Socialism: Over a Century

I just read an excellent little piece on Cafe Hayek. The issue discussed was inequality and income redistribution. The point was well made. Now a century ago, when my grandmother was a Socialist the issues were a bit more germane. It was related to problems such as clean drinking water, functioning sewers, and preventing mass TB epidemics. That was the socialist agenda. Now it would seem main stream. Back then the socialists wanted the Government to control the drinking water rather than independent companies who had no reason to keep it clean. TB was rampant, and there was a need for public education and health care to isolate the infected people and hopefully allow them a better existence.

Now the issue is inequality. Yes, the poor we shall always have with us, and yes as individuals we have a moral duty. The question is; do we have the Government execute that duty? Is it moral? Despite what certain religious state, Christianity was a religion where individual duties were imposed. One sought individual salvation, not group salvation. It was dramatically different than other religions at the time. Give to Caesar and then give to God meant just that. They were two different groups.

It is worth reacquainting oneself with Francis of Assisi. The Friars were individuals who individually took vows and individually sought salvation. It was their acts not the acts of the King or Pope. In fact it was Ockham and his understanding of individualism which made for the changes which eventually led to the understanding of Natural Rights, rights as applied to the individual. One should remember that justice is the Government taking control of our rights and hopefully supporting them. Thus the Bill of Rights, not the Bill of Justice.