Why do people think socialism is a good idea?

I had to write this after a conversation over the water cooler this morning. It seems like a good number of folks think that socialism is the right thing for the US. I was stunned. The conversation talked about Obama and one of his messages. I can’t verify it, but the idea was that everyone in the US would make $50,000 a year. That scared me. I asked what would compel someone to improve. They couldn’t answer. I said they’d have to take me away kicking and screaming, because I’d be one of the people trying to overthrow a government like that. I’d never be a government zombie.

They countered with the argument that I do what I am told now, so what is the difference. I said that I chose this line of work. I want to do this (to a point), and that I could choose to walk away from it. I could go work somewhere else, and they could pay me more (or less). It is freedom. They couldn’t counter that argument effectively.

What these folks don’t get is that people who have had a taste of both socialism and freedom, they almost always choose freedom! I still remember the Berlin Wall. I have talked to those who escaped Vietnam. I understand freedom.

But Mike, what about Canada? They have socialized medicine, don’t they? Yes, and their system sucks. As I have always asked: Name ONE government program that has worked as intended. You can’t. It is impossible. Yes, even the destitute will have access to medical care in Canada. That is great. Are you saying the destitute do not have medical care in the US? With the number of charity hospitals around, I don’t think we leave the sick and dying on the streets if they can’t pay, at least not in the numbers we are led to believe. The care may not be as “great” as a rich man’s, but the meals, clothing, shelter, etc, are not as great either.

Socialism is to equalize the standard, usually by lowering those of the well off so that it matches those who are not. If that were the case, why should I go to school, work hard, and try to better my life? It provides no incentive. And it breeds a very lazy people.

Of course, that is happening now. We have people of all walks of life, even corporations, asking for handouts from the government. From Social Security to Medicare, Medicaid, bailouts, subsidies, loans and grants, our government have people hooked on the crack that is federal monies. It is wealth on the grandest scale, and it dooms us.

So, my co-workers are jealous that they do not have access to everything they want (but they couldn’t be specific enough to name exactly it is they want), and want something for nothing in essence. Yes, I would love not having to pay for my medicines. I would love to have hospital stays for next to nothing.

However, I WILL NEVER FORGO MY FREEDOM IN EXCHANGE FOR GOODS OR SERVICES. I am not a whore. And I never will be.