‘Socialism Destroys’: The Tenth Commandment

 

“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor’s.” — The Tenth Commandment

“Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” — John Adams

“Socialism is the philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy.” — Winston Churchill

“I believe in returning the nation’s wealth to its rightful owners.” — Barack Obama

“When the people find that then can vote themselves money, that will herald the end of the republic.” — Benjamin Franklin

The idea that socialism will destroy a society is not new. God himself warned people about this, in the 10th commandment. Which is probably one reason that socialists often abandon conventional religion, creating a sort of religion of their own, which is based on taking from the unpopular and giving to the popular. Or, put more succinctly, their religion is based on coveting their neighbors’ stuff. As Winston Churchill put it, “…the gospel of envy.”

When President Obama said, “I believe in returning the nation’s wealth to its rightful owners,” that is exactly and precisely what he meant. The rightful owners of wealth are not those who earned that wealth – no, the rightful owners of wealth are those who voted for Barack Obama.

We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. The “rightful owners.” My heavens. That should send chills down your spine.

Taking things from people we don’t like, and giving it to people we do like. Using the power of government to not just rationalize, but enforce widespread theft, extortion, bribery, and blackmail. President Obama, and most modern American Democrats, worship “…the gospel of envy.” And because we’ve trained our children that such behavior is actually virtuous, they worship this gospel openly and proudly. They run for office on the platform of “…the gospel of envy.” And they win.

There are some who wonder how all this will turn out.

Benjamin Franklin knew. Perhaps he’d read the 10th Commandment.

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  1. kedavis Coolidge
    kedavis
    @kedavis

    Saint Augustine (View Comment):

    Henry Castaigne (View Comment):

    Saint Augustine (View Comment):

    Henry Castaigne (View Comment):

    Hold on. Smith didn’t write too much about innovation or entrepreneurship (though I would argue that he hinted about it when he talked about the manufacturing of pins).

    You talking to me or to Jerry?

    As I understand it, the value of labor theory suggest that the value of the labor is more than what the laborer gets for the his value. This is because the employer takes the product of the employees and sells the products of his labor for more money than he pays the workers. (Except for when things go wrong.) However, Marx goes off the rails when he blames capitalists for not contributing anything because some beneficent dictator could order around everything more effectively.

    How would you define Marx’s Labor Theory.

    I’m not at all sure myself. I thought it was the idea that the value of a product is determined entirely by the cost of labor.

    I’m not at all sure what are Marx’ precise views on the topic. (As I recall, he is associated with the Labor Theory of Value because he does seem to tout it, but @ JamesOfEngland said once that it’s not that simple. I don’t know.)

    Ricardo didn’t buy that did he? He was a trade guy so he knew a pound of sugar was different in Jamaica than a port city in England than in rural England.

    Probably, if you say so. I believe he understood . . . never mind, let me copy from my notes. It’s literally all I know.

    III. David Ricardo

    1. 1700s and 1800s.
    2. The principle of Comparative Advantage explains how people and countries can always profitably compete by specializing in one economic activity.
    3. Ricardo explained this principle and used it to promote international trade, an international free market, and a planned national economy.

    If he thought it meant it was possible to have a successful planned national economy, I would think that proves him wrong immediately.

    • #31
  2. Saint Augustine Member
    Saint Augustine
    @SaintAugustine

    kedavis (View Comment):

    If he thought it meant it was possible to have a successful planned national economy, I would think that proves him wrong immediately.

    About some things, yes.

    But my notes (even if correct) are no doubt painting in very broad strokes.

    • #32
  3. Flicker Coolidge
    Flicker
    @Flicker

    I’ve written on this a few times in the comments, but it’s not just the wanting (10th Commandment — Thou shalt not covet) which socialists devalue, but also the taking (8th commandment — Thou shalt not steal).

    I’m sure we’re all aware that the promise of gaining from one’s neighbor is a mighty big inducement to vote a certain way.  What people who vote to elect others to government to tax their neighbors’ wealth and property for their own (the voters’) benefit, this is stealing; even if they feel that the government has a special right to do this, it’s getting from your neighbor against his voluntary desire.

    If he desired to do it, he wouldn’t need the government to be the paid middle man.

    • #33
  4. Jules PA Inactive
    Jules PA
    @JulesPA

    Flicker (View Comment):

    I’ve written on this a few times in the comments, but it’s not just the wanting (10th Commandment — Thou shalt not covet) which socialists devalue, but also the taking (8th commandment — Thou shalt not steal).

    I’m sure we’re all aware that the promise of gaining from one’s neighbor is a mighty big inducement to vote a certain way. What people who vote to elect others to government to tax their neighbors’ wealth and property for their own (the voters’) benefit, this is stealing; even if they feel that the government has a special right to do this, it’s getting from your neighbor against his voluntary desire.

    If he desired to do it, he wouldn’t need the government to be the paid middle man.

    I agree, and somehow, it appears the moral sting of stealing is less when it is done by ballot. 

     

    • #34
  5. kedavis Coolidge
    kedavis
    @kedavis

    Jules PA (View Comment):

    Flicker (View Comment):

    I’ve written on this a few times in the comments, but it’s not just the wanting (10th Commandment — Thou shalt not covet) which socialists devalue, but also the taking (8th commandment — Thou shalt not steal).

    I’m sure we’re all aware that the promise of gaining from one’s neighbor is a mighty big inducement to vote a certain way. What people who vote to elect others to government to tax their neighbors’ wealth and property for their own (the voters’) benefit, this is stealing; even if they feel that the government has a special right to do this, it’s getting from your neighbor against his voluntary desire.

    If he desired to do it, he wouldn’t need the government to be the paid middle man.

    I agree, and somehow, it appears the moral sting of stealing is less when it is done by ballot.

    Apparently, if the majority – or at least a plurality – wants to steal from a minority, it’s not really stealing.

    • #35
  6. Flicker Coolidge
    Flicker
    @Flicker

    kedavis (View Comment):

    Jules PA (View Comment):

    Flicker (View Comment):

    I’ve written on this a few times in the comments, but it’s not just the wanting (10th Commandment — Thou shalt not covet) which socialists devalue, but also the taking (8th commandment — Thou shalt not steal).

    I’m sure we’re all aware that the promise of gaining from one’s neighbor is a mighty big inducement to vote a certain way. What people who vote to elect others to government to tax their neighbors’ wealth and property for their own (the voters’) benefit, this is stealing; even if they feel that the government has a special right to do this, it’s getting from your neighbor against his voluntary desire.

    If he desired to do it, he wouldn’t need the government to be the paid middle man.

    I agree, and somehow, it appears the moral sting of stealing is less when it is done by ballot.

    Apparently, if the majority – or at least a plurality – wants to steal from a minority, it’s not really stealing.

    Yeah, that’s exactly how they think feel.

    • #36
  7. Gazpacho Grande' Coolidge
    Gazpacho Grande'
    @ChrisCampion

    Kevin Schulte (View Comment):

    ” At least I care about others ”

    A retort of a coworker ( Tommy the Commie) just recently.

    He cares so much he’ll take money from other people and give it to them.

    Bravo, Tommy!  Hero status confirmed.  Tell me, does caring mean we bankrupt the country and cause its ruin?

    • #37
  8. I Walton Member
    I Walton
    @IWalton

    There may be a way to run welfare that doesn’t destroy the economy but the folks who really need it are less likely to be politically engaged than those who are easily organized and led.  Like the economy in general welfare has to be ground up, not Federal or State run.  if government is involved it has to be tied to taxes that all people pay.  What are the chances of any of this?  Close to zero but let’s be clear about what’s going on now.  It isn’t about welfare its about raw power and the only question is whether its Chinese or just the giant falling cost companies run by ignoramuses, who, like most of us,  don’t understand much beyond their immediate interests but don’t have to compete to survive. ..  

    • #38
  9. MiMac Thatcher
    MiMac
    @MiMac

    When ever the discussion of Churchill’s views on socialism starts I don’t want to pass up the chance to use one of my favorite Churchill quotes- Churchill walked into the bathroom in the House of Commons and sees Attlee standing at a urinal- Churchill walks to the furthest urinal:

    Attlee:”Feeling standoffish today are we, Winston?”

    Churchill:”That’s right- every time you see something big you want to nationalize it”

     

    • #39
  10. Kevin Schulte Member
    Kevin Schulte
    @KevinSchulte

    Gazpacho Grande' (View Comment):

    Kevin Schulte (View Comment):

    ” At least I care about others ”

    A retort of a coworker ( Tommy the Commie) just recently.

    He cares so much he’ll take money from other people and give it to them.

    Bravo, Tommy! Hero status confirmed. Tell me, does caring mean we bankrupt the country and cause its ruin?

    He thinks the country has an endless supply of Dr. Bastiat’s , if only they were not so selfish. 

    Like Momma always said. “Stupid is as stupid does. “

    • #40
  11. Flicker Coolidge
    Flicker
    @Flicker

    I Walton (View Comment):

    There may be a way to run welfare that doesn’t destroy the economy but the folks who really need it are less likely to be politically engaged than those who are easily organized and led. Like the economy in general welfare has to be ground up, not Federal or State run. if government is involved it has to be tied to taxes that all people pay. What are the chances of any of this? Close to zero but let’s be clear about what’s going on now. It isn’t about welfare its about raw power and the only question is whether its Chinese or just the giant falling cost companies run by ignoramuses, who, like most of us, don’t understand much beyond their immediate interests but don’t have to compete to survive. ..

    I thought that Biden’s whispered comment that the government paying people not to work (so that they would naturally choose to leave the workforce) would be alleviated by employers paying their employees more was clear evidence of the administration’s intention to strong-arm increases in wages using tax dollars and federal debt to either destroy small businesses or to put everyone on the dole.

    • #41
  12. Randy Weivoda Moderator
    Randy Weivoda
    @RandyWeivoda

    Flicker (View Comment):

    I Walton (View Comment):

    There may be a way to run welfare that doesn’t destroy the economy but the folks who really need it are less likely to be politically engaged than those who are easily organized and led. Like the economy in general welfare has to be ground up, not Federal or State run. if government is involved it has to be tied to taxes that all people pay. What are the chances of any of this? Close to zero but let’s be clear about what’s going on now. It isn’t about welfare its about raw power and the only question is whether its Chinese or just the giant falling cost companies run by ignoramuses, who, like most of us, don’t understand much beyond their immediate interests but don’t have to compete to survive. ..

    I thought that Biden’s whispered comment that the government paying people not to work (so that they would naturally choose to leave the workforce) would be alleviated by employers paying their employees more was clear evidence of the administration’s intention to strong-arm increases in wages using tax dollars and federal debt to either destroy small businesses or to put everyone on the dole.

    I never know which Democrats actually believe that socialist economic theory works and which ones know it is BS, but also know many voters are fools who will buy into it.

    • #42
  13. Dr. Bastiat Member
    Dr. Bastiat
    @drbastiat

    Randy Weivoda (View Comment):
    I never know which Democrats actually believe that socialist economic theory works and which ones know it is BS

    I would love to know if Pelosi and Schumer and Biden, in their heart of hearts, really believe that socialism is a good idea…

    • #43
  14. Kevin Schulte Member
    Kevin Schulte
    @KevinSchulte

    Randy Weivoda (View Comment):

    Flicker (View Comment):

    I Walton (View Comment):

    There may be a way to run welfare that doesn’t destroy the economy but the folks who really need it are less likely to be politically engaged than those who are easily organized and led. Like the economy in general welfare has to be ground up, not Federal or State run. if government is involved it has to be tied to taxes that all people pay. What are the chances of any of this? Close to zero but let’s be clear about what’s going on now. It isn’t about welfare its about raw power and the only question is whether its Chinese or just the giant falling cost companies run by ignoramuses, who, like most of us, don’t understand much beyond their immediate interests but don’t have to compete to survive. ..

    I thought that Biden’s whispered comment that the government paying people not to work (so that they would naturally choose to leave the workforce) would be alleviated by employers paying their employees more was clear evidence of the administration’s intention to strong-arm increases in wages using tax dollars and federal debt to either destroy small businesses or to put everyone on the dole.

    I never know which Democrats actually believe that socialist economic theory works and which ones know it is BS, but also know many voters are fools who will buy into it.

    It is safe to use this metric. 

    The leaders know it does not work. I place them in the wicked category. 

    I put the foot soldiers in the useful idiot category. 

    • #44
  15. Ray Gunner Coolidge
    Ray Gunner
    @RayGunner

    Dr. Bastiat (View Comment):

    Randy Weivoda (View Comment):
    I never know which Democrats actually believe that socialist economic theory works and which ones know it is BS

    I would love to know if Pelosi and Schumer and Biden, in their heart of hearts, really believe that socialism is a good idea…

    I don’t think the likes of Pelosi, Schumer, et al. really believe in socialism or any of the other causes they espouse (climate change; systemic racism; voter suppression; etc.).  They believe in amassing political power.  They champion these causes to the extent they are effective pretexts for amassing power. 

    • #45
  16. Ray Gunner Coolidge
    Ray Gunner
    @RayGunner

    Dr. Bastiat: “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor’s.” — The Tenth Commandment

    God:  Covetousness is a personal sin.

    Democrats:  But collectively, it’s a civic virtue!

    • #46
  17. Western Chauvinist Member
    Western Chauvinist
    @WesternChauvinist

    Flicker (View Comment):

    I Walton (View Comment):

    There may be a way to run welfare that doesn’t destroy the economy but the folks who really need it are less likely to be politically engaged than those who are easily organized and led. Like the economy in general welfare has to be ground up, not Federal or State run. if government is involved it has to be tied to taxes that all people pay. What are the chances of any of this? Close to zero but let’s be clear about what’s going on now. It isn’t about welfare its about raw power and the only question is whether its Chinese or just the giant falling cost companies run by ignoramuses, who, like most of us, don’t understand much beyond their immediate interests but don’t have to compete to survive. ..

    I thought that Biden’s whispered comment that the government paying people not to work (so that they would naturally choose to leave the workforce) would be alleviated by employers paying their employees more was clear evidence of the administration’s intention to strong-arm increases in wages using tax dollars and federal debt to either destroy small businesses or to put everyone on the dole.

    That really was remarkable. And not in a good way. 

    • #47
  18. kedavis Coolidge
    kedavis
    @kedavis

    Gazpacho Grande' (View Comment):

    Kevin Schulte (View Comment):

    ” At least I care about others ”

    A retort of a coworker ( Tommy the Commie) just recently.

    He cares so much he’ll take money from other people and give it to them.

    Bravo, Tommy! Hero status confirmed. Tell me, does caring mean we bankrupt the country and cause its ruin?

    I ask the same question about women voting, etc.

    • #48
  19. cdor Member
    cdor
    @cdor

    Once they take everything from the people, the people will have nothing left to lose. Then “they” are in real trouble. They won’t be able to run and they won’t be able to hide. America, fortunately, is a country where more people by far are “haves” rather than “have nots”. It’s hard, even for those who will not see, not to notice the power and wealth of those yelling the loudest about life’s inequity.

    • #49
  20. Kevin Schulte Member
    Kevin Schulte
    @KevinSchulte

    kedavis (View Comment):

    Gazpacho Grande’ (View Comment):

    Kevin Schulte (View Comment):

    ” At least I care about others ”

    A retort of a coworker ( Tommy the Commie) just recently.

    He cares so much he’ll take money from other people and give it to them.

    Bravo, Tommy! Hero status confirmed. Tell me, does caring mean we bankrupt the country and cause its ruin?

    I ask the same question about women voting, etc.

    We have millions of women who are not married or attached to a slacker. The obvious choice for these women is to look to gov for their ultimate security. 
    Then there are millions that are feminists. Their choice is progressivism. 

    • #50
  21. Jules PA Inactive
    Jules PA
    @JulesPA

    Kevin Schulte (View Comment):
    We have millions of women who are not married or attached to a slacker. The obvious choice for these women is to look to gov for their ultimate security. 

    ???? What? 

     

    • #51
  22. kedavis Coolidge
    kedavis
    @kedavis

    Jules PA (View Comment):

    Kevin Schulte (View Comment):
    We have millions of women who are not married or attached to a slacker. The obvious choice for these women is to look to gov for their ultimate security.

    ???? What?

     

    My guess is, referring to women who are single because a regular man isn’t “good enough” for them.

    • #52
  23. Western Chauvinist Member
    Western Chauvinist
    @WesternChauvinist

    Jules PA (View Comment):

    Kevin Schulte (View Comment):
    We have millions of women who are not married or attached to a slacker. The obvious choice for these women is to look to gov for their ultimate security.

    ???? What?

    There’s a mindset among many women that good government is possible if we just elect the right people. In other words, Democrats. Remember the Life of Julia from the Obama era? It was government dependence from cradle to grave. We used to call some of these women “welfare queens,” before we were cowed by political correctness. But, other women just want concentrated power in government to secure their “right” to abortion, or to give them free college tuition, or free daycare for their kids. They think Big Government can solve the climate change “crisis.” They really believe government is a force for good, rather than just force.

    Conservative women I’ve known who are either unmarried or married to a slouch tend to lean on Jesus as their provider/protector. Progressive women look to Big Government. Progressivism is a state religion, especially for women. 

    • #53
  24. kedavis Coolidge
    kedavis
    @kedavis

    Western Chauvinist (View Comment):

    Jules PA (View Comment):

    Kevin Schulte (View Comment):
    We have millions of women who are not married or attached to a slacker. The obvious choice for these women is to look to gov for their ultimate security.

    ???? What?

    There’s a mindset among many women that good government is possible if we just elect the right people. In other words, Democrats. Remember the Life of Julia from the Obama era? It was government dependence from cradle to grave. We used to call some of these women “welfare queens,” before we were cowed by political correctness. But, other women just want concentrated power in government to secure their “right” to abortion, or to give them free college tuition, or free daycare for their kids. They think Big Government can solve the climate change “crisis.” They really believe government is a force for good, rather than just force.

    Conservative women I’ve known who are either unmarried or married to a slouch tend to lean on Jesus as their provider/protector. Progressive women look to Big Government. Progressivism is a state religion, especially for women.

    And, as I mentioned before, Big Government won’t leave/abandon/divorce them, no matter what they do.

    • #54
  25. Jules PA Inactive
    Jules PA
    @JulesPA

    Seems like painting with a broad brush…because neither of those mindset applies to me. 

    I guess i’m weird. Thankfully. 

    • #55
  26. Henry Castaigne Member
    Henry Castaigne
    @HenryCastaigne

    Jules PA (View Comment):

    Seems like painting with a broad brush…because neither of those mindset applies to me.

    I guess i’m weird. Thankfully.

    Well that depends. Are you married?

    • #56
  27. Jules PA Inactive
    Jules PA
    @JulesPA

    Henry Castaigne (View Comment):

    Jules PA (View Comment):

    Seems like painting with a broad brush…because neither of those mindset applies to me.

    I guess i’m weird. Thankfully.

    Well that depends. Are you married?

    No. That was my point. Broad brush. I dont fit either of those pegs. 

    No worries. I dont mind. 

    • #57
  28. Kevin Schulte Member
    Kevin Schulte
    @KevinSchulte

    kedavis (View Comment):

    Western Chauvinist (View Comment):

    Jules PA (View Comment):

    Kevin Schulte (View Comment):
    We have millions of women who are not married or attached to a slacker. The obvious choice for these women is to look to gov for their ultimate security.

    ???? What?

    There’s a mindset among many women that good government is possible if we just elect the right people. In other words, Democrats. Remember the Life of Julia from the Obama era? It was government dependence from cradle to grave. We used to call some of these women “welfare queens,” before we were cowed by political correctness. But, other women just want concentrated power in government to secure their “right” to abortion, or to give them free college tuition, or free daycare for their kids. They think Big Government can solve the climate change “crisis.” They really believe government is a force for good, rather than just force.

    Conservative women I’ve known who are either unmarried or married to a slouch tend to lean on Jesus as their provider/protector. Progressive women look to Big Government. Progressivism is a state religion, especially for women.

    And, as I mentioned before, Big Government won’t leave/abandon/divorce them, no matter what they do.

    Jules 

    I agree with the comments above. However, I was coming from a slightly different angle. 

    Beyound the need to be loved , it is my understanding that the next greatest need in a woman is security. Faithless (no God their loving father) single woman will tend to look to gov for that security. 

    The right says personal responsibility 

    The Prog says free child care and we will take care of you. 
     
    It is understandable what their choice will be. 

    Now of course this is not all women in this category. However, Dems always seem to take the women vote for a reason.

    There are many reasons for the demise of our republic. One big one is woman’s suffrage. 

    Grabbing shield for incoming now. 😉

    • #58
  29. Western Chauvinist Member
    Western Chauvinist
    @WesternChauvinist

    Kevin Schulte (View Comment):

    kedavis (View Comment):

    Western Chauvinist (View Comment):

    Jules PA (View Comment):

    Kevin Schulte (View Comment):
    We have millions of women who are not married or attached to a slacker. The obvious choice for these women is to look to gov for their ultimate security.

    ???? What?

    There’s a mindset among many women that good government is possible if we just elect the right people. In other words, Democrats. Remember the Life of Julia from the Obama era? It was government dependence from cradle to grave. We used to call some of these women “welfare queens,” before we were cowed by political correctness. But, other women just want concentrated power in government to secure their “right” to abortion, or to give them free college tuition, or free daycare for their kids. They think Big Government can solve the climate change “crisis.” They really believe government is a force for good, rather than just force.

    Conservative women I’ve known who are either unmarried or married to a slouch tend to lean on Jesus as their provider/protector. Progressive women look to Big Government. Progressivism is a state religion, especially for women.

    And, as I mentioned before, Big Government won’t leave/abandon/divorce them, no matter what they do.

    Jules

    I agree with the comments above. However, I was coming from a slightly different angle.

    Beyound the need to be loved , it is my understanding that the next greatest need in a woman is security. Faithless (no God their loving father) single woman will tend to look to gov for that security.

    The right says personal responsibility

    The Prog says free child care and we will take care of you.

    It is understandable what their choice will be.

    Now of course this is not all women in this category. However, Dems always seem to take the women vote for a reason.

    There are many reasons for the demise of our republic. One big one is woman’s suffrage.

    Grabbing shield for incoming now. 😉

    I’m a woman and I agree. It’s biblical. It’s a right-understanding of human anthropology. Men get their sense of self from their work (by the sweat of your brow) and women by their relationship to others (despite the pains of childbirth you will desire your husband). There’s a built-in vulnerability for women as the child-bearers of the species. It naturally makes us desire security. 

    In this way, progressive women are shallow and are foolish about what a strong woman is. So, yes, the republic was doomed once (progressive-minded) women got the vote. But, the problem isn’t limited to women and it didn’t start with women’s suffrage. I would argue it started with the undermining of the moral authority of the Church by certain Protestant “reformers.” 

    My turn to duck and cover.

    • #59
  30. Henry Castaigne Member
    Henry Castaigne
    @HenryCastaigne

    Western Chauvinist (View Comment):

    But, the problem isn’t limited to women and it didn’t start with women’s suffrage. I would argue it started with the undermining of the moral authority of the Church by certain Protestant “reformers.” 

    My turn to duck and cover.

    The Catholic Church (with the notable exception of John Paul II) has never been a big fan of liberty. I doubt Democracy could develop with Catholicism. 

    • #60
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