Letter: Capitalism is a path to freedom

In 1848 Karl Marx wrote “The Communist Manifesto”, a treatise on his imagined exploitation of the working class by the ruling class. In it, he put forth the principle that all members of a society would contribute to the society according to their ability, and all members would then take from society only what they needed. Marx’s theory has not raised the standard of living, created wealth for the masses, nor provided a peaceful coexistence in any country that has applied his theory. It’s a lofty ideal, but one that has never and will never work on any scale larger than a small, homogenous group.

Capitalism has not raised some people from poverty, it has been the vehicle that has raised billions of people worldwide from poverty. The small vegetable vendor on an African street, the shoe-shine boy on the corner of a Mexican city, the barber in Anytown USA are all example of capitalism; and, examples of peaceful attainment of wealth.

Progress does not come violence, from the barrel of a gun, from “labor” riots, or from destruction of property, it comes from peaceful discourse and compromise. In a free market (capitalist) society power is in the hands of the people, not the ruling class. We do not have to work any place we don’t want to, we have the ability to move.

Our nation was founded by successful entrepreneurs, farmers, scholars, businessmen and patriots; they were not enslaved. Subjects of a monarchy are not enslaved; they are not owned by the monarchy, at least not in most places since the Middle Ages.

Only in a capitalist society are we free to earn as much as we want. Capitalism or free markets allow each and everyone of us to determine what we are worth and what we will charge an employer for our abilities. No one is forced to work for any wage he don’t like. Acceptance of a wage we feel is too low is our decision and our decision alone.

The USA is the only country where private property can be ours. Can the government force some of us to sell our lands? Yes, but only through the onerous process of eminent domain. Eminent domain is not a blank check for the government to “take” our land. It can be fought and won. The Mid-States Corridor cannot “seize” our private land, and if a united front is presented, eminent domain will fail. It can be fought by the landowners and the landowners can win. This is just one of the many reasons we are an independent nation and not a colony or part of a commonwealth.

Jim Arvin
Rutherford Township
Martin County