Bastiat argues that things like tariffs, public schools, and minimum wages are socialistic. Do you believe he is falsely identifying these things as constituents of socialism?
I believe that Bastiat is false in his thinking towards what socialism truly is in practice. I believe in the social contract theory, meaning I believe that in order for a society to have a running and functioning government citizens must give up various liberties and freedoms in return for protection and amenities. The most common example is taxation, Bastiat states that property is one of three natural rights which includes income earned. I think that in order for a country to function it needs a government supported by the people. With that taxation plays a crucial role. Without public education systems the level of inequality in the country to skyrocket to astronomical rates. While many people believe it is not their job to pay for another schooling, they fail to realize that without an educated society a country will slowly move from a democracy into a full-blown oligarchy similar to when the country was founded. The minimum wage is not socialistic for a different reason. Regulation by the government is merely the government doing its job in taking care of its citizens. The government its self is not paying the minimum salary from the company.
Bastiat specifically mentions a "Confusion of Terms" which I also think he misrepresents. He says "We disapprove of state education. Then the socialists say that we are opposed to any education." He follows up the statement format with religion and state-forced equality. I do believe that his point of view holds truth but only in a perfect world, which can be said for those in the support of socialism. I believe that both points of view go to various extremes and are somewhat blindsided. For education as previously mentioned without a state education, many people across the United States would have no education due to not being able to afford it. That being said, the idea that Bastiat is opposed to any education while not true, his belief would result in no education to millions of people. So in my opinion some of Bastiat's beliefs would result in a portion of what socialists believe even if it is not the intent.
I understand Bastiat's point and how the roots of his beliefs want everything to be privately owned. His beliefs have grounds but end up only helping the rich person of society. An alternative to his belief would be through government regulation, which is not socialism. As mentioned in class Sweden is not socialist, and is rather a very capitalist nation. That does not mean they do not have strong social programs, safety nets, and regulations. Because while almost all schools in the nation are privately owned, the students still are not paying for their education through a voucher system and this is from roughly 1st grade through college, yes they have free college.
[Image Source]Bastiat
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