There’s no denying that socialism’s appeal among Americans is growing, especially among Democrats and the young. The consensus of recent polls confirms this. In Gallup’s last major national survey, only 54% of Americans view capitalism positively — the lowest level Gallup has ever recorded, and 39% view socialism positively. Among Democrats, a whopping 66% view socialism positively!The recent electoral successes of candidates running under the Democratic Socialist of America (DSA) banner, and not only in the much-discussed New York primaries, confirm socialism’s increasing popularity. Seattle elected an avowed DSA member as mayor last year, and Washington, D.C., nominated one on June 16 who is a shoo-in to be elected in November.Now, as we celebrate our country’s founding and reflect on the meaning of the Declaration of Independence and our Constitution, I want to focus on a key aspect of the socialist project. Whether through outright seizure of private property for conversion to public use or through imposition of stringent regulatory controls that substantially diminish a property’s value, a lack of respect for private property rights remains a cornerstone of the socialist program.
Want another 250 years? Reject socialism's hostility to property rights
Socialists, with their open hostility towards property rights, disparage the principle that a chief end of government is the protection of private property.
839 words~4 min read
