Socialist Platform of 1928 vs. US gov't (2009)

I came across a summary of the Socialist Platform of 1928 and couldn't help but notice the striking resemblance to many of the policies being advocated, enacted or previously enacted by our federal government. I have included a few of the most relevant policies of the Socialist Party that have become part of our society and our expectation of government.

1. "Nationalization of our national resources, beginning with the coal mines and water sites..."

(The Obama administration is clearly pushing to heavily regulate or ultimately nationalize the energy industry through the goal of "energy independence." Obama has made it clear that coal and oil are the enemy and through cap and trade policies, he will dictate pricing and supply of our natural resources)

2. "A publicly owned giant power system under which the federal government shall cooperate with the states and municipalities in the distribution of electrical energy to the people at cost."

(The Tennessee Valley Authority took care of this)

3. "National ownership and democratic management of railroads and other means of transportation and communication."

(Railroad passenger service is nationalized through Amtrak and the FCC clearly controls communications by telephone, TV and radio - watch out "fairness doctrine" and local controls)

4. "Immediate governmental relief of the unemployed by the extension of all public works and a program of long range planning of public works. . ." "All persons thus employed to be engaged at hours and wages fixed by bona-fide labor unions."

(Obama's attempt to ease unemployment by creating jobs solely funded through direct government spending on public works is an example; similar to the WPA and PWA enacted during FDR's administration during the 1930's. Also, the recent push by the Obama administration to pander to the labor unions even if it means a trade war with Mexico and other countries illustrates Obama's allegiance to trade unions.)

5. "Loans to states and municipalities without interest for the purpose of carrying on public works and the taking of such other measures as will lessen widespread misery."

(This point by the Socialist Party summarizes large portions of the "Stimulus Plan" recently passed. The main difference is that the Stimulus Plan gave states and municipalities hand-outs to be spent "to lessen widespread misery." However, as SC Governor Mark Sanford learned, you will only be given such a hand-out if you spend the money on lessening the widespread misery the federal government believes should be lessened. Otherwise, you can't have the money.)

6. "A system of unemployment insurance. . ." "A system of health and accident insurance and of old age pensions as well as unemployment insurance."

(This goal of the Socialist Party sounds very similar to Pres. Obama's goal of universal health care/socialized medicine and his expansion of the welfare state through broad expansion of entitlements by providing unemployment to part-time workers, etc.)

7. "Increase of taxation on high income levels, of corporation taxes and inheritance taxes, the proceeds to be used for old age pensions and other forms of social insurance."

(This point perfectly illustrates the Marxist theory on taxation and redistribution of wealth - "From each according to his ability, to each according to his need." How many times have we heard President Obama say that he wants to spread the wealth around and that everyone should get or pay their "fair share?" Obama is intending to raise taxes on the wealthy to fund a host of social insurance programs - another blog posting on this one for another day)


I decided to add this to make the point that socialism and socialist philosophy enacted into policy is still socialism, regardless of what you call it. Let me know what you think and any ideas you have on my musings.