Apr
Does Freedom Exist In A Socialist State?
Most of the socialists out there view their system of society as a more free alternative to capitalism. Socialists and communists probably have one of the most popular phrases; From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs. It sounds nice, but if you’ve ever probed a person that believed it, asking how it would work, you’ll often be met with a dark, violent and twisted view.
The Contrast of Socialism and Capitalism
Socialism is basically that the needs of society are everything. There is no such thing as individual rights. There is no basis for what is right or wrong, unless society says it. Your duty is to serve the needs of society, rather than your own. Your job is to do as your told.
Capitalism, on the other hand, is a social system based off of individual rights and freedoms. It recognizes the most sacred property right and that is owning yourself. You can choose how to live your life, how you will produce and have full access to the fruits of your labor.
The socialists tend to view freedom, not as a choice individuals have, but as a forced control of equality. It isn’t about being able to live your life or make your own choices, it is about making the same money as everyone else. I personally don’t care what other people make. I’m more concerned about my own personal life and how I live it. Money isn’t everything. Choice is much more important. Each person out there deserves the freedom to pursue a life of their choosing and go in any direction they choose. It isn’t about equality or money, it’s about choice.
For more information on the greatness of capitalism and individual freedom, check out Capitalist Shrugged.
Capitalism creates a society of people who care only about themselves. Social democracy, properly instituted, would create a society of people who respect and care about each other so that although they may have a right to do certain things, they feel a responsibility to take others’ interests into account. Also, socialism is more than an economic system, it is a philosophy for ensuring that democratic ideals are installed and maintained.
Capitalism is purely an economic system that undermines democratic institutions in the pursuit of profits. For instance, there used to be widespread public transport in the US (we led the world), ensuring that people could get to work and function in society. Many, many street car companies were bought out and dismantled by GM, however, so that they could turn around and sell cars to the people who suddenly had no way of getting around. They did it under a false company, called National City Lines.
Capitalism creates a system like what we have in the US, where hyper-competitiveness leads to hyper-individualism and lack of other-regard. Eventually, corruption and a winner-take all attitude rule.
Socialism isn’t perfect, but capitalism has clearly failed us.
July 10th, 2008 at 9:08 pm