Obama's socialism is costing US of A

Not so fast



Social democratic reforms and the welfare state
Public vs. private consumption Source: Statistics Norway

The roots of the socialist movement in Norway were based on dangerous working conditions, exploitative labor relations policies, and the demand for collective bargaining. As socialism became part of the mainstream labor movement, it also became part of the mainstream political discourse.

After World War II, the Norwegian Labour Party, with Einar Gerhardsen as prime minister, embarked on a number of social democratic reforms aimed at flattening the income distribution, eliminating poverty, ensuring social services such as retirement, medical care, and disability benefits to all, and putting more of the capital into the public trust.

As a result, the public sector grew as a percentage of the overall economy. Highly progressive income taxes, the introduction of value-added tax, and a large number of special surcharges and taxes made Norway one of the most heavily taxed economies in the world. Authorities were particularly inclined to tax discretionary spending, applying special taxes on automobiles, tobacco, alcohol, cosmetic items, etc. Since assets were also subject to taxation, there were individuals who ended up with tax liabilities hole in excess of their gross income.


The ad infinitum welfare example. The socialist dream has it's rubber stamped approval and is dressed up to be sold off by the powers that be, and want to be, as utopia. No ideology that usurps basic human nature stands the test of time. There will be a revolt. No person, no matter how devoted to the cause, tolerates their toils without gain. At the apiphanic moment the producer class will refuse compulsory charity.