Commentary: Young people confuse socialism, communism, capitalism

There is much discussion and much confusion these days about what is meant by socialism, communism and capitalism. These are economic-political terms that describe how an economy is regulated and how the people benefit or suffer under these various conditions.

Young people today tend to think that socialism means you are socially aware and that you care a lot about others. They have a tenderhearted concern for those who are less fortunate than themselves. They want to make sure the needy are taken care of by the society or government at large.

In addition, many of these young people would like to see the government provide more and more free services to them. They forget, however, that there is always a consequence to every decision. When the government provides more and more services to the people, there is a trade-off: cost. More free stuff means more regulation and control by the government and less freedom for the individual.

It also means the incentives for economic gain are driven out of the economy. If this is the case, the question is, “Will there be the will to produce more and more for the benefit of the whole at the expense of the individual who is actually producing?”

History has proven that this will not be the case. Looking at Venezuela, we see that while many of the nation’s poor were moved out of slums and put into government housing, the economy has continued to suffer and problems have even deepened.

The government has come to a perilous situation, which is beyond its control, so even the though the means of production are government-owned and resources are rationed, socialism, as a practical matter, has not worked.

Communism is when the government owns everything, and there is no private property, at least in theory. Everything is planned, controlled and rationed by the government, but inefficiencies continue.

First, there will always be an upper class, and those in charge are the ones who will receive special benefits, such as lovely homes, summer dachas, cars and protection for their families. They will be the ones who will not suffer under such a system.

The masses will be the ones to deal with living in crowded apartments, which are shared with other families. They are the ones to deal with the lack of food and resources. Seasonal clothing, like summer sandals, might be found in abundance in the winter, when no one wants them, while winter clothing might be scarce.

When people want to create something better for themselves, they are not allowed to deviate from what the system requires of them. Sometimes people are so desirous of freedom and the opportunities freedom provides that they are willing to risk their lives in trying to escape to other countries. Travel within a communist country is even restricted, and the secret police are always watching. People feel afraid.

During the Cold War, resources were mobilized to create competitive space programs, even as the people themselves went without the basic necessities we take for granted. After 70 years, the Soviet Union collapsed from within, and the experiment in pure communism died.

Capitalism is when the economy is allowed to function as individuals, not governments, decide what will be produced and what price will be charged. The free market determines wages and benefits.

The free market economy has the amazing ability to respond to the needs and desires of the people and to provide efficiently for what they want. In a free economy, people can sell their time or their ideas in exchange for money. Many people just want a job, but others are motivated to create businesses that provide jobs but also generate profits and income beyond what a job can provide.

In a free economy, people are motivated to work hard when they know they will be rewarded by the fruits of their labor. This is why the United States has been such an economy of abundance.

Never before in history of mankind have so many people had so much. The protection of private property rights is a vital component of a free people. The ability to benefit personally from hard work, novel inventions and free thinking is essential in a free society.

An ample income is liberating, and abundance provides for many choices. Contrary to what many think, this abundance in America of money, ideas,and freedom is generously given to those in need here and is also given to people all around the world.

SHERRY NORD MARRON, who has a doctorate in American Studies, is a former adjunct professor at Orange Coast College and the University of Connecticut.