VENEZUELA - THE TRUTH ABOUT SOCIALISM

First, for my newer readers, let me clearly state the purpose of this blog. It is not just to point out the problems with our society and government today, but to educate and push people to seek out reasonable, common sense solutions. To motivate people enough to become involved in our political process. To at least make the small effort required to convey their thoughts to their elected officials. And finally, to make informed choices as voters. Toward that end, quite a few of my recent posts have been written to influence those readers who tend to have a 'liberal" or "progressive" viewpoint. You can expect that to continue. After all, there is no sense preaching to the choir, right?

I recently had a self-confessed progressive claim that the way out of our current economic malaise is for the government to spend more. Claims government spending creates jobs. Ah, a true statement, without a doubt. But at what price longterm? That is the real question. Another forwarded me a chart showing how unequal the wealth distribution is in this country, implying that a "redistribution" of the wealth is in order. Another truth. But how to accomplish that? Government wage and price controls? Both of these ideas are indisputably socialist, whether they realize it or not. As are most of the ideas and programs of the Democratic Party today. Let me make one more thing perfectly clear : I am NOT A REPUBLICAN STOOGE. My long term readers know I am as disgusted with most Republican politicians as I am with the Democrats. I do admit I am anti-Democrat though. I am a true believer in the principles this country was founded on, and the Democratic party of today has become the party of socialism.

The death of Hugo Chavez presents a perfect opportunity to take one small look at the results of socialism and government intervention.

After 14 years of Chavez, Venezuela has one of the highest overall crime rates in the world, and Caracas has the highest murder rate of any major city in the world at 130 per 100k population. They have a crumbling infrastructure, under-performing industy, (much of which was "nationalized" by Chavez) unsustainable public spending, the worst performance in capitol growth in South America, and 20% per year inflation rate.  Lest some of you be put off by the source for these statistics, it's the BBC. Not Fox, not WND, or any other conservative outlet.

The European states have been gravitating towards socialism for the last 30 years. Most of them today are effectively socialist. Most of them have stagnating economies with huge unemployment, and are on the verge of bankruptcy. I won't bore you with repetition, do the research yourself. Or see previous post here :  http://commonsenseandcircumstance.blogspot.com/2012/11/comrade-commander-flaunts-his-arrogance.html

So liberals, I challenge you again. How much evidence does it take?

In Liberty,
Dumb Farmer