Tag Archives: socialism

05/2/24

Capitalism/Democracy v Socialism

Other day I’m having a pleasant chat with a fellow and he blurts out something about the left being socialists. It’s clear to me after listening he has no idea what a socialist is and what they do. [I do agree that the American left is socialist and getting more socialist.]

In America today, we have an economic system and a political system.

Our economic system is — theoretically — capitalism, while our political system is democracy within a representative republic. You will get an argument that our political system is also capitalism.

Socialism is both an economic and political system. Continue reading →

07/26/19

Socialism At The Speed Of Light — Venezuela

OK, I don’t think The Squad or the Democrats writ large are going to plunge the United States of America into socialism, but I do think it is worthwhile investigating how fast such things can happen.

Doing singular stupid things is not the same as imposing socialism, but it is how socialism takes root.

Let’s take the case of Venezuela. Venezuela was the richest country in South America and sat upon the largest known oil reserves on the planet (still does) in 1992.

Image result for images flag of venezuela

Here is the time line:

1992

An unknown Lieutenant Colonel of paratroopers, Hugo Chavez, attempts to overthrow the duly elected government of Venezuela. The coup attempt fails. Chavez is imprisoned, but achieves name identity.

[Pro tip: As a paratrooper myself — a guy who jumped out of perfectly good airplanes — I caution the world to keep track of what the paratroopers are up to at all times.]

The country was in the midst of street protests over a gasoline price hike.

Continue reading →