Many people are confused about what Communism, Socialism, Capitalism, and Globalism really are. I have lamented for decades that our educational system doesn’t teach our children how to balance a checkbook – let alone teach fiscal responsibility. When you combine this with a distinct softening of emphasis on history and civics it is a wonder our country didn’t collapse long ago…
Any discussion about philosophies of government can be as deep as one wishes to make it, but there is no good reason for this to be a long article. These are actually simple concepts, and for our purposes, I’m going to stick to the essence of what socialism, capitalism, etc. actually are. I hope you’ll stick with me through this because these are very important concepts to understand.
Fundamentally, there are Two Types of Governance
The majority of mankind has historically lived under Authoritarian Rule. This would include Kings, Queens, Emperors, Dictators, and all one-party systems. Under these systems, the government is all-powerful and any freedoms the population possesses are granted by that government. China and the former U.S.S.R. would be examples of this.
Free Societies are typically Democracies or Republics. Under these systems, the people are all powerful and any authority the government possesses are granted by those people. The United States (as founded) would be an example of this.
Fundamentally, there are Two Types of Economic Systems
Technically, a Free-market System could be based on barter, but overwhelmingly a Free-market system is based on Capitalism. Typically (but not always), Free-market economic systems are paired up with Free Societies.
Another type of economic system is Central Planning. Central Planning economic systems are almost always paired up with authoritarian types of governments.
An Economic System or A System of Governance?
One of the biggest sources of confusion is an inability to draw a distinction between systems. The general public cannot listen to a politician and discern whether their economic policies will lead to more freedom or more authoritarianism.
Remembering these simple differences will make you the smartest person in the room 90% of the time…
Capitalism is an economic system; it is not a form of governance. Assigning morality to Capitalism (evil, unfair, greedy, etc.) is a result of not understanding the distinction. In and of itself, Capitalism is neither good nor evil. Capitalism is simply a free market where individuals are free to make their own decisions on pricing, production, and even when, where, and if to sell certain products or services - and reap the rewards (profit) or suffer the consequence (loss) of their decision-making. It relies on human nature and self-interest as motivation for each individual to make the best, most efficient decisions. Historically, Capitalism is a good match for a Free Society type of government, but there are exceptions. Over the last 20 years, the communist government of China has incorporated many aspects of Capitalism into its economy. This was by necessity as their system was heading towards economic collapse. It not only saved them; it made China a rich country and a global economic power. Recently, Chairman Xi has started reversing and restricting many of these Free-market reforms and returning to a Central Planning approach. Many economists believe these moves to be the catalyst behind the collapse of the Chinese real estate market.
Socialism and Communism are confusing because they can be considered both an economic system and a form of governance. Because they are authoritarian systems that require the citizenry to obey economic redistribution (theft), they must be paired up with authoritarian governments to enforce the confiscation of wealth. Because of this, there is no real distinction between the economic system and the system of governance.
In both Socialism and Communism, a small group of people decides how to redistribute the wealth and resources of the citizenry – with only slight differences in how they go about it. With Socialism, this small group is typically a Legislature or Parliament and they decide how much to tax each individual (confiscation of wealth) and who it should be redistributed to (government assistance, government grants, etc.). You might be thinking that this sounds an awful lot like the US Tax Code… And you’d be right. The government picks winners and losers. Under Communism, the state owns everything so there is no individual wealth to redistribute – the government has already confiscated everything and simply distributes small amounts of wealth to citizens based on the job they are assigned (“You will own nothing and be happy” – World Economic Forum).
In both cases, a relatively small class of elitists (the Ruling Class) scrapes off largess for themselves and dictates the fate of the masses. It should also be noted that for the uneducated Socialism is more palatable because it still carries the appearance of the Free-market and is often used by leftists as a transition to pure Communism. Although it can be argued that a small amount of socialism can be healthy for a Free Society, it is a slippery slope. The United States started down this slope in 1935 with President Franklin D. Roosevelt's Social Security Act. This slide has continued until today when many would argue the United States is in the full throws of Socialism.
The real danger, however, is Globalism. Globalism should not be confused with globalization. Globalism is simply worldwide communism. Communism always and inevitably fails. The most recent and largest example would be the collapse of the U.S.S.R. Communism always brings misery, poverty, and the suppression of human dignity and achievement. Its proponents claim communism can only work in a closed system. In other words, they blame all its failures on the prosperity of their Capitalist-based neighbors. Regardless of that lack of logic, this has become the battle cry for every Marxist, Maoist, communist (and now, Globalist) radical on the planet. This is why they will continually try to subvert our Free-market system and enslave us under authoritarianism. And, of course, if you see yourself as one of the Ruling Classes, why wouldn’t you want to rule the world?
StressFreeBill
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As always, our Friday editions include a joke and a recipe - have a great weekend!
STUPID JOKE of the WEEK
As I get older, I remember all the people I lost along the way. Maybe a career as a tour guide was not the right choice.
Want something different? You’ve gotta try this! If you have trouble sourcing the ingredients, go HERE to have them delivered (Unfortunately, I make no commission on this recommendation… sigh…)
RECIPE: BOLOGNESE WITH GROUND BOAR, ELK, AND VEAL
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Serves 3 - 4.
INGREDIENTS
GROUND BOAR
QTY 1/2 LB
GROUND ELK
QTY 1/2 LB
GROUND VEAL
QTY 1/2 LB
OLIVE OIL
QTY 3 TBSP
CHOPPED ONION
QTY 1 CUP
CHOPPED CELERY
QTY 1/2 CUP
CHOPPED CARROT
QTY 1/2 CUP
BLACK PEPPER, TO TASTE, GROUND FRESH FROM THE MILL
WHOLE MILK
QTY 1 CUP
WHOLE NUTMEG
DRY WHITE WINE
QTY 1 CUP
OREGANO
QTY 1 TSP
LARGE BASIL LEAVES
QTY 4
CANNED IMPORTED ITALIAN PLUM TOMATOES, CUT UP, WITH THEIR JUICE
QTY 4 CUPS
CAN TOMATO PUREE
QTY 1 CUP
PASTA PREFERABLY FLAT NOODLES LIKE TAGLIATELLE
QTY 1 ¼ TO 1 ½ LBS
FRESHLY GRATED PARMIGIANO-REGGIANO CHEESE, TO TASTE
COOKING
INSTRUCTIONS
Put the olive oil in a large pot and turn the heat on to medium. Add onion and cook stirring often until it has become translucent.
Add chopped celery and carrot and continue cooking for about 2 minutes.
Add ground exotics and cook thoroughly or around 7-10 minutes.
Add milk and let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes.
Add the wine then tomatoes, tomato puree and stir thoroughly to coat all ingredients well. When the tomatoes begin to bubble, turn the heat down to a gentle simmer. Add oregano and basil. Cook, uncovered, for 1 hour at a very gentle simmer.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Cook pasta in boiling water, drain and toss with desired amount of Bolognese. Serve with freshly grated Parmesan on the side.
I would say the main thing communism and globalism have in common is the significant anti-human and anti human flourishing component.