Exactly what is "socialism"?

For two years now, we've all been hearing that if Obama gets elected, the forces of socialism would take over our country. Honestly, it sounds scary (like an alien invasion or attack of the body snatchers)... but the more I thought about it, the more I realized that no one ever seemed to explain it or even understand it, so I decided to resist joining the masses in fearing something I didn't understand, and research the topic. Here's some of what I uncovered...

If we were starting a new country, history shows us variations of a few ideologies that orient how a country's economy and government works. To best answer what socialism is, it helps to unpack the extreme opposites of capitalism and communism - which revels socialism's place.

A. Capitalism was founded on concepts from the manuscript "Wealth of Nations." It features: individualism, free markets, profit motive, and private property-in a environment of civil liberties. In it's purist form, it rejects all government regulation and intervention and relies completely on supply and demand forces of a free market. It suggests that wealth is the primary sign of success, whereas the rich deserve to be rich, and the poor deserve to be poor. America and the western world offers examples of how it may be the best structure to offer maximum opportunity and sustainability, but because it favors the rich, its weaknesses are greed and corruption at the top and cyclical poverty at the bottom.

B. Communism started with the observations and questions raised by Marx who wanted to right the wrongs of monarchy and capitalism and achieve Utopia. He articulated the ideals of the common good, social responsibility, economic collectivism, and group ownership. In the 1700's, Lenin applied this ideology by forming Communist Russia where the state controlled all industry, wealth, and land ownership to ensure equal housing, wages, benefits. The former USSR, Cuba, and China offer examples of how communist dictatorships demand citizen compliance, control the press, and realize mixed economic results but limited freedom.

So, as I'm understanding it, capitalism and communism could be considered opposites - both in terms of economic drivers and individual freedoms. So, I'm convinced that some of Communism's ideals are not all bad (common good) but capitalism is superior if you actually want the economy to work and citizens to be free. So, it appears there is a reasonable argument that capitalism requires modifications to achieve the "common good" - and this is why various government interventions are added. It's not a replacement model like Communism, rather an attempt to create a hybrid mix of the best of capitalism and the best of communism's ideals. Looking for an example? Look no further then America! Yes, the US model is NOT pure capitalism. To try to correct the shortfalls of capitalism, we've added Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, the VA, unemployment benefits, and other social services. Now, we can debate if the government has already gone too far, and that Obama would take us further... but my friends (thank you Mr. McCain), we are already a part capitalistic and part socialistic nation.

The Beginning of the End of the "Religious Right"?

Remember the good old days when political categories were simple and predictable? Democrats represented unions, teachers, the poor, and the liberals (aka the godless Left)... while Republicans could always count on big corporations, hunters, seniors and God-fearing church-going folk (aka the "Religious Right"). But is this still true today?

The 2008 election of Senator Obama, and a modest overthrow of the Republicans in Congress reveals that the categories are shifting. Did you know that per NYT Exit Polls Obama made gains among religious voters - attracting Catholic (54%) and Jewish (78%) votes, and even Protestant and Evangelical voters(45%)? It's interesting that so many Jewish Americans supported a man that the GOP tried to cast as Muslim and not pro-Israel (and then just today Obama selected a Jewish man to be his Chief of Staff). It's also interesting that Obama attracted 43% of all people who "attend church at least once a week" - so either churches have lost their way, or maybe Obama stands for enough priorities that fit inside their Christian world view. Granted John McCain won the votes of more of white Evangelicals, but it was by a smaller margin than President Bush won in 2004 and many younger voters that I have met who go to church saw the 2008 election as an opportunity to rethink their faith and politics - and we've not been comfortable landing in the stereotype of the "religious right" of the Republican party. Some did not vote republican for the first time and voted independent or for Obama. So what is the explanation of this exodus from the "Religious Right" by so many church-going people?

I read an interesting article today that offered an explanation... Some theologians suggest that the religious shift signals the emergence of a faith-based coalition that will counterbalance or, perhaps, replace the religious right. It’s made up of mainline religious progressives, black and Hispanic Evangelicals, and a growing number of younger, white Evangelicals and Catholics.
A “whole new faith coalition is coming together and reaching out to allies in other faith traditions, both Jewish and Muslim,” says Jim Wallis, a theologian on religion and public life. “The generational shift [among Evangelicals and Catholics] is very significant. Many young Christians cast a post-religious-right ballot.” Other analysts say Obama did make inroads with younger white evangelicals in key states like Colorado and Indiana, where he boosted his support among Evangelicals by 14 percentage points and 8 percentage points, respectively, over Kerry’s 2004 levels.

So I wonder... Is this a reflection of a younger generation that is not as traditionalist... or is it possible that God is actually neither a Republican or a Democrat - and one party does not own Him... and both sides reflect priorities that matter to thoughtful Christians. As a former "Right-wing" Republican, I recommend that the GOP and conservative Christians in particular resist "The Sky is Falling" dismay, and in stead do some soul searching and look again at the broader list of priorities that matter to God. Otherwise, they are going to continue to lose voters - and before long there will be a voting block called the "Religious Left" who are still pro-life and pro-marriage but also identify with broader moral values of stewardship - around poverty, health care, creation-care, and womb to tomb right to life - that inspires creative solutions to balance personal responsibility with the common good.

The Day After America Elected Obama

Last night, nearly 100 million citizens engaged in their democracy and showed up to pull the lever - and the conclusion is that, for the first time in a long time, we voted down the Republican candidates and voted up the Democrats and the first black President? At the same time, we voted in California, to uphold the traditional and Biblical definition of marriage, while allowing doctor assisted end of life measures and legal use of "illegal" drugs.

Senator Obama's first words as President-elect showed promise of humility, inclusiveness, and pragmatic problem solving. Only time will tell what these soaring words will look like - but I expect a thoughtful decision maker, who leans on the pragmatic needs of the country as a whole more than making the Democratic majority congress happy. I could be dead wrong, but so could the scared conservative nay-sayers.... and only time will tell. For now, over 60,000,000 Americans voted for Obama - and he deserves a chance, our support, and let's see what happens.

The Revealing Stage of Politics

In response to a recent article about how Sara Palin, republican running mate of John McCain drew over 6000 people in a recent political event in Florida - my response is...
Good for Palin! I’m sure this feels like a wild ride, and one she never expected. On one hand, it’s great to see so many citizens get energized and being involved. So many people seem to resonate with her hometown values and outdoors activities – I just hope she uses the stage carefully. I hope she illustrates those values with a dialogue that is bold, but also humble and uplifting to America – not divisive. I agree with her on faith, life, stewardship of resources, and other issues – but I’m also looking to see if that faith perspective translates into moving people together or just typical – "We’re republicans and democrats are stupid" talk. Some of the ads have been a bit slimy recently and that is not the direction we need to go. Case in point… at the convention – Palin as well as the 3 guys who spoke before her were making the point that Obama’s resume is short and all made a point to mock Obama for community service in the poorest section of Chicago. Here was a chance to play much smarter politics, while also maintaining Christian virtue. They could/should have said… We applaud Obama’s story because it represents an unlikely story that can only happen in America! We applaud Obama’s choices in life as a young man – because community service represents the best of American generosity and we encourage the youth of America to follow that example… However, community service does not qualify a person to be President of the US! Do you see what I mean?

If McCain-Palin and Obama-Biden are confident in their character, message, their record, and their vision – they should run on that. If they want to promote their Christian faith in God – then it should not come out in mockery. So, I hope this is the largest turn out ever – and people stop allowing government to be something they just passively pay taxes to – and try to ignore. Someone once said that every bill out of DC is a moral document… it reflects who we are and what we believe to be important. It can also be said of every political commercial, speech, and debate. I think the next few weeks will show either strength of character and Christian virtues – or lack thereof. Certainly, the issues before us (with the unbelievable financial bailouts and extremist terrorism) call for a careful choice here. So, while it’s great to see so many people excited (about Palin on one side and Obama on the other), I care less about the excitement factor – and more about how that leader is using that stage of opportunity – to play off our existing divides and cynicism OR to remind us of a higher calling and that which unites us around these all important issues.