In spite of its shortcomings, considering that Emanuel is perhaps the second most powerful person in the United States, this is a must read if you want to see where America is heading. (Apologies to Nancy Pelosi.)
Overarching the plan is what the authors call a “new social contract” that makes clear what you can do for your country and what your country can do for you. Thanks, but I’ll just stick with the original contract, the Constitution, although I realize why the authors might consider it a hard contract to follow, with all its restricting laws against big government power to intrude in our lives.
Components of The Plan include:
UNIVERSAL CITIZEN SERVICE: All Americans between 18 and 25 will be asked to serve their country by reporting for 3 months of basic civil defense training and community service. “Young people will know that between the ages of eighteen and twenty-five, the nation will enlist them for three months of civilian service.”
Emanuel and Reed insist "this is not a draft," but in order for this part of the plan to come to fruition, a draft must be imposed. Additionally, they warn, "[s]ome Republicans will squeal about individual freedom," which seems to rule out any likelihood of an opt-out. I guess that’s why it’s called “universal”.
UNIVERSAL COLLEGE ACCESS: The Government would give the states tuition grants to make college free.
UNIVERSAL RETIREMENT SAVINGS : Employers would be required to offer 401 (k)'s to all workers. Workers must be enrolled and are expected to contribute unless they make an affirmative step to opt out.
UNIVERSAL CHILDREN'S HEALTH CARE: Cut costs to make it affordable. Give small business access to the same health plans as members of Congress.
RETURN TO FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY: End “corporate welfare”.
A HYBRID ECONOMY: Cut American gasoline use in half over the next decade. Accelerate energy research. Embrace the plug-in hybrid auto. End our dependence on Middle-Eastern oil.
Thumbs down for The Plan, both the book and the intent.
Stunning analysis Janet! It's something you disagree with, so you call it socialism.
ReplyDeleteYou're taking all your cues from your favorite pundits brilliantly.
Get a dictionary and look up what "socialism" actually means.
I don't want to argue for the sake of argument, but I think your comments deserve an answer. Can we have a civil debate?
ReplyDeleteI checked the definition of socialism in the Merriam-Webster dictionary:
"1: any of various economic and political theories advocating collective or governmental ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods"
I think that what Emanuel is advocating fits this definition. When I read "universal", I read that everyone will be cared for equally. Some will care for themselves, and those who can't or won't will be cared for by the government, and will be funded by the taxpayers. That means redistribution of wealth. It means that George will pay for Harry's health care, education, etc.
"2a: a system of society or group living in which there is no private property"
I'm puzzled by this definition. All that I have read on the "isms" indicates that under socialism, there is private property, similar to what has happened in France. Under Communism there is no private ownership of property. I need to study up on this.
"b: a system or condition of society in which the means of production are owned and controlled by the state"
Control of banks, oil companies, forcing "green" production,etc. That's controlling the means of production.
"3: a stage of society in Marxist theory transitional between capitalism and communism and distinguished by unequal distribution of goods and pay according to work done"
"unequal distribution of goods and pay according to work done". Emanuel's Universal everything.
Quite a bit of leg work went into that response! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI don't mean to be uncivil - but I think socialist a serious accusation. There are a couple banks we have control of now, but that's an emergency measure and nobody is expressing any desire to run them permanently. I think a fair assessment is not to count that as socialism even if you disagree with the decision. I'm not sure what you mean by oil companies or "green production".
So basically we have the banks - which is a temporary measure. And they don't even control nearly all the banks. That's all you've got? There are many more means of production out there than just the banks. Do you really think there's a prospect that those will be seized?
Those who will be receiving government health care will have to pay their own premiums, you realize? But you're right, there will be subsidies. The vast majority will have private health care - hardly seems socialist.
I guess that government owning part of the auto industry doesn't count toward Socialism either? This is Socialism 101. Think people!
DeleteI sincerely hope that you are right!
ReplyDeleteJanet - it's not a matter of hope! It's a matter of the facts on the ground. People need to stop being so hysterical.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous, Janet is not being hysterical...she's really understanding the underlying motives and agenda of the changes taking place in our country. I don't think you've done enough research, but if you would take the time to do so, you might well be in agreement with Janet, and millions of others that want to continue living according to the Constitution, which is based on freedom. Our new administration does not understand it, and it's becoming more obvious every day, as more facts unfold. Please be open minded...if this was good for us as individuals and as a country, what reason would be have to against it?
ReplyDeleteDefinition of SOCIALISM per Webster College Dictionary 1. a theory or system of social organization in which the means of production and distribution of goods are owned and controlled collectively or by the government.
ReplyDelete2. in Marxist theory - the stage following capitalism in the transition of a society to communism characterized by the imperfect implementaion of collective principles.
Definition of COMMUNISM per Webster College Dictionary 1. a theory or system of social organization based on the holding of all property in common, actual ownership being ascribed to the community as a whole or to the State.
2. A system of social organization in which all economic and social activity is controlled by a totalitarian state dominated by a single and self-perpetuating political party.
Definition of TOTALITARIAN per Webster College Dictionary 1. noting or pertaining to a centralized government that does not tolerate parties of differing opinion and that exercises dictatorial control over many aspects of life.
2. Exercising control over the freedom, will or thought of others.
I believe that we are in the transistional stages of CAPITALISM > SOCIALISM > COMMUNISM based on how many Socialists are actually involved in our government. I believe that it is the responsiblity of every American to do their own research on exactly who these people are. The paper trails are there and must be followed in order to connect the dots and expose the ultimate agenda. Fortunately, these people end up exposing themselves with their arrogant rhetoric and making it easier to do just that.
NO COMMUNISTS IN OUR GOVERNMENT.
Thank you for posting this - America has been asleep at the wheel and now look at the fine mess we've gotten ourselves into. I pray we get through this administration and take back our constitution and way of life. If we don't, we're screwed - and no, I'm not being delusional.
ReplyDeleteVan Jones, Carol Browner, Cass Sunstein... how stupid do you think we are? Even they admit their socialist agenda.
Anonymous-Please, if you are going to stand on a point, know your facts! If you pay a fee or tax to the government for something, its controlled/regulated by the government.
ReplyDeleteThe US Government controls the following:
Drugs, Milk, meat production, Grains, Insurance (AIG - most insurance is underwritten by AIG - too big to fail), home loans (most loans are underwritten by Freddie and Fannie, a gov corporation - too big to fail).Auto (GM- largest in the world- too big to fail), Banking (70% of total deposits under gov control - remember "too big to fail"), imports, exports, Healthcare (not the new system but today's - Medicare accounts for most claims and is growing, the FDA controls what is allowed for use and its billing amount. How you ask, simple, most billing is for Medicare insurance. So, Medicare decides how must will be reimbursed), fishing, mining, air traffic, driving (your lic & reg.), hunting, gaming (yes, Vegas baby), timber production, oil production, energy production and distribution, sanitation, water distribution, television, radio, mail, telecommunication (land and mobile), highways, boating (you must license your boat), Stock markets (SEC), transportation (trucking, rail, air), etc...
Note that what has failed in the pasted WAS/IS regulated by the government. What happened? Well, the answer is simple one: let the government manage it and it will fail. When has the government successfully operated anything? Government employees are lazy, non responsive, political and often under educated or under trained. Equality does not work because it is human nature too want more. Every person working in the government cares for their advancement and profit, not yours. So how can your best interest be looked after? Simple, free markets!
The socialist systems in Europe are failing. This is a fact - I currently live in one and can see this fist hand. Most EU nations are casting the systems aside and moving to more private operations - example - the postal service in nine EU countries is operated by a private company. And guess what - they are profitable - unlike the USPS. China is rapidly growing but not from communist control. Rather, from the implementation of Special Economic Zones (free markets) based on the Hong Kong model.
Americans need to wake up and smell the government controlled coffee (yes, it too is regulated). Liberals focus on welfare to win votes. They talk about our rights and freedom. But what is freedom if the government controls it? Is it OK for a person who suffered a stroke in Ireland to not receive healthcare because the government doesn't acknowledge stoke as a health issue (too expensive to treat)? Yes, this is a fact! Today, CMS, the billing agency for Medicare, is modifying what is reimbursed. You can see how this affects your healthcare by watching how doctors modify your treatment (if using Medicare – remember everyone over 65 must use Medicare). Sign up for an online discussion string at RBMA or AHRA see for yourself.
Ask yourself this – Do you like American as is was intended or do you want to emulate failed societies like Europe? Asia is rapidly out pacing the USA in education, production and technology. Soon we will look like Europe if we don't correct the social path we have been taking for the last 50 years. What happened to our desire to compete, to better one's position, work hard, to be proud of our country?
Scott
Read the words of these people! Watch the videos! They make NO EFFORT to even hide! They ARE TRULY arrogant! NEARLY ALL of the Presidents circle and nearly all of the "Czars" are radical self proclaimed and modeled communists. With the STATED goal of the overthrow of the Constitution, and the "necessary SLAUGHTER of MILLIONS of your FRIENDS and NEIGHBORS!
ReplyDeleteTHEIR WORDS! If you refuse to even view their own rantings as proof, you are part of the problem, a "necessary idiot"... In their words OS COURSE!
Joseph M. "Joe" Arpaio (born June 14, 1932) is the elected sheriff of Maricopa County, Arizona. First voted into office in 1992, Arpaio is responsible for law enforcement in Maricopa County. This includes management of the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, county jail, courtroom security, prisoner transport, service of warrants, and service of process. Arpaio styles himself as "America's Toughest Sheriff."[1][2] He is well known for his outspoken stance against illegal immigration.[3] Arpaio has become a flashpoint for controversy surrounding Arizona's SB1070 anti-illegal immigration act.[4] He is also known for his investigation of President Barack Obama's citizenship.[5][6][7]
ReplyDelete