I just read an article from Rasmussen Reports that states 53% of those polled believe Capitalism is better than Socialism. I was shocked at these numbers. Through a telephone survery by Rasmussen, they found that 20% disagree and say socialism is better. Twenty-seven percent (27%) are not sure which is better. These percentages amaze me.
Rasmussen Reports that adults under 30 are basically divided this way: 37% prefer capitalism, 33% socialism, and 30% are undecided. Rasmussen also reports that those in their thirties are a little more supportive of free-enterprise with 49% for capitalism and 26% for socialism. Adults over 40 strongly favor capitalism, and just 13% of those older Americans believe socialism is better.
These numbers may be surprising to some of us. Then, when we consider divisions between the political parties and those Americans who side with them, it is easier to understand this division among Americans.
There is a partisan gap as well. Republicans – by an 11-to-1 margin – favor capitalism. Democrats are much more closely divided: Just 39% say capitalism is better while 30% prefer socialism. As for those not affiliated with either major political party, 48% say capitalism is best, and 21% opt for socialism…. says Rasmussen Reports April 9, 2000 Note: The question posed by Rasmussen Reports did not define either capitalism or socialism.
To continue with the results this report, let us consider other factors from this survey.
It is interesting to compare the new results to an earlier survey in which 70% of Americans prefer a free-market economy. The fact that a “free-market economy” attracts substantially more support than “capitalism” may suggest some skepticism about whether capitalism in the United States today relies on free markets.
Other survey data supports that notion. Rather than seeing large corporations as committed to free markets, two-out-of-three Americans believe that big government and big business often work together in ways that hurt consumers and investors.
Fifteen percent (15%) of Americans say they prefer a government-managed economy, similar to the 20% support for socialism. Just 14% believe the federal government would do a better job running auto companies, and even fewerbelieve government would do a better job running financial firms.
Most Americans today hold views that can generally be defined as populist while only seven percent (7%) share the elitist views of the Political Class.
Living in another country for some time might give those of you who think socialism is better, a good look at the reality of that way of life. I suspect that it won’t take you long to discover our way of life is pretty well-suited for the way you want to live.
I found this to be true for me when my husband and I spent three years in another country. My husband has also spent time in other foreign lands with the military and fells the same as I do about living in this country. I literally wanted to kiss the ground when I arrived back to the United States, which I’m sure some of you have also experienced as well.
Please comment in the box and tell me how you feel. If you live in a country with socialism, I would love to hear from you as well – I just ask that you be honest and really come from the country you say you represent.
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