This article is one in a series that examines claims about how socialism would improve America.
Each article examines a promise, and contrasts it with the reality that shows the hollowness of that promise.

What is capitalism? In my article Is Capitalism Immoral? I described capitalism as this:

• People are allowed, even encouraged, to own things.
• An owner gets to choose what happens to his or her property.
• Some people will become wealthy, but others won’t.

It’s really quite simple. Then some college-bound high school students were asked to briefly describe capitalism. Their responses were not encouraging.

• “Capitalism is when an economy is based on the needs of the people.”
• “Capitalism is when the government takes a bigger role in the economy and controls more things.”
• “Capitalism is everything that makes our government run properly.”
• “Capitalism is when the government has complete control over the decisions that the country makes.”

In general, our high school graduates are economically illiterate. That’s why the “sizzle” of socialism resonates with our youth.

Claim:  Calm down, we already are socialist

Socialist advocates say “It’s too late to complain about socialism, for you’re already living it!” Somehow the existence of police and fire departments means that this is socialism in action.

One of the greatest misconceptions in American politics is the belief that socialism and capitalism exist as mutually exclusive opposites. In reality, the United States has always operated as a mixed economy, blending free-market capitalism with publicly funded institutions designed to provide services that markets alone cannot efficiently or equitably deliver.
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Police departments, fire services, emergency responders, public libraries, sanitation systems, the judicial system, and agencies responsible for food safety, environmental protection, and disease prevention all operate because citizens collectively finance services that benefit everyone rather than only those who can afford to purchase them individually.
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These are all forms of socialized systems — collectively funded, managed for the public, and designed to ensure no one gets left behind. Socialism, at its best, is about collective responsibility — everyone chipping in so the foundation doesn’t crumble beneath anyone.

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdami tried this same “good government is socialism” confusion. This Townhall article thoroughly debunks his argument.

Reality:  Good government doesn’t mean socialism

The claim of “we’re already socialist” comes through confusing society with socialism:

• Society:  people living together for cooperation and mutual benefit.
• Socialism:  a form of politics that enforces collectivism at the expense of individual freedom.

Let’s break down this “socialism in action” claim. Is there socialism to be found here?

Government and police:  Whether a kingdom, a republic, or a commune, its government must provide society with protection and justice. After all, that is government’s role. Food safety, environmental protection, etc., each amount to spinoffs of providing justice. There is no socialism in providing public safety, or in ensuring that people aren’t cheated by unethical food processors.

Other public services:  Other than public safety, all other government services are optional. For example, there is no requirement for government-run fire departments. Some places even have private fire protection!

And most utilities are, or were, provided by profit-seeking businesses. In my life I have Commonwealth Edison (electricity), NiGas (natural gas), Union Pacific (transportation), and the descendants of Bell Telephone (communication). Besides, socialism isn’t there to help private industry make money. But that is what’s happening with these privately supplied services.

Collectively financed services:  When the community provides like fire departments or libraries, it’s associated with community spirit. People will say “look at the shiny new fire engine we bought,” and are proud of what their community did. This attitude was around long before Karl Marx wrote his missives. No, socialism doesn’t define good government.

Or look at how Chicago subsidizes the Chicago Transit Authority, which provides transit services at fares way below what fair market values would be. The CTA exists only because all of the predecessor train and bus systems went broke, and the city decided that subsidizing riders was a good use of tax money. If this is socialism then it’s of a funny kind, one that confiscates only failed businesses.

Socialism is about collective responsibility:  Now we get to the heart of the matter. Socialists like to take credit for good government, boasting about a generosity and charity that isn’t theirs. This is like someone claiming your house, drinking your beer and sleeping in your bed. Socialists don’t do honest debate.

Taking advice from Proverbs 26:5, don’t argue with these socialists, these fools, by taking their arguments at face value. Instead, call them out for their overall plans, for their pre-announced intent to destroy. According to Proverbs 26:3, maybe some chastisement would also be appropriate.

Conclusion

Government might be something we all do together. And community cooperation is an ancient, time-honored practice. But you can’t truthfully project these as practicing socialism.

When advertising “sizzle” gets you to buy a product that doesn’t live up to its billing, you can always do better with your next purchase. But if you believe the socialist “sizzle,” and give them a chance to change things, you won’t get to repent and change your mind. Remember:  our Christian culture is the only game in town.

What’s best is to honor God’s ways, to reinforce and rebuild our Christian society. We must keep believing in God our deliverer, and act as light for society, just as Jesus said we would be (Matthew 5:14-16).