The Divergence Between Modern Socialism and Capitalism: Equality in a Post-Pandemic World

Jeff Pinner’s answer is spot-on. However, I’d like to add a few more perspectives to this discussion. Many people, especially those opposed to or fearful of "America becoming socialist," hold a different interpretation of what socialism entails compared to the vision of socialism that resonates with today’s youth. The stark differences lie in the fundamental aspects of these ideologies.

Reimagining Socialism for Today's World

Yesterday's fears about socialism often revolved around the ownership and control of the factors of production. Today, the conversation has shifted, and the key concerns are broader. People today are less concerned with who owns the means of production and much more focused on issues like economic equality, ensuring free healthcare for all, and providing access to essential medicines, among other factors that enhance opportunity.

The Historical Context and Its Impact

The worries about socialism that were deeply rooted in the Cold War era have been passed along, often with some justification. But the socialism that has captivated the attention of young people today is different. It is a vision of a society that offers more opportunities and a better quality of life, not just in terms of outcomes but also in terms of the process and equity of how those outcomes are achieved.

Young people are not lacking in education or knowledge that Betsy DeVos thinks needs to be changed. Instead, they are rejecting the indoctrination and brainwashing that dominated schools during her time. This shift is part of a broader desire for a more inclusive and equitable system.

Personal Experiences and Perceptions of Social Benefits

As a retired senior citizen, I have firsthand experience of the benefits that a mixed economic system can offer. Take, for example, the roads. The fact that I only have about a mile to drive to a paved road is a luxury made possible by a system that supports public funding. If left to private companies, I’d likely be facing a higher cost and lower quality of infrastructure. Even something as mundane as internet access is a privilege in many parts of the world, and it’s all thanks to investments made through public schools and universities.

Public schools not only provide a foundational education but also nurture skilled and innovative individuals who can contribute to society. The engineers who put people on the moon and the scientists who design and build infrastructure were largely products of public education systems. Corporate schooling would be much more expensive and likely less effective, driven primarily by profit motives rather than a commitment to public welfare.

And then there are essential public services like police, fire, and emergency medical services. The fact that I don’t have to lock my doors is a right that I take for granted. These services are provided by a public system that aims to protect and serve the broader community. Private alternatives would be less comprehensive and more expensive, driven by a profit motive rather than a public good.

Lastly, social security is a critical safety net. Government-run social security systems offer security and stability, ensuring that people can enjoy their golden years without worry about economic hardships. While the current system does rely on a regressive tax structure, there is a straightforward solution: expand the tax base to include every dollar of income. A simple one-line change to the tax code could ensure the security of the system forever. Private savings alone have proven inadequate for providing the same level of support.

A Mixed Economic System in Action

It’s essential to recognize that the United States never has been and never will be a pure capitalist system. We operate within a mixed economic framework, and the ongoing debate is about the blend of public and private sectors. The challenge is to find the right balance that meets the needs of all stakeholders and creates an equitable society.

In conclusion, the vision of socialism that captures the imagination of contemporary youth is not about control of means of production. It’s about building a society where everyone has a fair shot at success, where essential services are accessible to all, and where the focus is on creating an equitable and prosperous future for all. This is the kind of world that I, as a senior citizen, have both benefitted from and witnessed, and it’s a vision I believe in wholeheartedly.