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When starting this course, I didn't really have a true idea about what socialism is and what it means for a country. But after listening to this lecture I feel I have a fair understanding of the idea of socialism and the consequences that it brings.
In the first part of the presentation, Mr. Powell talked about misconceptions people have about countries such as Sweden, where there is universal health care. Personally, I never thought Countries such as Sweden were socialist, but I didn't know about their high taxes, which Mr. Powell says heavily affects the price of drinks! I believe most people, including me, are under the misconception that Sweden and other countries with universal healthcare are perfect and that the US should be like them. However, the only reason that those countries can operate like that, is the vast amount of wealth and built-up resources. In fact, Mr. Powell pointed out, that Sweden in participation has little economic growth, due to that system.
Next, Mr. Powell showed us Venezuela. This was shocking. I always knew the horrible economic conditions of Venezeula, but I never knew about them to that extent or why they were caused. When Mr. Powell told us that socialism was the main cause it started to make sense. Without being able to create private entrepreneur expenditures, the economy was dismantled in an instant. Mr. Powell also showed us Cuba, which I didn't even know was socialist. He showed us the state of Hotels and stores, and the poor quality of government-funded businesses. The lack of variety of menu items and store stock was the most shocking to me. I had always thought there was too much variety in our stores and product lines, but seeing all those options go away made me realize the value of variety and the option of choice, something that is highly valued with me and other Americans. Powell brought up a Deoderent example, saying that we can have only one option, but everyone uses different brands and styles.
However, there is a darker side of socialism (if it wasn't dark enough). Powell showed us pictures of how it can make an entire city go dark at night. The oppression that Mr. Powell describes was unreal. I see now socialism is an outlet for control. When you can control an enterprise is when you have true control over your people. This is what makes socialism dangerous, total control, this is what I feel is Mr. Powell's point. Socialism is a tool, used for manipulation, which is what Russia used it for. Although capitalist, the remnants of the old USSR are still there. The city would take from the rural folk, and their leaders profit from the cities. In socialism, the wealth always goes back to one point eventually.
Luckily, there is hope. Countries like Georgia are starting to improve thanks to capitalism, they are the true example of how a country can grow thrive and prosper.
