As we start a new year, I want to thank all of you who take the time to read my musings, and especially those who take the time to post comments. I started this blog in May 2009 as something to do in retirement. Since then I have written 5710 articles.
The first article is repeated below – at least I appear consistent. 🤔
I know many of you don’t always agree with what I write and that’s okay. Reading other points of view is how I learn.
Happy New Year, Stay Safe and let’s all pray getting back to our normal is on the horizon. I know I sure could use some normal times.
WE ARE ALL SOCIALIST AT HEART…IT’S EASIER May 7, 2009
According to the Wall Street Journal (May 4, 2009) a recent Rasmussen Reports poll shows only 53% of Americans prefer capitalism to socialism; 27% were unsure and 20% preferred socialism. That may explain the results of the last election.
Assuming, of course, Americans ever felt differently, what happened?
Socialism is easier, it’s that simple. Look at it this way, once you get used to paying more than half of your income in taxes to the government, your worries are over. You don’t know or care that the money is spent inefficiently or that you have turned over control of a large part of your life to the state, all you know is that you don’t have to worry any more about health care, retirement income, education, child care, disability or unemployment. It’s all quite appealing is it not?
Nobody has to be an ant, we can all be grasshoppers. Why work hard, just work hard enough to pay your taxes and save a little energy to march from time to time in a protest to preserve your benefits at all cost.
Your 401(k) plan is in the tank, who cares, you have a good government pension. Your employer is screwing you and taking away your health care that you thought would be part of your future retirement, so what? You bust your butt to work hard and save more, no need, half of what you make is gone before you have it so why bother? There is always someone else to worry about where the money is coming from and of course, that 50% tax rate can always go up.
There are added benefits too, we are all equal. The mediocre among us no longer stand out, the slackers are no longer at risk and the real achievers; well they may get to pay 70% of their income in taxes.
Socialism is so easy I think more and more Americans will conclude, hey why not? There is one big test coming up and that is health care. Keep your ears open and listen to how many people you hear say they want “free” health care from the government.
Socialism is not only easy, it can also be free.
QUINNSCOMMENTARY 
I lived in a socialist country (England) for 6 years, paying their taxes, benefiting from their national health service, etc. I also experienced and saw how the overwhelming majority lived paycheck to paycheck. They managed to save up enough money for a 2 week vacation every year and then came back to save up for next year’s 2 week vacation. There were a lot of citizens of England who had never worked a day in their life and they weren’t homeless or going hungry. The “state” took care of them. And their parents never worked a day in their life either. I found it very frustrating and after 6 years returned to the USA where I have lived ever since. I have learned to love capitalism so much more after that 6 year experience in England. Socialism is a curse in my opinion.
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Happy New Year to all. Stay Safe. Best to each of you.
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Despite scholarly volumes arguing for socialism, we only need look at everyplace socialism has been tried so far. For any proposal by the leftist leaders, there will be winners and losers. The old joke about workers in Soviet factories saying “we pretend to work and they pretend to pay us” sums it up pretty well. In my opinion, while some may materially benefit initially under socialist programs favored by Bernie Sanders and others, in the long run, the real loser will be our nation.
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“look at everyplace socialism has been tried so far.”
I’ve always considered that an illogical argument. Like millions of others, I tried to quit smoking many times. “Everything I tried so far” didn’t work… until it did. I can’t find the quote, but I believe even Marx knew the world wasn’t ready for Socialism… yet.
Besides, income redistribution and other social and health programs are not socialism. Most people agree that tax supported “infrastucture” is beneficial to all, but don’t necessarily agree on what infrastructure is. Taxpayer roads and bridges, sure. “Free” taxpayer supported K-12? Sure. What about pre K? What about college? For STEM education, maybe? That could be cost effective. What about Philosophy, Sociology, and the Arts? Why not?
“…we’ve already established that. Now we are haggling about the price.”
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so·cial·ism
/ˈsōSHəˌlizəm/
noun
a political and economic theory of social organization which advocates that the means of production, distribution, and exchange should be owned or regulated by the community as a whole.
cap·i·tal·ism
/ˈkapədlˌizəm/
noun
an economic and political system in which a country’s trade and industry are controlled by private owners for profit, rather than by the state.
free en·ter·prise
/ˌfrē ˈen(t)ərˌprīz/
noun
an economic system in which private business operates in competition and largely free of state control.
Shaw: Madam, would you sleep with me for a million pounds?
Actress: My goodness. Well, I’d certainly think about it.
Shaw: Would you sleep with me for a pound?
Actress: Certainly not! What kind of woman do you think I am?!
Shaw: Madam, we’ve already established that. Now we are haggling about the price.
Thank you for all the work you’ve put in over the years, and to the many commentators.
Best wishes for the new year.
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Happy New Year to you Dick and to all the other Quinscommentary readers.
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I think that the only thing that changed is now the government will bury you if you die from the correct disease and may forgive you debts.
Happy New Year and thanks everybody for being civil here. We don’t have to agree but we need the discussion. Am I not afraid to admit that I was wrong a few times and I enjoy being pointed to good source material to review. It is hard sometimes to distinguish opinions and facts from Mainstream media. It is also good to read about retirement issues from people who do not have a financial stake trying to sell you their advice.
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Still as correct a statement as it was when you wrote it. It is coming and will be a soul draining existence for those unfortunate individuals who will be caught up in it. There is long term hope, but dark skies for some.
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HAPPY NEW YEAR
I AM ALSO 78 retired only 3 years. Have been following you for years and unfortunately I agree with everything you write . Please keep up the great posts.
Thanks RWW
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