Socialism or a Republic: Which Do We Want?

We are on the cusp of an entirely new United States. It is, I believe, a United States that our founding fathers would not necessarily recognize. Certainly they would recognize its physical characteristics but beyond that, not so much. And certainly not if they were able to examine our newspapers, television, media and, more importantly, our local, state and federal governments.

They would be shocked at our governments, I would wager. They would read many of the decisions handed down from our own United States Supreme Court and shake their heads in dismay. "No," I am sure they would say, "that is not what we meant."

I believe there are more instances of the abridgement of freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachment of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations." - James Madison

This reminds me of a conversation that the brilliant economist Milton Friedman once had, in the 1970s, with very Leftist television show host Phil Donohue, the video of which is very popular on the internet now. The gist of the conversation was this:

Donahue: "When you see around the globe the mal-distribution of wealth, the desperate plight of millions of people in undeveloped countries … when you see the greed and the concentration of power, did you ever have a moment of doubt about capitalism and whether greed is a good idea to run on?"

Friedman: "In the only cases in which the masses have escaped from the kind of grinding poverty you're talking about … they have had capitalism and largely free trade. … So that the record of history is absolutely crystal clear: that there is no alternative way so far discovered of improving the lot of the ordinary people that can hold a candle to the productive activities that are unleashed by a free enterprise system."

Later, when asked by Mr. Donahue whether capitalism rewards virtue, Friedman responds, "Tell me, is there some society you know that doesn't run on greed? What is greed? Of course, none of us are greedy; it's only the other fellow who's greedy. This — the world runs on individuals pursuing their separate interests. You know, I think you're taking a lot of things for granted... Is it really true that political self-interest is nobler somehow than economic self-interest? … Just tell me where in the world you're going to find these angels who are going to organize society for us? I don't even trust you to do that!"

What are we, ladies and gentlemen? What kind of country are we? When asked, what would most people say? A "democracy"? And if answered that way, I say: we are not. We are a Republic.

I'll wager the bulk of United States politicians couldn't answer that question correctly.

So: what kind of a nation are we? Now?

Please weigh in.

BZ