Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Another history lesson

For all Sen. Obama's talk of socialism and wealth redistribution, let's be reminded that this would not be the first time socialism has been tried in this country. William Bradford, leader of the Pilgrims, has this to say regarding the collectivism required by their sponsors in England:

"The experience that was had in this common course and condition, tried sundry years and that amongst godly and sober men, may well evince the vanity of that conceit of Plato's and other ancients applauded by some of later times; that the taking away of property and bringing in community into a commonwealth would make them happy and flourishing; as if they were wiser than God. For this community (so far as it was) was found to breed much confusion and discontent and retard much employment that would have been to their benefit and comfort. For the young men, that were most able and fit for labour and service, did repine that they should spend their time and strength to work for other men's wives and children without any recompense."

All land was held in common (no private property), and all the products of labor was to go into a common store, to which each person was entitled to one share. Bradford saw the folly of this, ended it, and distributed a plot of land to each family to hold privately and work privately. Immediately, productivity soared:

"This had very good success, for it made all hands very industrious, so as much more corn was planted than otherwise would have been by any means the Governor or any other could use, and saved him a great deal of trouble, and gave far better content."

Once again, socialism is demonstrated to fail, and capitalism to succeed, hundreds of years before Marx was even born. Don't take my word for it: read Bradford's words for yourself, "Of Plymouth Plantation."

No comments: