Living Under Socialism

[Martin Hash]

I grew up in America, the only liberty-based country as far as I can tell, and after an uncomfortable year living in a rundown flat in Great Britain, I definitely got the feel for what socialism is like. Previously I’d spent 8 months in Africa, 4 months in South America, and 2 months in the Middle East, but I wasn’t living in one place so I couldn’t draw concrete conclusions, however, I certainly can now.

First, the overriding theme is the difference between how Americans conduct their lives verses the socialist view - the results are fundamentally opposite. “Liberty” means that individual rights come first; that people make their own decisions, and choices are made based on consequences; so Americans are used to, and expect to be in control of their lives. Socialists, on the other hand, believe that the needs of the group outweigh the wants of individuals. What this means is that individuals in those societies are not accustomed to making their own decisions – how can they, they don’t have the data to determine what is in the best interests of everyone? They feel no responsibility for their own actions, nor are they sophisticated about goals and trade-offs because they have little practice. A child in America understands consequences better than an adult in Britain.

The extended ramifications are very interesting. Everyone thinks they are center of the universe because no faults are their own – it’s Government’s job to do what is best for everyone. The goal is not “customer first” – it’s “worker first.” Goods are shoddy, help is almost non-existent, and trying to buy something is awkward, rude and slow. In their workers-first economy, employees only work during the day meaning that almost everyplace closes at 5 pm. Janitors at the library, for example, are vacuuming and clanking garbage cans in the “quiet” areas while patrons are trying to read. Bathrooms are simultaneously closed for long periods of time for “cleaning” because it is more convenient for the janitors. Roadwork occurs during rush hour. Street-sweepers drive though crowded malls forcing shoppers to scurry out of the way.

This “we're equal” perception occurs at a personal level. For example, a person will stand in a store doorway – it’s their door too, after all - and expect someone trying to enter or exit to ask for their pardon. If you try to squeeze your way through, the door-blocker will say something snide because by socialist logic you’re the one in the wrong. The first few times this happened, I was cowed, and begged forgiveness but after half a dozen times of such extortion, I pushed my way boldly through, reinforcing the American stereotype.

Drivers are so rude to pedestrians I actually thought drivers had the right-of-way (there are few crosswalks), and all the English people I asked in amazement thought so too. However, after posting the question on the Internet, and having dozens of British people confirm my perception, an AMERICAN lawyer answered that English driving laws are similar to ours - the Brits just don’t know or show it.

I suppose for those raised in a socialist society, with socialist values, they would and do think Americans are the self-centered ones – and they’d be right through their restricted lens on the world. But facts speak louder, and in the long run socialism will lose the battle of a global economy – it’s inevitable. Unfortunately, envy is one of the most powerful human emotions, so I expect American conflict with socialst nations sometime in the future, probably from their end. Still, if you let other people’s opinions affect your decisions then you lose control of your life – like they already have.

[Montegriffo]

Funny, it always feels like whoever is in power is just looking out for themselves and their banking buddies. The workers definately don't get a voice, haven't since the milk snatcher, even with ''New Labour'' under Blair and Brown.
Since '79 we've been run by Conservatives and ''I'm Tory plan B''.

[Martin Hash]

Have you ever lived in The States?

p.s. I used to make the joke while living in Britain: “When I get home, if I get service like this, someone is going to get fired.”

[Montegriffo]

Have you ever lived in The States?

No but I watch family guy, does that count?
Socialism is not a comparison. America being further to the right doesn't make the UK socialist.

[Martin Hash]

Then they have no excuse. No wonder you lost your empire.

[Montegriffo]

Then they have no excuse. No wonder you lost your empire.

We didn't really lose it, we spent it on fighting Nazis.

[StCapps]

Then they have no excuse. No wonder you lost your empire.

We didn't really lose it, we spent it on fighting Nazis.

Blowing yourselves up over Belgian neutrality, that's what really did you in. WWII just speed up the inevitable.

[Speaker to Animals]

Their big mistake was not striking Germany early on when the armistice was broken. The idea that Germany wouldn't have eventually gotten around to invading the British Isles after conquering the continent is silly.