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Careful what you wish for

The recent “Occupy” protests seem to have rallied around the issue of wealth distribution, stating that 1 percent control 99 percent. The protesters seem to desire a new system or a redistribution of the wealth to something that is “fair.” Let’s examine some other models that accomplish these goals:

Communism: The people own 100 percent of the wealth. Result: inferior goods and lack of freedom. Example: U.S.S.R.

Socialism: cooperative government, redistribution of wealth via taxes. Result: crushing tax and debt load. Example: Greece.

Dictatorship: an “enlightened” individual determines needs and seizes wealth via laws. Result: loss of freedom, heavy taxes. Example: Venezuela.

Since only about 50 percent of the people actually pay income tax, I would submit that we are already headed toward a socialistic model in our country.

Careful what you wish for; you might get it.

Tony Caruso

Spokane

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