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For a window into the future of Obamanomics, engaged Americans need look no further than the failed socialistic policies of Argentina. What was once a vibrant, stable, and productive culture has become a shadow reality with no exits. Though the romantic vision of Argentina may conjure images of a banana republic, please note this South American neighbor was once was the 8th most prosperous nation in the world.
The Bills are Coming Due
All across the world, once proud countries like Argentina are piling up debt on the false "something for nothing" promise of socialism. Argentina defaulted on their credit before the current crisis and overnight eliminated its middle class. Others are struggling to avoid a similar fate.
Baring a temporary bailout by the European Union, Greece, Portugal, Spain, Scotland, and a host of smaller countries are at risk for credit defaults and the systemic cultural harm that follows. Think dominoes. Think mountain climbers tied to one another and too many losing their grip at the same time.
Living beyond Their Means
Without exception, the countries having the hardest time are those dedicated to big government socialism. Such systems follow the model of teenage joy riders who steal cars, abuse them until the fuel is exhausted, and then abandon the wreck.
Socialist politicians have a very simple plan - rob Peter to pay Paul - and thus secure the loyalties of Paul. Unfortunately, one can only live beyond their means as long as someone else is picking up the tab. In socialist cultures, the creators and producers eventually despair and join Paul in the handout line.
Reluctantly Surrendering a Binky
When the money runs out, what remains are angry dependent people counting on a system that has let them down. If you think weaning a two year old from a binky is tough, try weaning adults from generous social entitlements and other goodies funded by someone else's labor. One of the biggest fears in Greece is that cuts in social spending will immediately result in riots and overthrow of the government.
Europe is facing a no-win scenario. They can no longer afford the fantasy promises of socialism and the people trained in those promises won't let go. The assurance of something for nothing inevitably clashes with reality and that clash is inevitably painful.
The Left's Love Affair with Eva Paron
Argentina's demise was insured by Juan and Eva Paron - populist politicians who were masters at robbing one set of pockets to fill another. Though draped in minks and chauffeured in Cadillac's, the Peron's sold the people on their day's version of hope and change.
In pretending to be a champion of the poor and forsaken, the Parons gained temporary glory, but took the heart out of the Argentine economy. Their cycle of boom and bust has persisted for fifty years - with more bust than boom and the steady erosion of what had been a dynamic middle class.
The leftheaded delight in Hollywood portrayals of Eva Paron as a tragic figure cut down by cancer before she could fulfill her mission of mercy. In reality she was an articulate and glamorous social predator masquerading as a savior. That theme may sound familiar.
Ameritina?
America has embraced its own charismatic redeemer. His message of hope and change is nothing more than a repackaged fairytale.
In the early stages of their surrender to the false guarantees of 'progressive' socialism, Argentineans enjoyed the same sense of immunity that Americans embrace today. There, like here, many who benefitted from a system of production, export, and free enterprise bought into the seductions of socialism. The error was recognized too late.
Our government is spending two dollars for every dollar of revenue. Government is the only sector of the economy demonstrating exponential growth. We have neglected our infrastructure, but indulged the hungers of the military-industrial complex, the financial sector, and others wanting their big slice of the pie. In one short decade, like Argentina, we have evolved from a productive nation loaning to the world to a consuming nation borrowing from the world.
We Can Recapture the Flag
The loss of the 'American Dream' is not inevitable. It will not, however, be salvaged by make believe conservatives or socialists in progressive disguise. Nor will it be upheld by those whose patriotic zeal has more to do with self-serving deals than dreams.
The future of America rests on an historical success equation found in three words - liberty, opportunity, and responsibility. These words are the polar opposite of the message and method of socialism. These words point the way to a better day.
America is at a crossroad. We can dumb down to the tempting message of something for nothing or embrace our heritage and press on to the exciting potentials of the liberated. If we are to remain a beacon for a weary world, we must choose wisely. Argentina didn't...
Dr. Carl Mumpower
www.thecandidconservative.com
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