

Universal Capitalism, Marcellus Andrews

Reform the International Financial System, Jane D’Arista

And note what Sweden, Finland, and other Scandanavian countries are doing to fuse modern democracies with socialistic safety nets. Socialism does not introduce corruption into a country, as Finland’s example shows.

Americans should determine to educate themselves on the difference between the failed attempts at communism of the past and present, and the present successful blendings of socialism and democracy.

7 Responses to “Socialism Is American”

perpetualstudent

April 20th, 2006 at 2:05:26 pm

A good defense of socialism. I grew up in a Republican household, so I heard all the scare rhetoric. When Bush got the nomination, I realized that the Christian Conservatives had too much power and influence. After leaving the Republicans, I learned that a lot of their rhetoric is focus-group tested so that they can get the rest of America to go along with their horrid policies.

Jim Miles

April 20th, 2006 at 4:45:51 pm

Thanks for the good words, perpetualstudent. (I like the sceen name, too).

Jim Miles

May 5th, 2006 at 7:23:38 pm

Recently, a brave new member of atomorrow posted a new topic called “Is Capitalism Biblical and Should (SDA) Christians Be â€œGoing Alongâ€ With It?” Of course, he was treated similarly to the way I was when I asked my Questions for my Republican Christian Friends: as though he was an idiot, and other such ad hominem cop outs.

Bob Sands, (a.k.a. Bob_2), and J. R. Layman, chimed in, and I thought I would document it here, especially since it seems Bob is still a devoted reader of this blog ‘o mine, and he actually posted a link to my article here, over there on atomorrow. Here is the link to the whole discussion, and here are the pertinent excerpts (I’m cutting and pasting, so all mispellings are the fault of the original posters, not mine):

Bob Sands:

“this sounds a little like Jim Miles rant. Maybe just refer him to JimBlog. They could have a good ole time “what iffing”, don’t you think.

The problem isn’t Captialism, it is the stubborn person in the Islamic world that doesn’t recognize the value of 50% of their population, their women.

You concept sounds a little too communional to me. Maybe you and Jim Miles can get one of these started in Fresno, with Elaine’s help!!!!”

J.R. Layman:

“Actually haven’t checked with Jim Miles blog….he had his shot and that was it…..he tucked his tail between his legs and hid, after he bared his fangs like a FEROCIOUS Chihuahua….then disappeared from HS and here, for awhile, when you stomped your foot on the floor. Although I agree, Ronald and Jim make a perfect couple!”

Bob Sands:

“J.R., hopefully you won’t mind this referral so two of a kind can get together:

http://www.jimblog.net/2006/04.....-american/

Jim Miles is actually going at capitalism and proposing more of a socialist America in this rant. Sign him up, Ronald.”

J.R. Layman

July 30th, 2008 at 12:19:41 pm

Hi Jim…….I love you too! LOL

J.R. Layman

July 30th, 2008 at 12:40:33 pm

FWIW Jim, if you want to quote this nefarious individual, e.g. ME. J.R. Layman…….you could at least have the decency to provide a link to my very bad boy site!

J.R.

Jim Miles

July 30th, 2008 at 1:20:55 pm

Hi JR! Great hearing from you. How’s everything going on your site. As you can see, nothing but crickets chirping here. I’m content to let this be a (completely ignored by the world) blog-diary-journal thing. It’s fun to tinker with. I’m still trying to narrow its focus, but I can’t seem to settle on any particular subject to concentrate on.

Hey, I was wondering something… What’s YOUR take on Alex Jones, who is based in your great state, and I blogged about here: http://www.jimblog.net/2008/06/25/alex-jones/

Ever heard of him? If not, check him out and let me know. If so, what do you think of his many bold claims (on Big Brother, RFID, 9/11 issues, etc)?

By the way, here’s JR’s site ;)
http://www.atomorrow.com

J.R. Layman

August 1st, 2008 at 3:43:44 pm

Nebber heard of Alex Jones…but if he’s someone you pay attention to, undoubtedly he’s based in Austin (which is NOT part of Texas…but is the Peaples Left Wing Liberal Republic of Austin!)

FWIW…..couple of years ago…..I went out on Prairie Chapel Road in Crawford Texas……Now I probably don’t like George Bush anymore then you….but for opposite reasons (he lets all those Mexicans illegal’s stay here……and let you Dem’s get away with loading up Pork Barrel spending on the budget without vetoing it!) …….But I was supporting the President of the United States…..against those Code Pink, Cindy Sheehan and Communist agitators. Pulled into their side of the street……they noticed my bumper stickers…..and this one Communist Agitator (#itch) stands in front of me…..daring me to run her down. I simply turned off the engine and took pictures of all the leftest/communist/pinkos and laughed at her…….they were like a bunch of left over hippies from the 1960’s…….I’m sure you would have been at home with them LOL. (un-washed as they were!)……..Anyway…..went back into Crawford, bought a bunch of cool drinks for the RIGHT side of the road guys and got a great big presidential flag at the “Yellow Rose,”. to hang on our side of the road! …..

JimBlog.net