In recent years, growing numbers of young people have found communism and socialism to be appealing despite an unawareness about the actual theories, practices, and consequences of these economic and governing systems.
How can anyone who lives in a democracy find favor with a centralized system that stifles liberty and prosperity?
Perhaps it’s because these youngsters lack historical literacy regarding anti-liberty experiments and how they’ve devastated every nation wherever they’ve been implemented.
Is this love affair real or merely a passing phase that will be outgrown after blowing off steam?
What can be done to enlighten young people about responsible freedom versus the true nature of socialist models that might sound idealistic?
For those who seem enamored of the latest frenzy called democratic socialism, let’s ask them Charlie Kirk (Socratic), reality-based questions that will evoke deeper thinking.
First, what would you do if the armed forces, law enforcement agencies, and prisons were drastically cut or eliminated? How would you keep yourself safe from criminals who want to take your possessions or commit violent acts against you? Are you going to call the Ghostbusters or attempt to enforce the law as a vigilante?
Democratic socialists claim that these critical institutions represent white supremacy. Are they unaware that several ethnicities devote themselves every day to these crucial public safety agencies?
Next, what will you do when the government runs grocery stores and puts small grocers out of business by utilizing price controls and rationing? Are you going to miss the past when you could pick and choose any store to purchase your favorite items?
What if shoppers buy selected goods and resell them at a higher price? Are you aware that private-sector grocery stores have very small profit margins despite their vast selection? Do you want to pay higher taxes to subsidize stores with limited item options?
Third, how would you react if the government took over your apartment, condo, or home? How would you feel if Uncle Sam unilaterally decided where you could or couldn’t live and could seize your private property?
What recourse would you have if a number of unlawful immigrants outbid you when you decided to purchase a piece of property?
These are important questions to consider when governments wield excessive power to erode property rights.
Fourth, what do you think about a government that prioritizes unlawful immigrants over citizens and legal immigrants?
What if an illegal immigrant took your lawful spot in the classroom or perhaps your hospital bed if you became very sick? Will public education be dumbed down even further?
Did you know that Democratic socialists advocate for free education and healthcare for all? Who is going to pay for it? If these are “free,” what level of quality would these centrally led bureaucratic programs offer?
Fifth, what are your thoughts regarding “sanctuary” cities and states that protect illegal immigrants who have committed an array of criminal acts? Should those entities receive federal funding for social services that go to people who thumb their noses at the rule of law?
Sixth, do you believe that the government should seize what you have worked hard for and hand it over to folks who refuse to utilize their God-given talents? Or do you think that individuals should keep most of what they have earned through a healthy work ethic?
Do you think it is fair to continually raise taxes on job creators who already pay more than their so-called fair share of taxes?
Seventh, do you want the government to monitor your behavior and speech, who you socialize with, or what your religious practices are?
Americans cherish their First Amendment rights, and most would be outraged if the government attempted to restrict them.
Likewise, how would you handle an intrusive government that takes away your ability to defend yourself from bad actors (Second Amendment rights)?
Eighth, our founders envisioned the concept of self-governance. What would you do if the government dictated “acceptable” behaviors instead of allowing you to self-govern in a free society?
Do you want to be told what energy sources you must use and the vehicle you can drive, or do you want to exercise your own decision-making process?
All of these are crucial questions to reflect on. If youngsters answer no to socialist policies, they prefer a free society based on personal responsibility. If not, they prefer that the government take care of their needs, unaware that socialists can redistribute goodies to them, but just as easily withdraw them.
Does an easy life build character, or does it promote stagnation? Do they want inefficient government services to meet their needs from cradle to grave?
Would you vote for a campaigning candidate who shifts to the middle, only to embrace far-left policies once elected?
Common sense begins with education in the home and in school. If a child is raised with values of faith, family, financial literacy, and a strong work ethic, they are likely to reject the siren song of socialism.
Inculcating civics and Constitutional principles from a young age would inform youngsters about the gross fallacies within the communist/progressive/socialist worldviews.
Deceptive socialism jeopardizes liberty, prosperity, safety, and the rule of law by choosing anarchy and raw power over ordered liberty.
