The Road to Dystopia

It's really quite strange that those young people who have their life ahead of them are the very ones that seem least concerned about the future.  For some inexplicable reason they seem unable to focus on the looming dangers poised by the unrelenting attacks on those elements that have made America the greatest nation in the world.  Instead they would tear down the very fabric of the State and replace it with some Utopian dream.  An idealistic society that can only be found in a fairy tale.  A Brave New World, a mythical Shangri-La that will miraculously appear when the old order is swept away.  The sad truth is that this quest for societal perfection is nothing new.

We are now witnessing such quest by many in this nation.  With attempts to destroy the very symbols of the past that remind us of the leaders, the trials and tribulations that have formed the United States.  The attacks on Confederate Monuments was not spawned by the fact that the southern states allowed slavery, but was only the opening salvo on American History.  We are now seeing the escalation to include attacks on Christopher Columbus, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington.  Even today the Dallas Texas school is considering renaming those schools named after, Washington, Jefferson, and even Ben Franklin.  And of course the flag and National Anthem are under attack, by those that say they are in some way racist.  I'm afraid this effort to mold America into some Utopian homogeneous society has spread to the Ivy-covered walls of academia and even to the crayon-covered tables of the local kindergarten.  

Unfortunately, as we've seen too many times in recent history--the quest for this Utopia has ended in disaster as in the old USSR, Nazi Germany, Castro's Cuba, Robert Magubee's Zimbabwe, and of course the latest victim, of what I call a lust for Utopia, Muduro's Venezuela.  Yes, the fools among us believe we are on a path to Utopia, but alas it will turn out to be the 'Road to Dystopia'! 
Ron Russell        

Help us save not just Confederate Monuments, but all historical monuments across American that are under attack by the left by clicking HERE!

The Obama Supporter

The elites and academics all have told us over and over that Barack Obama is perhaps the most intelligent, one of the best educated, and certainly one of the greatest orators we have ever had as president. Is he all of the above, and is this why has these recognized leaders of academia and the east and west coast elitists are virtually swooning over his mere presence. What is this fascination with this heretofore virtually unknown senator from Illinois. Is it his undeniable charm, his youth, his appearance---what is the fascination these people have with Obama. Could it be the fact that he is black and that most liberals have deep guilt feelings toward the way they perceive blacks were repressed in the past and see this as a opportunity to somehow right a wrong. Perhaps its all of these. I do feel a need to point out however, that if Barack were a black conservative then none of these things would cause liberals to support or much less praise this man. So the bottom line is not his race, it is not his charm, it is not his academic standing, it is not his youth, it is not his appearance, it is his political ideology. True his liberalism is the overriding factor and his other attributes are just gravy for the elites and the academics. He is in effect, everything rolled into one for those on the left. The tingle that Chris Matthews, and others of a like mind feel when they see and hear this man is no mystery, he represents all that they believe in. He is to put it bluntly, their god. In him they see a path to a new future and the prospect of the great society they have long envisioned. These, so-called progressives, do not like the America that has, in most cases given them a great life, but favor the establishment of a new order in which the government will be the great equalizer and lift up the down-trodden (as they see them) in our society. They think that everyone has the same ambitions and drives that they have, and those that are left behind have only a repressive government to blame. They see the existing form of government as the problem ---individuals, in their minds, are all eager for a better life. To them government, and only government has the ability to help those left behind. What the liberal cannot grasp, cannot understand is that the drive for success does not exist in everyone. Some are content with their positions, but others feel that they are owed something---sadly, many fit into the category. They people are ripe pickings for the progressives. Those progressives with their misguided beliefs that think they can actually help. There is a common bond between these two groups---one who feels he is owed something and the other who feels he owes him something. The sad fact is that neither can, in the end be satisfied. Utopia is a wonderful dream, but a rational man will recognize it for what it is ---just a dream. The drive for perfection is often a good thing, but the act of taking from one to give to another will in the end destroy the prosperity of all. Sadly the Obama supporter will never see this.

The Utopian Dream

Last night while channel surfing I can across an old movie made back in the 1930's. Never caught the name, but did watch enough to grasp the theme. It was the old Utopian idea wrapped in the 1930's Hollywood love affair with communism and fascism, something that many today have either forgotten or never knew about. The movie got me to thinking about our present day situation and how it related to socialism, the state and Utopian thinking.

Most men dream of Utopia, their own personal utopia. The socialist also dreams of utopia, his vision of what every man should want. One dreams of a better life for himself and his family, the other plans on how to make HIS dream for others a reality. These two visions , at first glance, sound similar but the difference is staggering. The first sounds self-centered, but actually its the latter that falls into that category. One man, simply wants to live his life and go his own way, the other has what I call the herd mentality and must seek to control the lives of others in the group. And he will continually attempt to get those around him to adopt what his perceives to be "the right way". This puts the first man at a distinct disadvantage in this ongoing struggle. A good analogy would be a tug-a-war between two with one just trying to hold his position while the other attempts to pull him to his side. The outcome would, at first glance, appear to be obvious; however the first man does have one advantage---individual initiative. While those on the other side, for the most part are only the followers of some almost mystic leader.

Socialism, almost seems a victim of these leaders. They invariably pop up during times of economic turmoil and hardship. They present themselves as the ones with the solutions to the complicated problems of the day. And the masses hungry for answers, give these leaders the power to project their ideas, into some form of action. Usually the changes are sweeping and draconian, and enacted with little or no debate and the results at first are pleasing to the common man. But the leaders of these movements, being the Utopians they are, never seem to be satisfied with the changes they have brought about. For they are seeking a world that doesn't exist, except in their own minds. Not being able to bring about the changes they have dreamed of, they will turn to more and more desperate measures and in the end theirs will become a repressive and totalitarian state.

The quest for utopia can be a noble goal. One should, however always keep one thing in mind, "one man's Utopia is another man's hell."
Ron Russell

To: Mr. Obama

Mr. Obama

I say Mr. because I'm not sure you meet the qualifications to be president, since you have failed to produce conclusive proof to show you are a natural born U.S. citizen. That is strange, in that you feel justified in releasing classified papers which will in all likelihood endanger our troops---are your personal documents super top secret! You've released some of the most sensitive papers and photos of the CIA's activities to placate the left of your party which hates the military and has spit on returning troops coming home from past conflicts.

Mr. Obama, I not sure if you arrived here one step ahead of a Kenyan lion or on a surf board from Hawaii. I do know one thing however, you brought with you an alien ideology and are attempted to impose it on our American system. Yes, most Americans voted for you and for change, but not the draconian measures you and those on the left are putting forth. Barack, your idea of a socialist Utopia is not shared by the majority in this land. Americans are individualist and not collectivist.

You sir, do not understand history. Your ideals, your philosophy is old and discredited. One that has failed at every turn. I actually feel sorry for you. What you learned from your Marxist mother and the reverend Wright is a belief in a system that stifles individualism. You are a real danger to the America of Jefferson and Washington. The ideas you put forth are not even worthy of some third world despot.

Barack, you are attempting to remake America into a model that fits you twisted concept of what America should be. You are attempting to foment class warfare at every turn. This is a traditional Marxist tactic. Sir, this isn't Russia in the early 1900's where the class divisions were profound. We have a vast middle class and they will not be dragged down to the worker class of a socialist state. A state in which only the bureaucrats enjoy the good life.

If you continue down this path the only good life you and your family will have is the remaining days you have left in office--whatever that number may be. Your legacy will be that of all such tyrants who have gone before you. The history of your regime will be viewed as one of the darkest chapters in this nations existence.

Your attempts to build a Utopian society will fail. What you can not comprehend is that your dream for America is one based on alien ideologies. Ideologies that millions fled from and found safe haven under Lady Liberty's torch. Try, as you surely will, to snuff out the flame of liberty and the spirit of individualism you will fail. Your presidency is already doomed, sadly in your quest for Utopia you cannot see this.

This is America, land of the free and not some third world country where a tyrant such as yourself can work his will.

by Ron Russell

Utopia Seen Through A Smokey Cloud

Sometime ago I came across a post on Sugar n Spice concerning an interview Obama gave to "60 Minutes". In the interview Obama is seen giggling and laughing and is called on it by the reporter, to which he replies "well you need a little gallows humor" or something to that effect. Glad he mentioned hanging and not some conservative---know that would have created something of a fire-storm. Sugar mentioned in her post that Barack looked and acted like he was high---the giggles, laughs, etc. Guess the truth will never be known---his actions did raise some eye-brows, however.

Anyway after reading Sugar's post and viewing the "60 Minutes" video, I got to thinking about by days some years ago and my frequent visits with Maryjane (marijuana). Often I would come in after a long hard day at the office change clothes and go to my friends house. There Tim, my friend, and I would relax and fire-up the old bong and enjoy the sultry Florida evening. During those long (and they were long) evenings we would discuss and solve most of the world's problems. However, I did notice the next day that all the solutions had slipped away and not to be retrieved until our next visit to Maryjanes place. During the trips Tim and I saw somethings differently--I would focus on the small (like looking at the details of the bark on a tree), while my friend would focus on the large (the whole forest and beyond). I was looking to the infinity of the small and he the infinity of the large. He often said, "where the big meets the small there you would find the answer to it all." Tim is gone now, died at the young age of 44. I miss my friend. Enough of the reminiscing, back to Sugar's post on Obama.

While reading Sugar's post I was reminded of Jonahan Swift's, Gulliver's Travels. And 3 or the 4 stories in his satire. The first being the best known of his visit to the land of the Lilliputians---the examination of the small and seemingly petty things in life. And next the visit to the land of the giants (the Brobdingnagians)---holding the magnifying glass up to the world and pointing out the imperfections. And finally, the land of the horses (the Houyhnhnms)---there Gulliver saw the perfection in nature, a Utopia. So as I read Sugar's post I was wondering what Obama was thinking of, if indeed, he was in a cloud of smoke--the Lilliputians, the Brobdingnagians, or the Houyhnhnms. Suddenly, the reality hit me---of course it was the Houyhnhnms! There he would have found his vision of a "Socialist Utopia." The perfect world which all liberals dream of and wish to impose on us all for our own good. Or maybe he sees something more ominous---he is Gulliver and we, well we are the Lilliputians.

Utopia: Socialist Paradise

by Harry Valentine

A socialist paradise has been evolving for years, in which the ideals of government caring for the welfare of its citizens is held in high regard. In this Utopia, government regards itself as a partner to business. And there are many businesses willing to be a partner, receiving grants and interest free loans from the mother state. The utopia has a few problems, like the emperor's naked posterior revealing itself from beneath his fine robes. Whenever this happens, some of Utopia's system flaws and shortcomings become know.

Several of Utopia's citizens are classified as "working poor" and "working homeless". In this latter case, these are people who go to a job, even a professional job where they wear a shirt and tie or even business suit. When they come home after work, home is a shelter for the homeless. This situation came about a few years after some of the city and provincial governments decided to eradicate slums and regulate the rental housing market, with the aim of improving rental housing. What soon happened was that people who rented a basement or a room in a private home, stopped doing so. People who built economy rental accommodations got out of the market, because of the heavy handed manner in which Utopia's bureaucrats began to enforce their authority. So Utopia has a shortage of affordable rental accommodation in its major population centers. The lower wage earners who most urgently need low-rent housing now have to seek accommodation in shelters for the homeless, most of which are run by private charities.

The more fortunate citizens who live in Utopia, pay a very high rate of taxes, which are amongst the highest in the world. Utopia's businesses also pay high taxes, which are usually collected by hidden and indirect means. This leaves the impression that businesses and banks in Utopia pay little or no taxes, which infuriates the defenders of Utopia's social programs. Every now and then a free market supporter will undertake a study that reveals that Utopia's banks actually pay 57% of their profits to the government via hidden and indirect taxation.

Utopia's social left usually responds with outrage to such findings, claiming that it is "merely rightwing propaganda". Of course at no time do Utopia's social defenders ever produce any factual information that can stand up to any scrutiny to substantiate any of their claims against private business. The Utopian social left is united in their conviction that a firm and heavy hand by government is needed to regulate the business community, for the "greater good". Of course they also demand that all businesses be domestically owned, because they regard foreign ownership of Utopia's businesses as being detrimental to Utopia's national identity. Utopia's main airline operator which was previously state owned, is now state-regulated with a very firm hand and operating near the brink of bankruptcy. It would benefit from a combination of new foreign investment and deregulation, or even outright foreign ownership of Air Utopia. Except such blasphemy is not even open to discussion in Utopia's central government chambers.

The Utopian government claims to have the best interests of its citizens at heart, so it maintains a firm hand regulating many sectors of Utopia's economy. To ensure credible regulation, large numbers of professionals are kept on the staff, while outside consultants including university professors are engaged to guide the government’s regulatory efforts. Example, Utopia managed an ocean fishing industry by giving out licenses and permits, while the fish stocks were continually studied and strict quotas enforced. Utopia's officials would board offshore fishing vessels to inspect the catch, as a means of enforcing compliance. The idea of fish farms was regarded as reprehensible by Utopia's social left, who had supreme faith in the government's ability to manage the offshore ocean fishing industry.

However, something went astray and the offshore ocean fish stocks became depleted. Utopia's government officials were dumbfounded: they could not explain what happened, after all, there were at least 24-people on government fisheries staff who held Ph.D. degrees as well as equally well qualified outside fish consultants and university professors, all united in their efforts in guiding Utopia’s government to act for the greater good.

The central government is of course very concerned about improving Utopia's economy. A recent study commissioned by Utopia's Department Of Industry claimed that "Utopia's tax rules were killing innovation." The study recommended that "inheritance taxes be increased". Now the central government has a multi-billion dollar proposal planned to boost high-tech innovation. Most of this revenue will come from hidden and indirect taxation of Utopia's industrial and business sector, some will come from personal taxation, while the remainder will come straight from the printing presses. In order for business to receive government funding, it is a good idea to be politically well connected and chant the mantra of the benefit of the partnership between government and business, for the greater good. Other businesses which prefer to remain politically neutral or even apolitical, have to forfeit profits the may otherwise have been able to allocate to new, innovative product development. In Utopia, the government absolutely has to be seen as the facilitator of industrial innovation.

To develop a powerful business sector in the emerging technologies, Utopia needs many scientists and engineers. However, fully half of the students from Utopia who are in university specializing in these fields, are attending institutions outside of Utopia. Most of them are likely to remain to work in the country in which they are studying, following graduation. They may of course come home to Utopia for an occasional visit. A large number of Utopia's university graduates will also leave to work outside Utopia, a kind of brain drain which also includes members of Utopia's socialized medical system, doctors and nurses who prefer to work in a freer environment, like in America. Yet despite shortcomings such as the few mentioned here, the United Nations claims that Utopia, which is located just north of the US border, is one of the best places in the world in which to live.

Utopia and the Socialist

Last night while channel surfing I can across an old movie made back in the 1930's. Never caught the name, but did watch enough to grasp the theme. It was the old Utopian idea wrapped in the 1930's Hollywood love affair with communism and fascism, something that many today have either forgotten or never knew about. The movie got me to thinking about our present day situation and how it related to socialism, the state and Utopian thinking.

Most men dream of Utopia, their own personal utopia. The socialist also dreams of utopia, his vision of what every man should want. One dreams of a better life for himself and his family, the other plans on how to make HIS dream for others a reality. These two visions , at first glance, sound similar but the difference is staggering. The first sounds self-centered, but actually its the latter that falls into that category. One man, simply wants to live his life and go his own way, the other has what I call the herd mentality and must seek to control the lives of others in the group. And he will continually attempt to get those around him to adopt what his perceives to be "the right way". This puts the first man at a distinct disadvantage in this ongoing struggle. A good analogy would be a tug-a-war between two with one just trying to hold his position while the other attempts to pull him to his side. The outcome would, at first glance, appear to be obvious; however the first man does have one advantage---individual initiative. While those on the other side, for the most part are only the followers of some almost mystic leader.

Socialism, almost seems a victim of these leaders. They invariably pop up during times of economic turmoil and hardship. They present themselves as the ones with the solutions to the complicated problems of the day. And the masses hungry for answers, give these leaders the power to project their ideas, into some form of action. Usually the changes are sweeping and draconian, and enacted with little or no debate and the results at first are pleasing to the common man. But the leaders of these movements, being the Utopians they are, never seem to be satisfied with the changes they have brought about. For they are seeking a world that doesn't exist, except in their own minds. Not being able to bring about the changes they have dreamed of, they will turn to more and more desperate measures and in the end theirs will become a repressive and totalitarian state.

The quest for utopia can be a noble goal. One should, however always keep one thing in mind, "one man's Utopia is another man's hell."
Ron Russell