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Could Venezuelan Socialism Come to America?

Posted on Tuesday, May 7, 2019
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by AMAC, Robert B. Charles
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57 Comments
Venezuelan Socialism

Could Venezuelan socialism come to America?  Let’s hope not, but let’s be frank.  Many Democratic presidential candidates and vocal congressional leaders, if believing they will “do it better,” are promoting exactly the approach taken by Venezuela’s Chavez and Maduro.  That approach has produced hell on earth for Venezuelans, who cannot find water, meat, gasoline, safe haven, or even so much as an egg in Caracas.

Specifically, left-pressing Democrats say they want control over the means of production, that is, federal authority over producing and distributing health care, medicine, energy, education, transportation and any other sector they can pull into a command-and-control economy. 

If this sounds radical, it should – it is.  This is precisely the bankrupting philosophy, and specific practical ambitions, that have animated socialists and communists for the past hundred years.  And everywhere this failed ideology, which trades individual political and economic freedom for the promise of heaven on earth through collectivism, submission and centralized control, has produced misery. 

Venezuela is just the most recent example of the same old witch’s brew – conceit and arrogance, ambition advanced by government coercion and violence, raising a socialist ideology over prerogatives and choices of the individuals in a free society.

But let’s be even more specific.  While Democratic presidential candidates and congressional voices speak glowingly of free things for everyone, from health care and medicine to education and energy, let’s come back to reality.  

First, from a purely economic perspective, only the private sector generates income, wealth and revenue, not the government.   Entrepreneurs, skilled workers, citizens who invest their savings in technologies, services, and markets produce things.  They are incentivized by profit, returns on their work and investment, and a better life.  Governments tax, tap and confiscate property earned in the private sector, sometimes for worthy or agreed purposes, but always on the backs of those who work.

Second, Venezuela is a classic example of the witch’s brew producing – what it always does – high minded words, promises of something for nothing, then confiscation of property in growing amounts, loss of liberty, then loss of access to formerly available material items – from food and energy to stable economic conditions and security. 

What happens is that political freedoms and free markets are taken over, opposition sporadically and then methodically squashed, protesting voices put down, wage and price controls  imposed, rationing begun, class warfare encouraged – the rich and increasingly the middle class vilified, and as more become poor, state dependence for survival fanned, expanded and made life’s only option. 

That is what happens everywhere socialist ideologies are promoted, whether by slick-tongued, half-falsifying, half-historically ungrounded political candidates, or by party organizations hoping to wrestle control from the people, in the name of the people.  It is an old game, by now – but a scary one.

So, once again, let’s see what it brought those who were duped, threatened, indebted, promised, cajoled, hoodwinked or deceived into believing that socialism was their ship coming in.  Consult – for reference – the miserable lives of those who lived or live in socialist or communist countries, including the former Soviet Union, communist East Germany, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Albania, or in the Far East, China, Laos, Cambodia, or Vietnam.  In this hemisphere, try Cuba on for size. 

In Venezuela, you have seen the photographs of radiating misery, and it has been a long, inevitable process of decline, demoralization, diminished liberty and ultimate impoverishment and dependence.  But here are some numbers that drive the point home.

In Venezuela, while misery began in the late 1990s, the descent into hell has just continued to accelerate.  Centralized control, whatever the motivations, can never replace individual choice and freedoms.  The present inflation rate is estimated at 1.3 million percent annually, which means a cup of coffee today will cost the price of a house by this time next year, in current currency.

Put differently, as one recent analysis demonstrated, the socialist economy is unstable, and has spun out of control.  While food is nearly impossible to find, a basic MacDonald’s “Big Mac” cost a year ago roughly $145,000 bolivars, while in America it cost roughly $5.30.  That means that a dollar converted, a year ago to roughly 27,500 bolivars.  A year prior to that time, a dollar converted to 27 bolivars.  And today, you will not likely find a Big Mac in Caracas.

Similarly, exports fell by 67 percent between 2013 and 2016, while imports fell by 66 percent.  In other words, a country – where energy (oil) was plentiful – could not sustain production under centralized control.  Imports could not be afforded and, to preserve centralized control over such goods as electronics, were cut off.  All this was done in the name of elevating the quality of life, while the socialist leaders – including Chavez and Maduro – missed no meals.

Bottom line:  Socialism is a failed, naïve, dehumanizing and immoral approach to life, suppressing political and economic freedoms in the name of nirvana, or the perfect state of the human condition.  Those candidates who promote it are either historically uninformed, power hungry, insensibly naïve, or intentionally deceptive.

In any event, the present state of affairs in Venezuela – an undeniable human, political and economic disaster, boldly buttressed by Cuba, Russia, China and Iran – should be enough to warn any American candidate and voter off embracing socialism, even if they imagine they will “do it better.” 

Could Venezuelan socialism come to America?  Let’s hope not.  Freedom requires individual responsibility, but Americans have always preferred that to being told what to do or told what they are no longer allowed to do.  This is America, not Venezuela, Cuba, Russia, China or Iran.  Let’s keep it that way. 

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Helen Corey
Helen Corey
4 years ago

People, like my grandparents, fled Europe and did not want to recreate the forms of government/dictatorships they left behind. They appreciated the opportunity to improve their lives with no welfare programs. They had to work to live, get health care, get a roof over their heads. Why do people coming to US from Africa, South America, MIddleeast want to change US government into socialist dictatorships they left?

chaly
chaly
4 years ago

Even with the fraud of free stuff, for the USA to change to socialism, there would be a hell of a lot of dead people who tried it. I think you will run out of those folks before that would happen. Lets hope it is not attempted! Eliminate the democrat party first.

Ronald Guss
Ronald Guss
4 years ago

I REALLY DON’T SEE HOW PEOPLE CAN
BE SO IGNORANT , BUT THEY ARE TEACH-
-ing this IDEOLOGY OR IDIOTOLOGY IN
SCHOOL AND COLLEGE , YOUNG ->
-> LIBERALS DON’T HAVE A CLUE , YOUNG CONSERVATIVE’S THERE GETTIG
SCARED TO SPEAK BECAUSE LIBERAL ARE SO MEAN AND NASTY , THIS ACTUALLY HAPPENED COULD CAUSE A CIVIL WAR HERE IN
THE U S A ……. ………… ….. … ….

Earl Wallis
Earl Wallis
4 years ago

Our weak kneed Republicans (RINOS) need to either resign form public office or get a back bone and start serving we the people of our Republic. Develop
some guts and get vocal about our how wonderful
our country is. Start shouting down the democrats/socialist/progressives. All I see and hear
are a handful of Republicans standing their ground.
The rest of you smucks just roll over to anything the democrats want. So start working smart or get out of the way.

Greg Russell
Greg Russell
4 years ago

Socialism cannot come to the United States, IF we demand that the Constitution be honored. Gun control cannot be furthered in the United States IF we have the resolve to stand up, and demand the Constitution be honored. Apathy and ignorance are causing the Republic to crumble. Saving it wont be easy, it wont be pain-free, but it can be done.

Sharron Anderson
Sharron Anderson
4 years ago

I enjoy getting this kind of information to pass along to others.

Phyllis Poole
Phyllis Poole
4 years ago

An example of socialism Forgive college debt! Ok so they don’t have to pay it back BUT their. Taxes will go up to pay for it and eventually. —-they will be paying it back !!!! And everybody else’s too!!! Get smart people! And maybe a bigger paycheck for the
Congress person who was so benevolent with somebody else money. !!! Get smart Think it through. NOTHING. Is. Free!!!!

Harold D Fleming
Harold D Fleming
4 years ago

Two point that need to be made. The Dems have the highest form of arrogance to think they can make something work that no one in history has been able to make work. The second point is that a study of history of any country where this has been tried it is only applied to the general public, not the elected leaders and their pals. It is just like the present, government leaders have their only insurance program and are exempted from what they want for average people. They have own retirement plan and they exempt themselves from many of the laws the pass on us. If they have their way they will not suffer, just you and me.

dino
dino
4 years ago

If socialism came to AMERICA it would destroy this country.It could happen because of these idiots that are looking for a free ride.Someone should tell the idiots that nothing is free,somebody has to pay and it will end up being the people that still have to work for a living.Eventually these freeloaders will have to get off of their lazy butts and contribute.

Todd Wingard Taylor
Todd Wingard Taylor
4 years ago

The moment the socialistic “Red Coats” cross the line it is a call to arms. We must stand, defend and protect our Constitution; to preserve American ideals, guaranteed by our Bill of Rights and the blood of those who willingly laid down their lives, throughout history, to preserve our freedoms; liberty once lost is not easily regained! Lets leave a lasting legacy of sacrifice for the freedoms we have so enjoyed for our grandchildren and to generations to come. We must resist socialistic ideals at every turn; we must completely, thoroughly reject it and see it for what it is pure evil; let us make our declaration, stand, to fight for what is right, honorable and true. Let us stand for God, country and honor; this is the American way–Amen.

Keith H
Keith H
4 years ago

This is exactly what the Dumocrats want. They want to rule over us, in every aspect of our lives. We must fight this at every turn !! It is a shame but there are so many Stupid people here in America that think everyone would be equal. Yes, equal slaves waiting in line for toilet paper. Stupid brain dead progressive liberals are all shouting for this. They can’t stand anybody enjoying their lives or prospering, or speaking freely. We as lovers of freedom are going to have to stand and fight. These fools are not going to stop with this nonsense. They are like robots receiving there marching orders everyday from commie command !! Look what they are doing to our free speech now by big tech. They are demonic. Baby killing satan loving freaks !!! A vote for any dumocrat, is a vote for death !!

Rosetta
Rosetta
4 years ago

I appreciate that AMAC is sharing this. We are in grave danger of this very thing.

Thomas H.
Thomas H.
4 years ago

And if the media persuades us not to vote again next year, the answer to this article’s question will be: Soon after Inauguration Day!

Frank
Frank
4 years ago

I would say the biggest supporters of the lefts push towards socialism is from the generation that currently contributes nothing and haven’t contributed anything to America as of yet…they don’t want as everything has been given to them..Those and the ones being drawn into the Country from third worlds as stooges and voters…I believe we have gone beyond the talking point and not quite far enough for the fighting part

Steve
Steve
4 years ago

Bbbbaaaahhhhh said the sheep to slaughter . The next time Bernie hits his head on the toilet bowl he can get it covered by the commies . They love it so much down there , GO DOWN there !!

Arteest
Arteest
4 years ago

Yes! Just vote for any and all Democrats and you will have in the blink of an eye. Add a few of the right Republicans and you won’t have to blink.

Pete from St Pete
Pete from St Pete
4 years ago

Somebody smarter than me once said “eternal vigilance is the price of liberty”. Given that our electorate voted for Obama twice, we cannot take anything for granted.

Oren Player
Oren Player
4 years ago

The U.S. could descend into socialism IF AND ONLY IF the liberals around the country are able to confiscate all weapons from the many gun owners. The move by many in Congress, such as Pelosi and all of the Democrat candidates for president all are calling for a Gun Control (confiscation) system copying New Zealand and Australia, would be the trigger. Now imagine this. How would you confiscate all of the guns in an inner city area such as Chicago? Based on Americans having firearms, I don’t see socialism coming to the US in the form of Venezuela.

David Sasse
David Sasse
4 years ago

I hope all of the Democrat readers are listening before it is too late for our country. It always begins with the takeover of health care because the promises sound great, then when all other options are eliminated, the long waits for care, elimination of new and better therapies and medicines, and massive cutbacks of physicians and care givers all come about.

Deb Day
Deb Day
4 years ago

Some forms of socialism are already here……medicare, medicaid, federally controlled school systems, and social security to name a few. None of these things existed in 1900. Look at how much of the federal debt they now create. Look at the dumbing down and mind control being foisted on students. We are simply being cooked on a slower boil than other countries.

Ralph
Ralph
4 years ago

Free cheese is only found in a mouse trap!

Rick
Rick
4 years ago

Obama would have loved to become the king of America vs being president. If the dems get the house, Senate and the Whitehouse, I am afraid we will lose the America we all know today.

Joe McHugh
Joe McHugh
4 years ago

The false political theory that is socialism should have died out by 1900. The ideals that Karl Marx and Frederick Engels popularized in 1848, were nonsense, and appealing only to those who wanted the government to hold their hands throughout life. For these people, trading their inherent rights as human beings for security and a mediocre existence, is reasonable.

Like electrons, many human beings look for the path of least resistance. When a political candidate promises to work for “assistance” to ease the financial burdens of the people, they get votes. The more grandiose the promise, the more votes are garnered.

That people are beguiled by the theory of socialism is bad enough, that citizens actually believe in
the fantasies of the liberals is something much worse. Yep, our school systems have succeeded in producing mush heads.

Rick J.
Rick J.
4 years ago

Lets hope not. That being said we have all seen that there is NO LOW the democrats won’t stoop to, in their quest to regain power. All of us who know better, must do all we can to prevent this from happening. Support
the party and candidates who are for a capitalist society. Talk to friends and relatives about the evils of socialism.
If you live in a purple or blue district consider becoming a poll watcher to stop voter fraud. Lastly buy a gun. Why? Because, if the democrats regain power only civil war will dislodge them. With their fear of losing power, they will never allow another free and fair election.

George W. Spangler
George W. Spangler
4 years ago

I am just now finishing the first draft of a book addressing the programs of education in the Public Schools. I’d like for you to review it. One of the points I make … I am talking to parents of children in the Public School … is that the math is simple:
Take a country once second only to Great Briton as an economic power and get elected by promising a better life. Publish this message to the labor force producing beef as a major export and have them promise to come in and vote. They leave their work station. Now the simple math plan is easy to grasp … every worker who leaves the field and comes to the city does so because of the promise of money. That produces one less person to tend to the cows. Now instead of exporting beef, they import beef which only the elite can afford to buy. Your McDonald’s example make that point. Great article. Getting after Congressmen and women is a solvable problem.

At first my education solutions would seem to not be a companion issue to what you write about. But getting their attention is the common element … and I expect to get their attention big time.

I look forward to sharing it with you.

Alan
Alan
4 years ago

Most everything the Government touches it turns into a costly horrific mess. Perhaps the Climate Change supporters and “Socialist” wannabe’s should realize and accept that fact.

PaulE
PaulE
4 years ago

To answer the question posed by the author, of course socialism can come to America. All it would take is enough ignorant or stupid people falling for the all too familiar siren song of “free stuff” from the government, with somebody else supposedly paying for it all, to plunge this country into the exact same situation as Venezuela, Zimbabwe, Argentina under Peron or Kirchner or Nicaragua under Ortega. In all these cases, the people were foolish enough to willingly surrender their freedoms for the promise of “economic and social justice”. Sound familiar people? Well it should, as that is the exact same set of talking points being utilized by most of the Democrat party today. Where the government would ensure everyone was treated ” fairly and equally”, while at the same time doling out a supposedly unlimited basket of goodies to the fools stupid enough to vote them into power. Of course what the people of all these countries and several others actually received was universal poverty and misery, as the government systematically confiscated, though massive taxation and where necessary outright confiscation (nationalization of businesses, private property, personal assets, etc.), the wealth of these countries. All of which flowed directly to the leaders of these countries and the inner circle of the ruling elite. So never say it can’t happen here. All it takes is enough ignorant or stupid fools buying into the same policies that were successfully positioned to all the citizens of the countries I’ve mentioned for the United States to join their ranks.

We, being us seniors who know all the reality and the dangers of falling for the lies being peddled by the Democrats and some RINO’s as well, have to take a much more active role in getting the Millennial and Gen Z generations to understand what they were taught (indoctrinated to access by the progressively-controlled public education system) won’t deliver the panacea they all believe it will. We cannot rely on hope as the author suggests. As hope is neither an effective strategy or plan for success. We have to actively reach out to correct the distortion our younger generations have been brainwashed to accept. If we elect to do nothing or simply “hope” that things will turn out better, then we have failed our responsibility to our children and grandchildren to ensure the world they inherit is better than the one we did. President Trump doesn’t sit around all day just “hoping” that things turn out better. He actually does things to make things better for the nation as a whole. We have to emulate that mindset and do our part too. Just a thought.

Dee
Dee
4 years ago

yes it can and with these professor spouting this crap, brain washing them, promising the poor everything free and redistribution of wealth that Obama pushed on and one with; Now Medicare for all that will tax the daylights out of anyone who pays taxes, There is no way for that to cover everything they say, nursing homes, assisted livings, 10,000 a month rents on them plus more for others, all your doctor’s care, specialists if they continue to doctor, we already have a shortage coming up of both doctors and nurses, all hospital care…..you know how much that can run…..
the government would have to issue us a check to live by. Everything else will be taxes. They will control everything. they will tell you if you can have the operation or not, are you too old for one…death panels. Now in some countries; they took away the homes with several bedrooms and installed a family in each one. That happened a few years ago in Jamaica. Castrol came in to assist them. Venezuela has Putin helping them.
Do you want to live like that??? I don’t.

Morbious
Morbious
4 years ago

Yes, of course it could, because of the inherent weakness of human nature. If the democratic partys playbook were a stringed instrument, the notes are the seven capital sins. The tune being played now, in this election cycle is hate for their opponents, envy at the success of others along with the sloth that makes it ok to default on loans because there arent high paying jobs available for art history or theatre majors. Note also the everpresent background music of lust and the willingness to kill to undo the consequences. If, in our final yrs, we dont want to see this country on the ash heap of history, its imperative to try to talk to others, especially the young, in order to expose the dems siren song as the infernal racket it truly is.

Frank S.
Frank S.
4 years ago

The future belongs to the next generation. That should concern every one of us. We are always just one generation away from losing our freedoms and democracy. The generation attending the colleges and universities today will be tomorrow’s leaders. That should concern every one of us too. They are NOT being taught history and they are NOT being taught how to think critically. They will NOT learn from all the mistakes made just in the past 100 years alone. Conversely, they will NOT learn from the successes either. Utopia sounds grand, doesn’t it…rainbows and unicorns for everyone, and free education, healthcare, etc., etc., etc. Bottom line, conservatism must make a comeback in higher education if America is going to continue to thrive. The first step to making that happen is to push back on the muck being taught to our kids and grand kids today. We MUST demand transparency and accountability from our schools. NO MORE POLITICAL CORRECTNESS!

Bill Bated
Bill Bated
4 years ago

Yes it can & will if the Democratic Socialists can seduce enough fools with promises of “Free Stuff” & also forgiving student loans. Almost bound to happen, as we approach more than 50% of people drawing, on some government dole. Maybe not this election, but watch out for 2024!

Michael cozzi
Michael cozzi
4 years ago

It’s time to get rid of the garbage and throw it out

Joan
Joan
4 years ago

If these DANGEROUS SOCIALIST DEMS get elected it will be the end of America as we know it. Any Country that embraced socialism has
had a terrible downfall. Our Capitalist Country prospers and it works.

Stephen Russell
Stephen Russell
4 years ago

The Dems want 2 bring it to the US, seen None in said country, & Venezula can become Cuba 2 IE Cuban Missile Crisis IF Russia gets involved with China.
Longer range missiles in said country?? Or Not

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