Public Option

Both sides of the debate (Health care/War/Stimulus/any current debate) are busy throwing inflammatory insults. This is not good. At my daughter’s school the other day, I overheard the elementary vice-principal pull a child out of the bus line to discuss the teasing she had overheard. Teasing is Not allowed in elementary school. Why do we adults allow it in our public debates?

Somehow, our president is both a fascist and a communist, intent on destroying this nation. I have noticed that a basic primer on these terms is needed in this country.

Fascism = totalitarianism (Nazi)

Socialism = collectivism = Communism

Capitalism = entrepreneurship

Democracy = social equality

Republic = nation

Federal = central

We live in a Federal Constitutional Republic that is governed by the principles of Democracy via Capitalism. In other words, we live in a centralized nation that is governed by a set constitution and the principles of social equality via entrepreneurship. I can make it good if I work hard, and so can you.

The USSR was a Constitutionally Federal state made up of 15 Republics governed by the principles of Communism via a centrally planned economy. In other words, it was a centralized nation governed by collectivism via the rule of one party. You can make it because the state takes care of you. (The USSR had many constitutions, they were often changed.)

Nazi Germany was a Federal Republic governed by principals of Fascism via a state intervention. In other words, it was a centralized nation governed by a totalitarian dictator that interfered with the economy as it saw fit. You make it if Hitler says so.

In the USA, disagreements with the government are fully allowed and protected by the First Amendment. The First Amendment states: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

In USSR, disagreement was allowed, in the party, prior to the final decision being made ("freedom of discussion, unity of action” per Wikipedia USSR page). Outside the party, disagreements were too disruptive and not allowed.

In Nazi Germany, disagreements with government lead to execution or, if you were lucky, imprisonment.

So is Obama a fascist or a Nazi? No.

Does he have socialist leanings? I would say yes. Is that a bad thing? Well, let’s ask a vet who uses the VA (a government run heath care system). Or ask a senior who uses Medicare (government run heath care). Or a poor person using Medicaid (government run heath care). I see a president trying to help those that need help. Not a president telling everyone that they have to use a government run health care system. I think one more definition is needed.

Option = 1. The act of choosing; choice. 2. The power or freedom to choose.

More choice is a good thing. A capitalist thing.

I am all for that.