Ted Budd: “Winston Churchill once said: ``Socialism is the philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy.…”

“Winston Churchill once said: ``Socialism is the philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy. Its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery.'' Despite the truth of these words, unfortunately, more and more young Americans hold positive views of socialism and negative views of capitalism. A recent Gallup Poll found that 51 percent of young Americans view socialism favorably, while only 45 percent view capitalism positively. That marks a 12-point decline in the popularity of capitalism just this decade. So the question is, Why are increasing numbers of our young people supporting socialism? The answer is, because they have been told that it is somehow ``moral'' and ``compassionate'' and ``fair'' by leading socialist voices in media and government, mostly concentrated in and around Washington, D.C. On the surface, one might think that taking from the prosperous for the betterment of the poor is a decent and fair policy. But just under the surface lies a fundamental ignorance of one of the most foundational principles of human behavior, and that is, incentives. Socialism doesn't reward people for hard work, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit. In reality, the overwhelming taxation necessary to support socialist policies penalizes people who work hard by forcing them to send their earnings, perhaps thousands of miles away, to Washington, D.C.…”