It has come to my attention as the health care debate rages on that a few of us are operating under some misconceptions, so in the spirit of public service, I have opted to clear up a few things.
Communism: an economic theory once dreamed up that supposed that humans could actually play nicely together and share. The theory has never actually been tried in practice, as no one has ever located a group of humans who could play nicely together for extended periods of time. Americans used to use this as an epithet for things they really, really, REALLY disliked, or for anyone wishing to make changes they didn't like.
Capitalism: ruled by supply and demand. For example, if I am a doctor and you only need a checkup but there are several other doctors nearby, I may choose to charge you only a minimal amount. If I am a doctor and you are deathly ill and it is the middle of the night and I am the only one around, I may choose to ask for your house, car, and first born child in payment the demand is high and the supply is low. While Americans currently seem to believe this is how our healthcare system operates, no known doctor has EVER attempted this practice, as they tend to have hangups about ethics and actually helping people. This is, however, how Congressional votes are bought and sold--most notably lately by health insurance companies.
Socialism: The new boogie-man used to frighten Americans into appropriate behavior once Communism lost its effect. A system whereby the government (representing the people themselves) owns certain things that it would make little sense for a private individual to own. Americans do not like to admit this, but this is how their road system works--except for a few capitalistic toll roads located here & there.
Fear-mongering: trying to stop things from happening by screaming "Communism" and "Socialism" without any facts to back it up
Congress: A place where grownups line up on opposite sides of they aisle and call each other names and fling mud
McCarthyism: where Americans who disagreed with each other called each other "Communists."
Obamaism: where Americans who disagree with each other call each other "Socialists."
4 comments:
Thanks for summing it up so accurately. I think I'm beginning to get the hang of your country's system. Just one question: do they sell tickets for Congress shows? They sound so much better than wrestling.
Good one Toni! I agree with everything, but could never have summed it up so well.
With love, from one socialist to another. :)
So, what do you call parents who object to the Prez telling their kids that they should study hard and stay in school? I have a few nouns with colorful adjectives in mind!
I enjoyed this very much. And Abby, "sad" is the word I think of, but that's about me, not the parents.
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