Socialism:  a political and economic theory of equality and power to the masses.  On the surface, it sound like a utopia.  In theory, it is.  But theories aren’t always true.  That’s why we call them theories.

I weigh in my thoughts on this hot topic with the experience of a father of 7, 11 years of teaching experience (public and private schools), a pastor, a counselor, a former manager, and a coach of 4 different sports.  As you can easily see, I have a diversity of experiences to pull from.  And I can say emphatically:  We all may have been created with equal rights and in the image of the same God, but we are not the same.  We do not have the same values, the same work ethic, the same experience, the same knowledge, or the same desires.

Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Cowardly Lion, the Tin Man, and Toto all followed the Yellow Brick Road in search of the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, only to discover a charlatan behind a curtain.  As we approach this next Presidential election, let us see through the facades that so easily tempt and ensnare us and see the truth for what it is.  Promises will be made.  Lies will be told.  But as Fox Mulder always claimed, “The truth is out there.”

A Utopian  Society requires “being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose”  where we “do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than” ourselves (Philippians 2:2-3).  Wonderful idea…godly idea.  The problem is that societies are made up of people, and we are ALL flawed in some way.  We are wired to meet and satisfy our own needs and desires.  We have to fight our built in urges and selfishness on a minute to minute basis, and…to be painfully honest…we fail each and every day.

I keep hearing of this movement to make America a socialist country, with the promise of making it a Utopia.  Worst idea ever!  If you have a family of at least two people…if you work with at least one other person…if you belong to a club or organization of two or more people…if you’ve ever driven on the road…you KNOW for a fact, we are not a selfless, unified, or humble society.  Changing us to a socialist political or economic system will not change the hearts and minds of people.  Coming from a family of five and having my own family of 9, I guarantee you each person will not carry his/her own weight and look out for the needs of others.  They may do it for a day…even a week, but eventually, they look to their own needs and desires and sacrifice unity to do so.  The same can be said for the classroom, the workplace, and ,yes, even our places of worship.  We go into things with the best of intentions, but our selfishness will always seep through at some point.

Now, I don’t mean to pop your balloons, tell you puppies will turn into dogs, or that there is no gold at the end of a rainbow.  I’m not a Scrooge.  But, I love this country.  And, with all of it’s flaws, it’s still the greatest country in the world…hands down.  If you want to drink the Kool-Aid of socialism, be my guest…just don’t do it here.  Leave America as a Republic (with the heart of a Democracy).  If you want to be a socialist and have everything in common, I have a suggestion and challenge.  See how it works first.  Start with your own home, your own finances, and your own time & energy.  Volunteer at shelters, welcome the homeless into your home and call them family, share your wealth with the poor, and be one with the world.  

As for me, I will work hard (I already have two jobs), tithe to my church, pay my taxes, help those I am able to help out, and pray fervently for my family, my church, my community and my country.  I can’t control what you choose to do.  I’ve lived long enough to know the world is not made up of altruistic people.  I love and serve a God who loved me enough to send His One and Only Son to the cross that I might have life and have it to the full.  I’ll do my best to make this a better place while I call this home.  I’ll be content to wait until I get to heaven for my true Utopia.  By all means, make America a better place.  Just don’t be so naive to believe that means becoming a socialist society.

Mitchell S Karnes