Zim: So far, this is the best I've found.
http://www.sungazette.com/page/content.detail/id/555662/Socialism-s-successes-.html?nav=5008
Socialism's successes?
October 29, 2010
Williamsport Sun-Gazette
In response to Kenneth Lee's essay, Thomas A. Shannon wrote"The Preamble to the Constitution speaks of forming a more perfect union and securing justice, not promoting individual achievement, or laissez-faire capitalism for that matter."
True, but the Preamble does not mention socialism, communism, facism, totalitarianism, the "welfare State", or even the "Fabian Society". Of course, these ideas were not yet conceived, but capitalism was.
Adam Smith, a Scottish philosopher, wrote the first book on economics from which we were given capitalist theory. Considering the great intellect of our forefathers and how well read they each were, it is likely they were acquainted with this book. This book points out many of the mistakes made by European monarchies with regards to their own economies, such as hoarding gold, tariffs, and protectionism.
Mr. Lee wrote that he has witnessed the failure of every form of socialism. To which Mr. Shannon responded with "what failures...?"
When we survey the playing field, those nations who are the most socialistic are, with few exceptions, encountering serious financial trouble. Think of Italy, Greece, France, and England.
We, too, have troubles, and there are those who would blame capitalism, yet America was primarily a capitalist society as we became the greatest nation in the history of the world. We are not purely capitalistic now, but a "mixed economy" with some of the features of socialism, but not all. It is noteworthy that one feature we share with Europe is wealth redistribution, or in some circles "social justice". The problem I see with wealth redistibution is that politicians never know when to stop; they would rather borrow money than economize, not a formula for success. The other problem with wealth redistribution is that it promotes sloth, one of the seven deadly sins. Politicians have made promises they know they cannot keep. Our day of reckoning is just beyond the horizon.
George B. Gross, Jr.
Old Lycoming Township
(CrossPosted By: Zim.)
Mad Poet Strikes Again.
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