From time to time I get emails about how our government is luring us into Socialism and slowly stealing our liberty, particularly now that we have a Democratically controlled Congress and a Democratic President. Well, with apologies to Jeff Foxworthy;
IF you have ever driven on a road that was built, maintained and patrolled for safety using public monies…. YOU may be a socialist.
IF you helped your elderly parents sign up for Medicare so you would not have to pay for the healthcare they need… YOU may be a socialist.
IF you sent your kids to a public school… YOU may be a socialist
IF you have ever invested in stock, held a bank account, owned or used American currency… YOU may be a socialist.
IF you drink water supplied by a utility that is tested to EPA guidelines… YOU may be a socialist.
IF you define socialism as any form of taking tax money from people to provide services and infrastructure, YOU really don’t understand what Socialism actually is. You are dependent on society and society takes care of many of your needs without you even thinking about it. Here are some other things I like about what some people call Socialism:
I like knowing that when I buy gas, I get a real gallon. (Bureau of Weights & Measures)
When I eat at a restaurant, I like being reasonably sure there isn’t a rat turd in my soup. (Health Dept.)
I like being reasonably sure that my airliner won’t crash into another. (FAA)
I like the knowledge that if my ship sinks, I can call someone to rescue me. (Coast Guard)
I like believing that when I take medicine for an illness, I’ll probably be OK. (FDA)
I like knowing that if my wife gets makeup in her eye, she probably won’t go blind. (FDA)
I like knowing that even if my bank president runs off with the money, I’ll still be able to get my savings. (FDIC)
I like knowing that if my neighbor starts dumping toxic waste in HIS yard, I can stop him. (EPA)
I like knowing when a hurricane or tornado is approaching. (Weather Bureau)
I like weekends off, overtime, vacation, and a 40hr work week. (Those evil Socialist Labor Unions)
I like it that McDonalds and Wal-Mart can’t exploit children. (Child Labor Laws)
I like knowing that someone is watching out for epidemics. (Center for Disease Control)
I like knowing that I can seek assistance if my employer creates a deadly work environment. (OSHA)
I like it when people who are too disabled to support themselves aren’t forced to be beggars. (SSI/SSDI)
I like being able to afford to educate my kids. (Public Education) (Pell Grants)
I like to see snake-pit nursing homes fined and shut-down. (State Inspections & Appeals)
I like it when a person injured on the job can get some financial help with retraining and job placement. (Unemployment/Vocational Rehabilitation)
I like knowing that if my house catches on fire, someone will come to put it out.
I like being able to call the Police if I need them.
If that makes me a Socialist, just call me Comrade.
Andy Hailey