Why are so many Americans voting for socialists, Marxists, or communists? The common reason given is that people are finding it hard to “make ends meet,” so they are looking to politicians for food and housing. History has been around this block more than once, and it’s been a disappointment, albeit an abject failure, yet Americans seem to be going back to the same trough only to be left wanting.
This trend relates to deeper questions about citizenship and the role of government, which are worth exploring further.
The Roots of American Ideals
To understand these contrasts, consider the American founding documents alongside core Communist doctrine developed by Marx, Engels, and Lenin.
American founding documents derive their legitimacy from the consent of the governed (We the People) and natural rights (all men are created equal). We have the right to own the fruits of our labor, decide on who holds office, and have equal opportunity, not equal outcomes. We are individuals made by the Creator, not a number, aka “the collective.”
The Roots of Communist Doctrine
Communist doctrine derives its legitimacy from collective or state ownership and planned distribution. Everyone belongs to the same class. The government owns the means of production. Translation: no private property. Everyone is given the same amount of money and gets the same outcome, whether or not they work. Eventually, the state runs out of rich people’s money to support the promised government programs. Everyone becomes equally poor (except the leaders). Creativity and choice cease to exist.
In other words, you will own nothing and be happy. You will be rid of the rich and the jobs they provide. Instead, you will work for the government that promised you a guaranteed income, state-run grocery stores, and boringly similar, cheaply made housing. You will stand in line, awaiting your turn in the planned distribution of goods. (Think “nationalized health care,” where you wait in line, sometimes months, for the care you need.)
Why History Still Matters
Our current Speaker of the House says, “This is about moving away from a constitutional republic to a communist utopian ideology, and that’s a dangerous thing for the future of the country.”
Let me ask: if it’s so dangerous, why don’t Americans see it that way? I blame ignorance, or lack of history education. We can find out how to build an A-frame house online, but we are unaware of the well-known factual history that isn’t revised to fit a narrative. To safeguard our future, we must learn from the past rather than repeat its mistakes.
This is Common Sense Civics and Citizenship. 🇺🇸
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