THE LEFT NEEDS A SOCIALISM LITMUS TEST

Over the past century, a number of countries have enthusiastically implemented what their leaders claim are the principles of socialism, and the long-run results have been disappointing. Two recent examples are Cuba and Venezuela. The rulers of these countries are world-famous for turning relatively prosperous economies into disasters from which their people flee in large numbers.

My question is this: What went wrong?

Please be specific in your reply. I would like to quote your answer in my study on ‘Why Socialism Fails.’

Thank you for your help.”

A month has passed and, for reasons we can only guess, Sanders has not replied. This prompts us to explore what he might have said to explain these dramatic failures of socialism.

Some advance a cynical interpretation of socialists, saying they are calculating demagogues. They appeal to a superficial public with nice-sounding policy aims in order to gain power, and thus enjoy wealth and status. This interpretation does seem to fit successful socialists who enjoy a lavish lifestyle after they come to power. One thinks of North Korean dictator Kim Jong Il (Chairman of the Workers’ Party), who had 14 mansions and estates. 

I would suggest a different explanation, however, one more generous about motives. It is that these leaders share the same superficial perspective as the masses they appeal to. They believe that attractive-sounding goals — take from the rich, give to the poor — are simple and easy for government to implement, like turning on a water faucet.

The fact is, however, that using government to address economic problems is a staggeringly complex realm, full of harmful side effects and long-run costs. Socialist leaders have no conception of this complexity. Following first impulses, they lunge into seizing properties, fixing prices, doling out subsidies — and end up with a wrecked economy. Then the rulers stay in power, relying on the violence of the state to silence critics.

That’s the point Sanders could have made. What went wrong in Cuba, Venezuela, and those other regimes, he could have said, is those socialists were impulsive and failed to consider long-run effects.

TRUMP MUST MANDATE HIGH SCHOOL ECONOMICS TO STOP SOCIALISM

This leaves us with an awkward question, which may explain his refusal to answer my letter.

Is there any other kind?

James L. Payne is an American social scientist writing on political science, economics, social science methodology, foreign policy, and political philosophy.