Economics # 1

Socialism is defined as, "a theory or system of social organization that advocates the vesting of the ownership and control of the means of production and distribution, of capital, land, etc., in the community as a whole". As we look into the view of Micahel Moore, we see he believes, "Socialism is Democracy, Socialism is Christianity, and Judaism, and Islam, and Buddhism, because all the great religions say essentially the same thing that Marx said...the rich man is not supposed to come into the room and take 9 slices of the pie and leave the last piece for everyone else to fight over."

The fact that Michael Moore would address Christianity and other religions as one or essentially the same thing is an ignorant statement. As a Christian I do not have the same views as one who believes in Islam. Furthermore, Socialism is a idea from a Marxists worldview in which no one has personal property. Marxism encourages communistic principles in which no progress is made because people have no drive to succeed or make a difference in society because everything the accomplish or earn is only given back to the government and "shared" with the rest of the community in order to create a utopia. Moore doesn't understand that when he makes a claim like he does in this instance he is comparing to incompatible worldviews. Marxism believes that everything is ethically acceptable as long as it serves a greater purpose in the end. Also, democracy in no way is socialism. It may be a true statement that our politicians and government have made democracy into a socialistic based principle and way of means but they are completely different. Our country was founded on a democracy and not a socialistic one. In a socialistic system no one has any freedom which is not even close to the case in a democratic society.

Moore is over-simplifying all the worldviews he includes in his statement down to one area of economics. Every society believes in sharing to a degree but to all different extents.

He also, throws around the idea of 16th century and 19th century beliefs lightly. He fails to see that our democratic belief came from founding fathers in a similar time period and is what gives us the freedom that we have today. I agree that the idea of democracy has been twisted but that is not because it has lost its meaning but rather politicians believe they live above the law and can twist it to fit their own views.

If we start opening the door to the idea of socialism and such ideas we open the door to a world of troubles and ethical conflicts such as elderly people not receiving health care because in the end what is the point if they die will die anyways. Socialistic ideas give way to dilemmas like this because they justify any action that furthers society and brings utopia and why invest money and time in something that will not be apart of that? I see Moore's argument but he seems to have holes and missing pieces to his argument. It is not democracy that is corrupt and become socialistic but rather the people leading our country who want to create a socialistic society.