I hear all the talk about socialism, I’m one of those talking most of the time. It’s all about charity, being taken care of, and the part no one wants to hear, control. It’s what us old folks called being beholden to you. It’s an old fashioned term term meaning, I owe you. Charity must be reciprocal. That’s the only way charity continues. When I have no means to reciprocate you have a measure of control over me.

Socialism is a political system. The purpose of any political system is control of the population. It is always described as being “for the people” and the intent is to create a better society. In our constitution the founding fathers proposed to form a more perfect union and provide for the common good, everyone being equal. The government was to be for the “common good.” A government of the people. All of that being dependent upon, reciprocal charity. What we call equal treatment today. But we seem to be leaving out the most important element, reciprocal responsibility.

Socialism is nothing more than legislated charity. That’s what it is. The government deciding who gets what, when and how much. Those in positions of power being solely responsible for that. The people are beholden to the government for their basic needs. History shows us that in the end that always leads to revolt, to an overthrowing of that government, a collapse.

A study has also shown that most empires and superpowers also collapse after about 250 years. That study proposed the journey goes from pioneers to decadence. It is decadence that precipitates the collapse. I’m no scholar but I think it goes from independence to dependence. The society, in general, becomes beholden with no way to reciprocate.

Our form of government, a constitutional republic, does require a reciprocal agreement. We call that our civic duty. It was something that was taught in civics classes back in the day. Those classes have been replaced with “workshops” on how to obtain free stuff from the government. The focus today being on entitlement rather than that obligation. It’s a cultural thing. Our culture has shifted from one of independence to dependence. Now we claim to be independently dependent! We are somehow entitled to charity without any obligation to return that charity.

Charity is a religious belief and action. Christians are called upon to be charitable as a prerequisite to receiving entry into heaven. That is what we are taught by the church. It isn’t a government function, it is a personal function. When a religious belief is used to direct government, it becomes ideology. The prime example of that being Islam. Charity is love. Love of others and caring for others to the best of your ability. It isn’t just about giving! And more importantly, it isn’t about receiving! Your demands for charity will not gain me access to heaven! I’m against socialism because I do not want to be beholden. It’s a cultural thing.

Charity isn’t a one way street. Charity must be reciprocal. Charity creates an obligation. It shouldn’t create dependence.