It seems like the ultimate hypocrisy is to provide misinformation or an inappropriate description (on purpose) on a topic that is paramount in every American citizen’s life. Through the years, promoters of socialism have developed the word “capitalism” to describe America’s current economic system in a derogatory way. But, of course, when you allow others to “brand” your event or system, the naming parties always distort the true meaning of what the topic at hand is. The “naming” of capitalism has been encouraged to describe our free market system in a negative way by implying the few investors with capital control the system. Actually, it is downright scary in polling citizens when comparing capitalism and socialism. The recent Harvard Harris poll indicates capitalism only wins 59 % to 41%; and, to me, those numbers indicate the American dream is near death. The poll goes on to describe by majority (54 to 46 percent) Democrats believe socialism is a type of government they would support.
This highlights the challenges with overcoming the “branding” of our economic system in such a negative way, because we all hear about the benefits of socialism. However, history never finds a country that can sustain it for very long successfully; they simply run out of other people’s money.
Free Enterprise, Ownership, and the American Dream
The Harvard Harris poll goes on to explain the need for reformatting several questions. “Do you think America should be run mostly as a free enterprise country or under socialism?” This is remarkably different, because the outcome is 76% to 24% with even a majority of the Democrats supporting free enterprise. However, it is even more enlightening when you ask the question, “Do you think people should be able to buy and own their own houses, or should the state own their houses?” This question is truly transforming, with this question, 91% of respondents prefer owning their own home versus the state owning it! What an inspiring thought when it is compared to the onslaught of various social-minded and single purpose groups and most of the mainstream media.
Understanding the Education Gap
According to the Harvard Harris poll, 65 percent of the respondents mistakenly believe that socialism allows private home ownership. Wow! So, now it is not just a polling question problem or a media argument, it is truly an education problem with a lack of understanding and being totally misinformed of what socialism represents. America is truly an exceptional country doing exceptional things and always leading from the front with a boisterous call to freedom.
Property Ownership and Exceptionalism
So, it turns out that our exceptionalism is alive and thriving, even among both parties once we introduce property/housing ownership. Based on the above poll, America seems to overwhelmingly pride itself on individual property ownership. To me, the reoccurring theme is America is at its best when it is exhibiting beliefs in individual freedom in property ownership and any form of dynamic liberty.
About The Hollingsworth Companies
The Hollingsworth Companies develops and owns Class A single-tenant industrial buildings across the Southeast, helping manufacturers and distributors secure strategic space for long-term growth. Since 1972, we have delivered industrial real estate solutions through high-quality buildings, flexible development approaches, and a long-term commitment to the businesses and communities we serve.
