Socialism, yech; Capitalism, yummm..

I'm not sure whether it's something in the water or something in the air or something else altogether but lately it seems there's been a lot more editorial cartoons, parodies, and "humorous essays" with the apparent message that America is becoming a socialist nation. The implication then is either (1) we're that much closer to being a communist nation; or (2) just look what horrible things have happened to all the socialistic European countries like France or Germany.

I just haven't seen anything to justify the idea that we're becoming socialistic. Sure President Obama has proposed raising taxes for the very rich and implementing social programs that we sorely lack such as universal health access, but we are so far behind the rest of the 1st & 2nd world nations that there's no danger of our even catching up during his administration, let alone pulling ahead of other nations. I recall tax brackets of 75% and 90% when I was growing up; hearing of entertainers and sports figures moving their residence to England or Europe to beat the oppressive tax rates in America. You don't hear that today.

You do hear about people "falling through the cracks" in our social system. Maybe you still have a job but probably someone in your extended family or social network is already out of work. With luck, they can get another job before their insurance runs out but maybe not. We'd like to help out but we're a bit stretched ourselves and "have you seen medical bills lately?"

And by the way, how many serious capitalists do you know? Not those who simply work for capitalists whose ideas and political impulses are to defend capitalism, but those whose capital is out on the line, at risk every day. Someone who could make it big today and be wiped out tomorrow. I think you'll find that few people can live like that. Almost everyone wants a little cushion, a little safety net. And they want it for as little expense as possible.

Well, guess what, socialism provides that safety net for many people at a reasonable price. It does so as a mandate and THAT's what people don't like. Until it isn't there when they need it. Then it's "Why isn't that program mandatory?"

My guess is that we're going to see a lot more cushions and safety nets as a result of this depressions but I"ll bet we won't see significantly more socialism than we already have.