Monday, September 7, 2009

Be careful, Laborers.......A Russian woman's warning

The Perspective Of A Russian Immigrant

By SVETLANA KUNIN | Posted Friday, September 04, 2009 From Investor's Business Daily:

In the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, I was taught to believe individual pursuits are selfish and sacrificing for the collective good is noble.

In kindergarten we sang songs about Lenin, the leader of the Socialist Revolution. In school we learned about the beautiful socialist system, where everybody is equal and everything is fair; about ugly capitalism, where people are exploited and treat each other like wolves in the wilderness.

Life in the USSR modeled the socialist ideal. God-based religion was suppressed and replaced with cultlike adoration for political figures.

The government-assigned salary of the proletariat (blue-collar worker) was 30%-50% higher then any professional. Without incentive to improve their life, professionals drank themselves to oblivion. They — engineers, lawyers, doctors, teachers — earned a government-determined salary that barely covered the necessities, mainly food.

Raising children was a hardship. It took four to six adults (parents and grandparents) to support a child. The usual size of the postwar family was one or two children. Every woman had the right to have an abortion and most of them did, often without anesthesia.

There is a comparative historical reality that plays out the consequences of two competing ideologies: life in the USSR and in America. When the march to the worker's paradise — the Socialist Revolution — began in 1917, many people emigrated from Russia to the U.S.

In the USSR, economic equality was achieved by redistributing wealth, ensuring that everyone remained poor, with the exception of those doing the redistributing. Only the ruling class of communist leaders had access to special stores, medicine and accommodations that could compare to those in the West.

The rest of the citizenry had to deal with permanent shortages of food and other necessities, and had access to free but inferior, unsanitary and low-tech medical care. The egalitarian utopia of equality, achieved by the sacrifice of individual self-interest for the collective good, led to corruption, black markets, anger and envy.

Government-controlled health care destroyed human dignity.

Chairman Nikita Khrushchev released facts about Stalin and his purges. People learned of the horrific purge of more than 20 million citizens, murdered as enemies of the state.

Those who left Russia found a different set of values in America: freedom of religion, speech, individual pursuits, the right to private property and free enterprise. The majority of those immigrants achieved a better life for themselves and their children in this capitalist land.

These opportunities let the average immigrant live a better life than many elites in the Soviet Communist Party. The freedom to pursue personal self-interest led to prosperity. Prosperity generated charity, benefiting the collective good.

The descendants of those immigrants are now supporting policies that move America away from the values that gave so many immigrants the chance of a better life. Policies such as nationalized medicine, high tax rates and government intrusion into free enterprise are being sold to us under the socialistic motto of collective salvation.

Socialism has bankrupted and failed every society, while capitalism has lifted more people out of poverty than any other system.

There is no perfect society. There are no perfect people. Critics say that greed is the driving force of capitalism. My answer is that envy is the driving force of socialism. Change to socialism is not an improvement on the imperfections of the current system.

The slogans of "fairness and equality" sound better than the slogans of capitalism. But unlike at the beginning of the 20th century, when these slogans and ideas were yet to be tested, we have accumulated history and reality.

Today we can define the better system not by slogans, but by looking at the accumulated facts. We can compare which ideology leads to the most oppression and which brings the most opportunity.

When I came to America in 1980 and experienced life in this country, I thought it was fortunate that those living in the USSR did not know how unfortunate they were.

Now in 2009, I realize how unfortunate it is that many Americans do not understand how fortunate they are. They vote to give government more and more power without understanding the consequences. By Svetlana Kunin, Stamford, Conn.

Z: ON LABOR DAY, it's interesting to read about laborers in Socialist Russia and in America.........then and now...............and contemplate our future.


30 comments:

Chuck said...

We do have to look to Wall Street and our banking industry to clean out some bad apples but how anyone can believe socialism is a better answer than capitalism is far beyond my capability to comprehend.

There has to be incentive to better yourself. Our country is built on the hard work of men and women. These people worked hard because there was a reward for doing so.

Take this reward system away and punish hard work by taking the fruits of their labor and giving to those who are not willing to contribute to society causes decay as evidenced by every society that has ever tried doing it.

There is not one single country that has successfully used socialism, it is entirely illogical.

Always On Watch said...

Read this essay, "Amerika by November." Grim.

A Concerned American said...

After Glenn Beck exposed that Commie Son of a Bitch, I found this on a Liberia Blog.
Read it carefully to see the lunacy.
--------------------------------
"Because the deluded fools will always be among us, it is only natural that the unscrupulous would learn to exploit them to their own selfish ends.
Although this has been going on a long time with defacto Republican Party leader, Rush Limbaugh, the effort to control the minds of the deluded fools is at it's most active ever with creeps like Glenn Beck pushing their message of hate on the deluded hoards.
After listening to the brainwashing bullshit spewed by the Becks and Limbaughs and Professor Donald Douglases, the deluded then begin repeating the same nonsense about pinkos and socialism to whomever happens to be unfortunate enough to be near them. The poor deluded fools believe they are speaking intelligently and pretend to be informed when in fact, they are only repeating what their subliminal masters have programmed them to think and say.
These poor deluded, brainwashed fools seek each other out so they can congratulate one another on how good they call progressive thinking, informed, intelligent, caring Americans like yours truly, "commie, pinko liberals."

Eventually, right wing media brainwashes these poor deluded fools into attending a large gathering of fellow deluded right wing fools. They call these events "Tea Parties."

Z said...

Chuck, I have heard leftwingers say "It's never worked BEFORE, but socialism has never been done right before"

PLEASE, EVERYONE, READ ALWAYS' LINK.
I'VE THOUGHT OF SENDING IT TO EMAIL FRIENDS BUT IT'S SO SCARY AND SO AMAZING, EERILY FAMILIAR THAT I'M AFRAID IT WILL REALLY REALLY SCARE THE HELL OUT OF THEM. IT'S AMAZING AND ALMOST EVERY POINT IS SOMETHING HAPPENING NOW.

Concerned..I suppose you mean LIBERAL blog!? Ya, that's pretty typical. They're real scared of people who expose the truth about them. Read the link at Always' comment! They'd deny that, too..and will, just wait for it.

Z said...

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090907/ap_on_go_pr_wh/obama_the_bridge

BOY, include the above link with that of Always On Watch (see her comment's link) and you want to jump out your window! Read both or either at your own risk.

Bye bye, Miss American Pie..

Z said...

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1211495/No-10-turns-Obama-Clinton-criticising-decision-release-Lockerbie-bomber.html

And then there's that....Zack from Diversity Lane sent it to me via email...oh, brother.

Nacilbupera said...

Z: Thanks for sharing! Really enjoyed it. One favorite passage: "Critics say that greed is the driving force of capitalism. My answer is that envy is the driving force of socialism."

We believe in God as our King and that the ONLY way to achieve utopia or true egalitarianism is by having Him--an everlasting, perfect bein--as supreme ruler of the world. Which, interestingly enough we also believe will someday happen! (Revelation 20:1-6)

Until that future day, a Democratic Republic with a Capitalist engine provides the best form of government.

elmers brother said...

good idea putting this up on Labor Day. Considering it's origins.

Chuck said...

"It's never worked BEFORE, but socialism has never been done right before"

Z, the obvious fault with that argument is that there isn't a right way to do socialism.

FrogBurger said...

Great post!

Z, to leftwingers who say socialism hasn't been done right, you can say the same thing about pure capitalism. It rarely has been done right: gov is always in the way in some way. Regulations, minimum wage, Freddy/Fanny, etc...

Z said...

Elbro...I had it ready for midnight publication then remembered it was Labor Day......
Then I thought this was EXACTLY right for Labor Day anyway.
Glad you agree.

Nacilbupera..thanks for coming by. You're right about gov't...

Chuck...that's what I think, but it looks like we're outnumbered by dopes.

shoprat said...

It's inescapable that time plus socialism results in universal poverty. It's a law of nature that too many choose to ignore. Perfection under human rule is indeed impossible but too many will not accept that. They quit learning about real life in kindergarten.

Z said...

Hi, FB....thanks. Great point about capitalism.
The problem is GREED is now associated with capitalism...
Remember how those country's with socialism's leaders act: palaces in the Russian countryside....palaces in Bucharest, etc etc....
Greed of the leaders killing their minions's spirits.
In Capitalism EVERYONE stands a chance.

Z said...

Shoprat, but this information, these facts and truths just can't make our schools OR the mainstream media and American kids are so indoctrinated they honestly don't believe success is good anymore.."it's tiresome to work hard, you won't get anywhere, anyway..and then Obama will redistribute whatever you've got, but THAT'S OKAY, We're GREEN and we'll have enough!" YIKES.

Z said...

How weird is it that I just watched a pretty good film called UNCLE SILAS and I have a reader from Silas, Alabama on my sitemeter? :-)
I love stuff like that!
Welcome, Silas, ALA....UNCLE Silas wouldn't be quite so welcome here!

Brooke said...

Those who do not know their history...

Scary, eerie stuff. GADS!!!

christian soldier said...

I could not have said it better ---so I won't--
My Russian missionary friends are on the 'front lines' over there..
Pray for them --OK!
C-CS

The Vegas Art Guy said...

OK Ducky, you're up. Try to apply your comment to the post this time.

FrogBurger said...

"Those who do not know their history..."

That includes the president who doesn't seem to know much despite his speaking abilities

Joe said...

I once dined with an avowed socialist. He lived in a 5 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath, three car garage home in which there was a BMW and a Mercedes - all bought with the fruits of his capitalistic financial services business.

When I asked him how he squared his "distribution of wealth" stuff with the lifestyle he led, he replied, "Well, somebody has to be at the top in charge."

Sigh!

Right Truth said...

Obama supporters should read this.

Great.

Deborah F. Hamilton
Right Truth
http://www.righttruth.typepad.com

Anonymous said...

Great post Z,

AOW- I read the article on Right Truth, and left the following comment. I figure it's appropriate here as well.

What we do is register with your local tea party group. What we do is become active in it, and attend planned events by that group. Tea party has the sound of a benign gathering of folks just "getting together". It's not. It's people who DO something.

We demonstrate, get engaged as a group, share information, and coalesce with other like groups.

It's a movement. The core of a grassroots endeavor is already formed. Participate. Help it grow into a force to be reckoned with.

This effort has now led to a march on Washington on 9/12. This is DOING something.

Work in campaigns of candidates who support freedom, and the American way. Donate money to them.

Resist anything you deem to be antithetical to our constitutional rights.

Finally, all of ths requires leaving our comfort zones, and accepting we must speak out, spend time in active dissent, and tap the courage within all of us as Americans to preserve our individual rights, and ensure our children are left the country as we found it. Free, prosperous, and unencumbered by oppressive governance.

Pris

Anonymous said...

Joe - Your friend with whom you dined, thinks his ox wouldn't be gored. The worst kind of hypocrite.

If Obama has his way, your dining companion would be in for a shock. Few would be left unscathed.

Amazing, the arrogance of those who can't see the forest for the trees.

Pris

Deborah on the Bayside said...

Gives "green with envy" a whole new meaning!

Marriner Eccles helped craft FDR's New Deal. He blamed the rich for the depression because they spent such a low percentage of their income compared poor people (well, I doubt the poor spent as much on industrial goods, the ones that drive production and jobs for the poor - but I digress).

Wanted their money redistributed to the poor so spending would increase. I'm not making this up! Even though anyone with an IQ above room temperature could see the gaping hole in this argument there was still a lot of support for it.

Keynesian theory notwithstanding, it plucked the strings of envy in peoples' hearts and closed the door to their minds.

Everybody thought they could get something for nothing. Kunin reminds us why that's a baaaaaad idea.

Z said...

Tea Parties aren't enough...they're a bandage, in my opinion..UNLESS WE GET KIDS.

WE NEED COLLEGE STUDENTS TO WAKE UP to Socialism and we need them educated (finally) about the constitution...reminded that this IS the best country.....and won't be very very soon.

EDUCATE YOUR KIDS.. Too bad we can't home school university.

The powers that be who put Obama in the running 15 years ago underestimated their timing..they should have waited for another 10 years of American oldsters to die; they'd have taken us over MUCH easier, without Tea Partiers, had they waited only those few years...after having waited since the Cold War.

Well, OUR ONLY CHANCE is convincing young people that Obama and his czars and his communist/socialist associations, and his protection of islam over Christianity (and don't tell me that's not true when an American pres tells a Turkish university group that "one of the jobs of the president is to protect muslims around the world" WHAT? Is that in the constitution?) and illegal purchase of companies and setting of salaries, and apologizing all over the world are ALL WRONG...dangerous to them in the long run. Remind them that, without America as we knew her, the world will be a very sad place and they'll be stuck with it......etc etc.

KIDS, people! COLLEGE KIDS............Do the Tea Party thing but GET TO THE KIDS. Tea Parties MIGHT tide us over a few more years but it's not looking good.

G-Man said...

I have said it before here... I've seen the heinous effects of communism first hand. I seriously doubt that it ever could be done "correctly" (as the only way it could be done correctly is to not engage in it at all) and even if it could be done correctly... these morons are not smart enough to do it. Heck, they can't even figure out how to pay taxes and read bills.

FrogBurger said...

About education, I think a cool initiative I've been thinking about is educational centers that'd run on Saturday, Sunday and maybe evenings to give classes on economy and topics where most people are not informed or misinformed. If people knew more about economic principles, they would quickly see the nonsense of socialist policies.

If I had billions of dollars, I'd would create a non-profit with this goal. And maybe add services for people who want to create their business.

Anonymous said...

Do not let your guard down my friends, the battle is just beginning!!!

Anonymous said...

"Tea Parties aren't enough...they're a bandage, in my opinion..UNLESS WE GET KIDS."

I agree we need young people. There are those who are involved, but not enough. When they realize it's their future at stake, they'll sit up and take notice.

Z, most of the people at the tea parties will be working to elect the people we need in the House and the Senate.

But more, it's a well of people who are demonstrating activism. It's a rich resource to be mined.

Pris

MathewK said...

Don't forget, that is the hell that many leftists in the western world still yearn to foist upon the rest of us.