Which media voice are you listening to today — the one that fans passive anger and blames others, or the one that confronts hard facts and urges productive action?
Do you find that media coverage shapes your opinions and views on civic issues? If so, it can become more challenging to think and reason independently.
Two Competing Narratives
I see this whole tug of war in America as an attempt by certain groups to brainwash citizens into accepting Marxism. By Marxism, I mean ideologies such as socialism and communism that advocate collective ownership and control of resources. Think I’m wrong? I just finished surveying the 2012 Democratic Socialists of America platform, which sets the way forward for the changes we have seen in our society over the past few years. (see https://www.dsausa.org/strategy/where_we_stand/ )
The History and Real-World Record
Socialism (which is really Marxism and communism by another name) promises you an authentic voice in your government. Where was that “real” voice in Venezuela, Cuba, or the former Soviet Union? Why did I hear testimonies to the contrary from a former Venezuelan, a Cuban, and a Russian in the media just yesterday, talking about the realities of life under socialism? Interestingly, they all said that socialism began in their country in the same way they see it taking hold in America today.
Economic Realities: Prices and Choices
Also, according to the 2012 DSA platform, their end goal is to abolish privately owned property and businesses, from small ones (like yours and mine) to large (like corporations and farms). These businesses would be replaced by the Socialists in the leadership roles. Like your barber? How would you like a Socialist haircut? Do you want your favorite brand of fruits and vegetables? How would you prefer getting whatever food the government offers you, when and how it decides to distribute it to you?
Socialism (in this context, akin to both Marxist and communist policies) is marketed as “free stuff” by young, attractive candidates. If you ask, they can’t give you a straight answer about how they would pay for your Utopia. Like Margaret Thatcher said, “The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people’s money.”
What You Can Do Instead
Please pay attention to what they are saying and consider how they might be brainwashing you. Look to history for examples. Read, research, and decide for yourself — then vote or engage locally.
This is Common Sense Civics and Citizenship. 🇺🇸
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