Uncivilized Society

Where has our civility gone? Although “social” is defined as positive community interaction, many regard “socialism” with contempt. That’s remarkable, given that without exception every prosperous industrialized nation on earth utilizes social programs.

Others call our president a “socialist,” but won’t give up their Medicare. That’s hypocritical. While every nation employs social programs today, no nation meets the government ownership requirements to be called socialist. Still we insist upon demonizing government and portraying taxes as socialism’s evil spawn.

We once balanced private interests with the welfare of society fairly successfully; but extreme ideology is a new normal. It shouldn’t have surprised us that our lowest tax rates in eighty years and deregulation benefiting wealthy special interests once again resulted in the level of income disparity we experienced during the Great Depression. Our wealthiest citizens reaped windfall profits, but didn’t create jobs as promised. It’s no wonder we’re angry.

Our Constitution directs us to insure domestic tranquility and promote the general welfare. Our government might have more success if we acknowledge reality. Without exception, prosperous industrialized nations employ social programs that balance private interests with the welfare of society and levy taxes to that end.

As Oliver Wendell Holmes once said, taxes are the price of a civilized society. Likewise, John Boehner tearfully recalled the opportunities he had in his youth and the prosperity we once enjoyed. The higher taxes, affordable (subsidized) education, new highway system, and higher wages must have been worth every penny.