There are
liberal Republicans and conservative Democrats. However, their numbers are
relatively small and they are usually explained by the history of the area they
live in. For example, there may be a strong union tradition in a manufacturing
community but they live rural and value their firearms. These would be
classified as conservative Democrats.
Currently, the
“conservative” or “liberal” labels tend to be conferred because of how we feel
about social issues rather than fiscal ones.
I can’t
ignore that socialists and libertarians exist. However, in the U.S. their
numbers are quite small. Most of us fit under conservative or liberal banners.
In general,
socialists prefer more government activity in all issues and libertarians
prefer less government activity in all issues.
Communists
are a specific branch of socialism.
At times in
our Mormon history, socialism has gained popularity and some strength. Usually
it is the collectivism that has appeal. Okay, I’ll stop talking jargon and
explain.
Think back to
Communism in the Soviet Union, where people worked collectively and ownership
was collective. Private ownership really didn’t exist much. Everyone labored
for the common good and government controlled everything.
The theory
behind all of this was that no one was allowed to corral more resources than
they needed. People had what they needed and there was equality. Everyone owned
everything. The government directed all of the economic activity.
Obviously,
this version of socialism had some appeal for Mormons, because we believe that
living the Law of Consecration or United Order is the highest economic way to
live. The few times we tried to live it, though, we didn’t measure up.
In general,
it involves pooling all of our efforts and resources and only being granted
what we need. This system ensures equality and eliminates poverty.
The
difference between this Mormon utopia and the socialist methods of the past is
that the Mormons’ system is entirely voluntarily. Socialism involves compulsion, which is totally at odds with our belief system. Also, it is very different for
government to control things versus Church leaders.
Socialism
seems to have been totally discredited by history, although initially the
philosophy may have attracted some Mormons.
For a thoughtful piece on socialism in Mormon history see "Socialist Party had success in Utah, among Mormons 100 years ago" by Doug Gibson.
For a thoughtful piece on socialism in Mormon history see "Socialist Party had success in Utah, among Mormons 100 years ago" by Doug Gibson.
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