It’s not uncommon, when the topic of socialism comes up, for someone to say something like, “Do you know how many millions of people died in the name of socialism?” I’ve heard this said, but the conversation almost always move on without anyone really addressing it. Historically, we know that it’s true (at least most over the age of 25 do, anyway). Or at least we know that when there have been mass murders of populations, ethnicities or communities, the reigning government was collectivist, in nature. So, how does the one lead to the other? In simplest terms, socialism…
Free Tibet… but how?
If you drive, it won’t be too long before you see someone with a Free Tibet bumper sticker. When I see these, I wonder, if the US were to free Tibet by sending in our military, going to war with China, and taking back the country so they could govern themselves, would those who protested our presence in Kuwait or Iraq (who are generally the same people who would be likely to have a “Free Tibet” bumper sticker) react similarly to our heading into Tibet? Would they be upset about how it was freed? Would they even notice it…
Bag your own groceries
The other day, I went in to our local grocery store to get some milk ‘n stuff. When I finally selected what I thought would be the quickest line, I ended up behind this guy in his mid-30s who had a fair amount of things. When it came time for the cashier to ring up his items, he just stood there with his arms at his sides as she just pushed one item after another toward the bags and the end of the conveyer. Once she finished with his items, he pulled out his wallet, as if he thought…