What's the most detrimental aspect to Socialism?

Question

I'm getting some great answers. Thanks guys.

Answer 1

Govt control.

Socialism is an economic model that promotes govt control over resource production and industrial infrastructure -- sometimes over other financial matters as well.

Any time you have socialism -- whether welfare, or state-owned farms and factories, or other govt-control over the economy -- the society becomes one where the majority can totally dominate the minority, even if only economically.

In the US, since there is no constitutional right to economic freedom, and no protections against govt-ownership or control of money (other than the Takings and Due Process clauses of the 5th Amendment), it's very easy for the govt to take more and more money away from the people.

Answer 2

Socialism removes your individualness. It reduces you to a member of a group. For all you Star Trek fans, The Borg is a socialist society. They use terms like collective to describe themselves. Then they were also ruled by the Queen. (She, of course, was an individual) The queen dictated to everyone what their job was, how they would do it, etc.

Socialism also removes incentives. Why work hard to bake 10 loaves of bread only to see the government step in to take 9 of them, to give to other people you see. So you make one loaf, and go about your day.

Socialism removes your uniqueness about what and who you are. It is a feel good idea, and certainly there are some nice sides to it. (ie, everyone pitches in for the good of the order)However, Socialism will fail because man, by nature, will strive to improve himself or his lot, and will rebel at the thought of someone taking his hard work. Socialism fails because there are also those who would only consume and not contribute to "collective"

Answer 3

Entitlement: People not working to contribute back to the system, but still feel that they are owed the same things as those who do.

A socialist economy only works if everyone is contributing to the system. Otherwise, the heavy taxes used to pay for these programs are spread among a small group of people, and thus carry much more of the burden.

Answer 4

Government control of our money. The people should decide where their money goes. Look how much our country has! We are freer than any other country and we all have the potential to be successful beyond our wildest dreams. The Constitution does not guarantee us to be rich, just the pursuit of happiness. We are a generous nation, though, and our poor are taken care of - unlike the poor in oil rich nations in the Middle East and Mexico.

Answer 5

The biggest things are it is hard to get a job and you want to kill yourself. Otherwise, it is a great system after you kill yourself. France, a Socialistic system, has double the unemployment and suicide rates of the U.S. I used to be on welfare but due to the great employment opportunities of the U.S., was able to get jobs that allowed me to provide for my family and enjoy a good life. But the Democratic Congress is pursuing their model France in raising the minimum wage and heavily taxing companies like Private Equity firms that create many jobs, so the good days in the U.S. will soon be gone.

Answer 6

That it's coercive and unfree by nature. I know that seems simple, but problems arise in government when the system ignores or downplays the importance of liberty.

Answer 7

The harder I work and produce, the less I'm allowed to keep for my family

Answer 8

It discourages initiative and hard work.