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Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Socialism 101


I have been shocked lately at how many people think socialism is a good idea.


Recently I have heard from more and more people (admittedly from Facebook) that they believe in socialism and even consider themselves socialist. These people of course also will be voting for Barack Obama. Let me take a moment to explain the problem with socialism:


It stinks.


Oh, not enough detail? It really stinks.


Socialism basically says this: I will take (steal) your money in order to deal it out according to how I (the government) sees fit. I (the government) will give it to who I (the government) believe needs it so they can share in your (our) wealth. Let's spread the wealth (via the government).


Why do I have a problem with this? BECAUSE I HAVE A BRAIN! I don't need the government telling me who to give my (actually, the Lord's) money too. I would rather not have the government, who is horrible with money management, choose how they use my husband's hard earned money (or anyone's hard earned money for that matter).


My other problem with socialism? It is based on envy. Yep, socialism says: that person over there makes more than you and they can buy X,Y, and Z while you have to live on a tight budget and only have one (gasp) T.V. and can't go out to eat at expensive restaurants. The horror! You need be able to share in their wealth because it's "not fair" that "they" can do things and have things you can't.


Thus I go back to my original statement on socialism; it stinks!

Thoughts?


20 comments:

Unknown said...

I totally agree with you! My hubby sent me an e-mail with a great example of this: While on his way to a restaurant, this man saw a homeless person with a sign asking for money. After receiving great service and food in the restaurant, the man told the server that he had earned a tip, but that this man was going to go ahead and give it to the homeless guy because that guy definitely needed it more. Of course, the server was furious because he earned that money - that wasn't fair!

I didn't retell it very well, but you get the point.

I also think that people assume that the money will come from "The Rich" who are CEO's of big corporations, etc. When they see less money in their own paychecks and protest that they are not those rich people, the government will say - but you are richer than that guy over there.

That does remind me that I need to pray for our country!

Kim @ Homesteader's Heart said...

My best friend Kathy and I have come up with what we think would be a best selling bumper sticker. It would say "Some people are just STUPID". Doesn't that just about sum it up? This country needs to get down on it's knees and repent. Isn't it frustrating?
All I know is that my God is way bigger than this country and He will ultimately have His way!
Love you girlfriend. Keep it up.
Blessings.
Kim

Alison Mayes said...

People just need to think before they make opinions about stuff. I loved that video you posted a couple of weeks ago when they asked people McCain's stances while they were Obamaa supporters.

Kathy C. said...

100% understood!!! Unbelievable the people think this is a good idea...well, actually, it's not so unbelievable if they are the type of people who would rather sit back and watch others work hard and take a "share" of that persons hard earned money. Kim is totally right, God is in control and He will prevail - AMEN! :)

MamaHen Em said...

It will be a sad day when capitalism gives way to socialisam, and yet it APPEARS that is what we are on the brink of. I know that regardless, God is in control, but things could get really scary in this country very quickly. At this point, we just continue to pray.

B. said...

AMEN sister! I agree totally and am so happy seeing you getting the information out about it.

Socalism also robs people of the benefit of meaningful work, developing skills and having pride in themselves for a job well done.

Socalism takes away ambition. Who wants to go to college, get an advanced degree, work hard to get a raise when that person could get the exact same money handed to them from the government.

Jacquelyn said...

But the government does such a stellar job with public education, healthcare, and current social programs, why not just hand over the rest of our money for them to distribute wisely. Hugely bloated government entities are just way more efficient than individuals could ever be with their own money ...

Traci said...

Amen sister, I mean we can barely pay our own bills let alone be forced to pay someone else's too.

I give out of love, out of compassion, when I am led to. I don't need to be forced to work more so that someone else can have incentive not to work hard.

Sheila said...

My husband and I just can't get over how people seem to be just accepting this! It is just so frustrating!! Who is this money going to come from? It's going to come from those of us who have worked hard and managed our money well. It makes me want to scream. But then I try to take a deep breath and remember that God is always in control, and we are only here for a short time. WE must do what is right, now matter what anyone else does.

kari said...

AGREE! so many people seem to think that they are owed something- it's crazy. God says "take heart, in this world you WILL have troubles." i believe that as a community of believers we are to care for one anothers needs, but NOT with gov't involvement. yikes!! also, when you can rely on the gov't for everything, why trust in HIM... ugh... i'm praying like never before.....

Jen - Balancing Beauty and Bedlam said...

It is going to be very scary when his veiled appearance makes way to what he really believes. We are in trouble, and it's all because people don't THINK!!!! My brother has scaped the barrel trying to build up his own company for 15 years. They put their entire life savings into this company and sometimes they didn't even know where the $$ was going to come to pay groceries. Now, in only the past few years, all his sacrifice, and stress has paid off and he's supposed to be patriotic by sharing with people sitting on their bootie? UGH! And...he has a gazzilion kids to put through college....he is not wealthy. That extra will be gone after braces, college and personal health insurance for a big family. Oh, don't even get me started. Well, I guess you did.

scargosun said...

So all of you that think that we shouldn't help our fellow man, is that right? Hmmm...that sounds a bit like the OPPOSITE of what Jesus taught. And most of you seem to be envoking God as the person that is going to take care of all 'this'. Taxes pay for social service for the disabled, the elderly and for our schools. republicans don't want to pay for this. They talk about 'pro-life' stances but what about after the baby grows up and gets old. The government wants to cut support. It's basically saying, we want to to be forced to have that child but we are not going to help you later. What a GREAT way to promote our country.
I work hard, I have a job and so does my husband. I DO believe it is unfair for those with MORE money, pay less taxes. I will, however, pay more in taxes to keep our social services intact. I will pay more to keep the arts in our schools. If you don't, we will become a nation with no culture. Is that what you want?

Anonymous said...

I love and read your blog often and thought I'd finally stop lurking and post a comment. Just in case you hadn't seen this socialist obama video, I thought I would share. It is called "A video portrait of Barack Hussein Obama" and can be found on eyeblast . tv or youtube . com

It scares the life out of me, people are trying their hardest to unknowingly elect a man that's going to send our country down a slippery slope to socialist marxism. That's not the change we need.... May our capable God help us all.

Heathahlee said...

I think most of these comments have said it for me, so I won't go into how I feel, but I will say that God is in control. He knows who is going to be our next president, and He knows what's going to happen afterwards. I have to just put my trust in Him. Then vote for the man I think is best for this country...John McCain.

Anonymous said...

Scargosun, I have to say, yours is the comment I look for on all of these interesting topics! :) I am (proud to say) Sarah's sister-in-law, and though I have never commented before, I read her blog everyday! Your comment about socialism and Jesus makes a lot of sense. I'm wondering if socialism is our culture's answer to the deficit that Jesus-followers have created by NOT following what Jesus says regarding the poor and needy: a 'pure and undefiled religion' is to care for the orphans and widows in their distress and to love our neighbors as ourselves. The Bible has given extensive information on how to specifically care for the poor and needy. What if those of us who claim to follow Jesus put His Word into practice faithfully? Would there be any 'poor' any longer? Would we even need any 'social services'? Or, maybe we would have these services, but they would be funded by us?!
So- thank you for your comment(s) and fresh perspectives on topics that concern all Americans.
And Sarah, great post...you made some great points that I've never thought about before. Wish we were neighbors! I'd come over for a warm cup of coffee right now! Much Love!

P.S. As a former art teacher, I really am grateful too for government programs that fund the arts and keep art/music programs in our schools and communities.

Anonymous said...

A lot has already been commented on here on the topic of socialism. Actually, it is scary. But, God will see who He wants or needs in office placed there. You know that saying, "Be careful what you ask for because you just might get it." I'll bet some of those that wish socialism into practice for Americans will be saying that four years from now.

If only there were another Christopher Columbus and another America to discover so that we may flee the strong hand of government... again.

Anonymous said...

Scargosun,
I don't think anyone who is anti-socialism is against helping other people. I believe that helping people should be VOLUNTARY. If you look at the "socialism" of the New Testament believers it was based on love and not enforced by a benevolent government (history tells us just how bad the Roman government was at the time) My church puts out it's budget for the church members to review every year and every year I am astounded at the amount that people give to the needy in our area. The church also hosts a soup kitchen and a homeless shelter overflow. When we serve coffee and muffins in between services we are encouraged to invite any and every homeless person we meet on the way to church to join us. I know a lot of Christians who are living out the gospel out of their love for Christ so your comments seem a bit harsh. Also, "rich people" don't pay less in taxes, they pay a higher percentage of a higher amount which ends up meaning that the top 5 percent of income earners in this country pay more than half of the total income tax that is collected. Asking them to pay more is punishing them for their success. I don't want to sound angry or mean but I just feel like the American dream will turn into a nightmare if we think that stealing from the hard workers in this country to reward those who work less is wrong.
I agree that it is important to take care of truly needy people wether they are disabled, elderly or in some way unable to care for themselves, I just believe that compassionate individuals and organizations can do a much better job at this than the governement can or will. Whew! I guess I have an oppinion on the subject!

The Lunch Lady said...

Having been born in a socialist country (The Netherlands)....AMEN!

My poor grandfather passed away because of the socialist Health Care system there. He had to "wait his turn" and it killed him. I know it's only a part of the socialist system, but to me, it's a very important one!

Thanks for sharing.

The Lunch Lady said...

This comment is for anonymous. It is the church's responsiblity to feed the poor and help the widow and fatherless. I think if all our churches in our country actually did this, we wouldn't have to rely on our government. God didn't put the government in place, people did. He did, however, put the church in the place of helping the poor.

Anonymous said...

loved this post. living in a socialist country for two years cured me (Poland under communism) Living with social medicine in Austria for 4 years also cured me (now why did all of us use private doctors instead of the social system? HHHmmmmmm because we wanted to be seen by a doctor who could take care of our needs perhaps.)Blessings to you--I enjoy coming here when I have time!