Capitalism vs. Socialism

                The liberty principle for this Freedom Friday is the simple fact that capitalism protects freedom and socialism does not.  Economist Milton Friedman is known as an “intellectual giant and the father of economic freedom.”  He was a guest on The Phil Donahue Show in 1979 and explained the difference between socialism and capitalism.  I think it is a good explanation and hope you watch it.

                We are in the midst of a very important campaign for the office of the President of the United States.  The millennials are flocking to listen to Bernie Sanders, who is a self-declared socialist.  Sanders is strongly challenging Hilary Clinton for the Democrat ticket.  They are both liberals, but Sanders calls himself a socialist while Clinton calls herself a progressive.  Both would be bad for the United States and the world.

                Donald Trump has led the polls for numerous months on the Republican side.  He has an R in front of his name, but he is far from being a conservative.  I think of him as being a RINO – Republican in Name Only.  Several other Republicans are vying for the nomination of their party.  Most of them are center or center-left. 

                Only one Republican is a true conservative and has proven his standing in many different ways and on numerous occasions.  That one candidate is Ted Cruz, a true constitutional conservative.  He is not a handsome man, but he does have the ability to explain the Constitution and how certain bills, etc. will affect our liberties.

                I found this quote from James Garfield that seems to apply to our current situation even though he was speaking about Congress.  “Now more than ever before, the people are responsible for the character of the Congress.  If that body be ignorant, reckless, and corrupt, it is because the people tolerate ignorance, recklessness and corruption.  If it be intelligent, brave, and pure, it is because the people demand these high qualities to represent them in the national legislature…. If the next centennial does not find us a great nation … it will be because those who represent the enterprise, the culture, and the morality of the nation do not aid in controlling the political forces.”

                The same goes for the office of President:  If we tolerate a socialist or corrupt President, we lean socialist and corrupt.  I believe it is time that the people of the United States look deeply into their souls to see what kind of people we really are.  If we – the citizens of the United States - are to maintain our liberty, our Constitution, and our way of life, we must elect leaders who are honest and law-abiding and who will preserve and protect our Constitution.