1.) Statement: Since the
fall of socialism in 1989, we have witnessed the its results. For
example, the nations of the old Yugoslavia can not exist socially, politically or
economically. Everyday functions that Western civilization accept as basic
requirements such as health care, the automobile industry and retail mega-stores can not
start-up and grow.
We see first hand the ongoing failure of nations like Russia. No matter how they
attempt to reform and create a capitalistic society, they continue to suffer from
corruption, massive crime, bureaucratic impossibilities, and an inability to build a
business base and a viable economy.
Question:
Why do citizens of the US appear to welcome politicians who talk against
capitalistic institutions and who work to promote socialist-oriented changes?
For example, tax cuts are not popular, a larger role for the federal government is
popular, state governments routinely include federal give-back money in their budgets,
entitlement programs are accepted as natural, and government regulation is pervasive. |
1. US citizens do not understand the meaning of recent events. 2. They want to share
their wealth.
3.
They feel invulnerable to the old threat of socialism.
4. They are too complacent.
5. My idea is: |
|
2.) Russia
implemented socialism in 1917. The experiment failed and its economy is in
shambles. Today it is estimated that it
will require 15 years of consistent 8% growth
to bring Russia up to the standard of living
of today's Portugal.
Why are Americans against a tax cut in the US and desirous of more big government
implementing socialist-type policies? |
US is complacent.
US does not realize the
long-term impact of socialism.
Other: |
|
3.) In
industrialized nations where capitalism is in place we see low unemployment,
low interest rates, high standards of living, efficient companies
that are implementing
technology in high quality consumer products. These points
demonstrate how well
capitalism works. When free people are allowed to work for
personal and social
rewards, progress is made for most workers. Why do so many people in the USA promote
socialism? |
Because most people would rather receive
handouts than work.
Because people feel guilty for
having succeeded.
Because |
|
4. Socialism was
implemented in the Soviet Union starting in 1917. In 1989 the
Soviet Union collapsed.
Why are so many people in the USA anti-capitalistic? |
Because most people
have difficulty thinking about concepts.
Because people feel guilty for
having succeeded.
Because |
|
| 5. Capitalism
was implemented well over 200 years ago. Today the USA is the most prosperous nation
in the history of the world.
Why are so people many in the USA anti-capitalistic? |
Because most people
have difficulty thinking about concepts.
Because people feel guilty for
having succeeded.
Because |
|
6. Capitalism was
implemented in West Germany and West Berlin following World War II.
West Germany and West Berlin prospered and living
standards blossomed. Socialism was implemented in East Germany and East Berlin following
World War II. East Germany and East Berlin stagnated and living standards
deteriorated. The split turned Germany into a laboratory. Germany became an
experiment for 44 years. It consisted of a classic scientific
'control' group (in the two Easts) and 'test' group (in the two Wests). We witnessed
(or you can review in historical documentation) the result. Although today's Germany
may not be prospering as much as possible, it is one nation and will prosper because: |
Socialism of East Germany is being used as a model to rebuild West Germany.
Capitalism of West Germany is being used as a model to rebuild East Germany.
Because |
|
| 7. Have you
noticed that most high quality products you choose to buy -- from cars, soap, food, to
kitchen appliances, etc. -- are manufactured by large capitalistic companies? Why? |
Capitalism
uses competition to let the consumer freely select the best products
Small
companies grow successful, then get large, and, if management hires quality people,
companies grow more successful
Because |
|
8. If you
disagreed with the statement in question 7, would you rather:
o Buy your car from a Russian manufacturer;
o Buy your clothes made in unregulated sweat shops;
o Buy food -- if available -- from street markets of
communist countries. |
Yes, that would make me feel
good
No thank you |
|
| 9. Capitalism
can be corrupted by corrupt people. Communism can be corrupted by corrupt
people. Socialism can be corrupted by corrupt people. Which system has more
effective controls, checks and balances to stop and punish corruption? |
Communism
Socialism
Capitalism |
|
| 10. Secrets
derived from people responding to this & other surveys: 1.)
Many people indicate they hate capitalism and capitalistic countries; and, 2.)
Today's media often points out how bad and corrupt things are in the United States. Please assume you had a choice of living
in any nation. Select the nation where you would choose to live. |
China
France
Japan
Russia
South Africa
United States
Other |
|
| 11. I am: |
Female
Male |
|
| 12. My age group
is: |
Under 20
20-29
30-39
40-49
50-59
60-69
70
& older |