14 Reasons Socialism Won’t Work in America

Written on Wednesday, January 25, 2012 by David L. Goetsch

In Part Three of this series I explained the broad philosophical problem with socialism: its fundamental premise that state control is superior to individual liberty and economic freedom. In this installment I explain what adopting a socialist system would mean to Americans in practical terms. After completing this installment, the reader should be able to explain to young Americans why socialism is a flawed concept whether viewed as an economic system, a worldview, or in practical terms. Not only does socialism not work, it cannot work because of the following shortcomings:

Replaces the family with the state as the central unit in society
Undermines the family by redistributing its wealth and indoctrinating its children in government schools
Allows legalized theft in the name of redistributing wealth
Encourages sloth instead of productivity
Rewards irresponsibility, laziness, and poor accountability
Encourages self-indulgence instead of self-reliance
Encourages finger pointing and shifting of responsibility to others
Replaces the self-discipline of delayed gratification with the need for instant gratification
Undermines the values that are the foundation of the traditional work ethic (i.e. thrift, diligence, self-reliance, self-discipline, responsibility, accountability, deferred gratification, and hard work) and replaces them with an entitlement mentality
Treats those who contribute to the betterment of society the same as those who do not, even when they are capable of doing so
Promotes a get-something-for-nothing mentality that undermines the moral character of the individual and society
Robs people of initiative, drive, and ambition
Undermines the spirit of entrepreneurship, innovation, and competitiveness
Promotes totalitarianism, thereby undermining freedom and liberty

In a radio broadcast prior to the British general election of 1945, Winston Churchill said this about socialism: “…A socialist policy is abhorrent to the British ideas of freedom. Socialism is inseparably interwoven with totalitarianism and…worship of the state. It will prescribe for everyone where they are to work, what they are to work at, where they may go and what they may say. Socialism is an attack on the right to breathe freely.” (From Friedrich Hayek: A Biography by Alan O. Ebenstein, University of Chicago Press: 2003). Well said Mr. Churchill.

What’s So Bad About Socialism? (Intro)

How Do You Define Socialism? (Part 1)

Beginnings of American Socialism in Public Education? (Part 2)

Socialism’s First Casualties (Part 3)

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Martin Ridens

The main reason Socialism doesn’t work in any society larger than 12 or 13 people is because someone has to start making decisions for the group once it gets bigger than that.
Jeff Smith

When I read this and go through the points one by one it looks like the socialists in power and their minions behind the scenes are well on their way to their goal. I challenge you to pick any one of them that doesn’t describe the attitude or actions of the majority of people in America. It scares me to face the facts and it should encourage all of us to get off our tails and save our country before it’s too late.
Rostislav

Why so many points? One would be more than enough: Socialism never worked anywhere, being kind of perpetuum mobile, which may appear to be working only thanks to some hidden engine. In case of Socialism this machine is called GULAG or, less frequently, HOPE&CHANGE. But the result is always the same, be it USSR, Greece or any other country. Rostislav, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
http://rebelforiam.com m. sharpe

Most dont realize where America has been over the past 100 yrs. or the role of Treasury,IRS, and the Unfederal Reserves. 45% of Americans not paying federal taxes is No big deal by comparison to military bases around the world-spreading wealth;or grants installing Dictators and bailouts through WBO,and IMF.Why do We do business with poor Countries and have trade imbalances?because of the green worthless currency aka bank notes.We have been paying to show Christ the exit,and most are ignorant of the problem, and the process.There is No such thing as Democracy on Alinsky’s scale.Capitalism,Socialism,Dictator,Communism.Christians should return from the “land of Nod”.
Jerry

There is a 15th reason….99% of the citizens of America will not stand for it and if it is forced on them there will be a civil war that no one can imagine. We are used to our freedom and no socialist sob is going to force it on us. Hopefully those promoting socialism will learn they either need to get in step with democracy or leave and take citizenship in a socialist country and live under what they preach.
The Enemy

Of course socialism won’t work for (the betterment-of) America. That’s why the enemies of America, from the White House on down through the Senate, are pushing it. Their real agenda is the destruction of Capitalist American Exceptionalism.
http://aol.com mimi

If WE THE PEOPLE UNITE, THIS WILL NEVER HAPPEN, I WILL not give up my RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS FOR ANY ONE, I DON’T CARE WHO IS PRESIDENT, THESE POLITICIANS WORK FOR WE THE PEOPLE!!!!! But we have let them think they can do ANYTHING they want to us, WE THE PEOPLE HAVE THE RIGHT TO VOTE ON EVERY AND ANYTHING THEY WANT TO PUSH ON US, WE PAY THEM TO WORK FOR WE THE PEOPLE and if they don’t we have the right to fire them!!!!! IT IS TIME WE SHOW THESE PARASITES WE CAN’T TAKE ANY MORE OF THEIR LIES WE AMERICANS ARE HURTING BIG TIME, WE NEED SOME ONE WHO CARES ABOUT US FOR ONCE!!!!!!! HELP US!!!!!!!!! WE WANT JOOOBS NOW!!!!!!!!!
el_loco_jp

Wadda you mean, “won’t work”. Everyone of the author’s 14 points are being implemented right now. Obviously, now, socialism is working in America. And it will continue, only worse, as long as we allow self serving, deadbeat social parasites to control the ballot boxes.
mare

@ Daves:
It appears you do not read too well because you apparently missed this part of the article:
In a radio broadcast prior to the British general election of 1945, Winston Churchill said this about socialism: “…A socialist policy is abhorrent to the British ideas of freedom. Socialism is inseparably interwoven with totalitarianism and…worship of the state. It will prescribe for everyone where they are to work, what they are to work at, where they may go and what they may say. Socialism is an attack on the right to breathe freely.” (From Friedrich Hayek: A Biography by Alan O. Ebenstein, University of Chicago Press: 2003). Well said Mr. Churchill
For your information Daves, I grew up in a socialist country and can vouch for the fact that there is a distinction between the elite rulers and the people/slaves.
And btw, USSR translated = Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. So do you think that the people of Russia had a great time living under their despotic ruler?
Actually ‘socialism’ is a step toward communism and a more acceptable term since ‘communism’ got a bad name. The commies decided to change to the term socialism because it would be easier to go undercover and continue their agenda without appearing as threatening. Stealth and patience has obviously been the key.

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