Perspective on Socialism

In regards to socialism, I found this clip from President Benson which I've heard and read a few times before.

http://video.aol.com/video-detail/ezra-taft-benson-warns-of-socialist-agenda-must-see/977175578/?icid=VIDURVNWS07

It's interesting that difficult economic times often lead to a desire for greater government intervention. Very seldom do such reactions have good long term results, nor are such reactions easy to reverse.

I think of the enactment of Social Security as part of the New Deal. To many, then and now, it seems a wonderful program that ensures security for the aged population. We pay in now and we will be taken care of later. The price is only a percentage of our weekly or monthly paychecks.

In my opinion, the price is something much higher. Three groups are involved in the program. The government as the executor, the working age population as the funders, and the retired population as the consumers of the fund. In this relationship, the government holds all control. As taxpayers, the working population, pays whatever the government directs into the system. Today, there is little hope that the program will even be viable for those now paying into it when they reach retirment age. For those counting on social security for all of or a significant portion of their retirement, they are at the mercy of the government to provide them with what they need. In essence, if they are reliant on the social security, then they are at the mercy of the government to provide them with what they need.

Freedom is so easily given up in the hope that the government will take care of our needs. Social security is especially interesting. We feel like we are paying for our future needs. The problem is that we give up control to the government. They are free to change the amounts of payouts, not to adjust the cost of living allowances. Today's seniors are paranoid, rightfully so, whenever there is talk of change or adjustments. Their lives hang in the balance. Their only avenue for influence is to pay lobbying groups extra money to look after their interests. And, that begs the question, how do lobbyists influence government?