Socialism Not Good In Any Form

To the Editor:

In reference to a letter in last Friday’s paper… It’s sad that we continue to have to explain that socialism in any form is bad to those who think it’s a good idea. One major point: Nothing. Is.Ever.Free.

Let’s start with the comment about free public education. Do you think the teachers worked for free? Do you think the suppliers of books, furniture, etc. gave their products to the schools for free? No, they did not. They received their money from the government. And where does the government get their money? From you and me the taxpayers. The government doesn’t produce anything. They get every penny from the taxpayers. So, in order to have “free” education, someone else has to pay for it. Bottom line: in order for someone to get something for free, someone else has to give up something.

In theory, socialism always sounds wonderful; everyone gets free stuff. In reality, it never works. Socialism in any form is about taking from those who have and giving to those who have not. The government decides who gets what, how much, and for how long. Capitalism is based on the freedom to work or start a business or invest to improve one’s position in life through hard work and perseverance with supposedly little interference from the government. They are direct opposites.

Let’s address the comment, “level the playing field.” What you mean is that everyone should be the same, everyone should get the same regardless of what their input is. Tell me, if you worked for a living, but half your paycheck went to someone who did nothing, would you be ok with that?

The constitution says this “We hold these truths to be selfevident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Nowhere does it say life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are guaranteed; nor does it say that others are responsible to provide them to you.

The bottom line is socialism is the antithesis of capitalism. The fundamental foundations of each are incompatible. Period.

Great quote from Margaret Thatcher, the first female Prime Minister of England, “The problem with socialism is you eventually run out of other people’s money.”

Sandy Hooper

La Grange