Democratic socialism is not communism

Alas, the terms are mixed up in too many minds.

Admit it, we all practice democratic socialism when we ride down public streets and interstate highways. Our schools are funded by taxpayer democratic socialism. Our police, our fire departments and libraries, and even our military are funded by democratic socialism. Rich or poor, we all live in a pluralistic democratic social society.

Democratic socialism allows individuals to earn their living at different pay scales. Communism does not. It requires that incomes be distributed on personal needs. Democratic socialism is practiced by our churches as they give aid to the needy wherever they are in our country or another country. It’s funds are privately given, not taken from us. None of us who share what we have are exploited. (And here some will want to say they are forced to pay tax. But what kind of modern country would you have if you didn’t)?

Communism is an entirely different game where what we produce we are forced to share. No one owns any private property.

Shamefully too many of us go to church and sing “Jesus loves the little children of the world. Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in “His” sight” until it comes to money. Then it’s every man for himself.

Don’t be fooled by politicians or anyone else who cry democratic socialism is Communism. They are the ones who practice “Get all you can and can all you get.”

Dennis A Rice

Athens