Trump is Creating Fear of Socialism

At this time last year, did you have a fear of socialism? If you do now, it has probably been created by some Trump Tweet or speech, or by a Trump encouraged media post or video. Trump has been using the same propaganda technique which has been used very successfully by the world's greatest dictators such as Hitler, Mussolini, and Lenin. They all created fear in the people, so they could manipulate them and take over the government.

Let's take a look at "Socialism". In a socialist country the people as a whole control or regulate the means of producing, distributing, and exchanging goods. For short times throughout history there have been a few "utopian" societies such as "The United Order" in the early days of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but none of these societies have been able maintain the needed love and selflessness necessary for their society to continue for very long. 

At this time, referring to a country as a "Socialist" country actually means that it is a "Communist" country in which a dictator or group of dictators control the economy, as seen in China, Cuba, Laos and Vietnam. These are definitely not socialist systems, for the people's economy and lives are controlled by their dictorital leaders.

Most countries in the world use both Capitalistic and Socialistic approaches in managing their country and creating the best life possible for their people. In the United States we very strongly believe in a "free enterprise" system where trade and industry are controlled by private owners for profit, but we also strongly support "socialistic" programs. 

Americans are very familiar with and use "socialistic" approaches all the time. Whenever we unite together as a social group (use our government) to help others instead of allowing capitalists to act for profit, we are experiencing "socialism".  Right now our government is controlling the production and distribution of the Covid vaccine for the good of the people as a whole. We are putting the good of all of us all over the monetary gain a few might make during this pandemic, ensuring that even the poorest among us will receive Covid vaccine protection. 

Other examples of our "socialistic" programs are when we receive food stamps, unemployment benefits, student loans, maternity leave, medicare, and when we use veterans hospitals. Americans are proud of joining together to help each other, and of protecting the weak. When we do this, we are enjoying the benefits of "socialistic" programs.  

Over the years, the people of the United States have used their power as voters to elect representatives to limit the powers of wealthy capitalists. We have established minimum wage laws, child labor laws, safe working conditions, emissions control, pollution regulation, and protected land for National, State, and local parks which we all enjoy. On the other hand, Americans also expect their elect representatives to protect the rights of business owners or capitalists.  

Each day, we Americans enjoy the benefits of both "socialistic" programs and of capitalistic "free-enterprise" systems. We do not need Trump to "save us" from the "great evil" of "socialistic" programs. We do not need to be afraid. As Lincoln reminded us, America is a nation "of the people, by the people, and for the people". We will remain free as long as we do not surrender our freedom to a dictator who uses fear to keep us in submission to him.