Norman Thomas Quote 

"The American people will never knowingly adopt Socialism. But under
the name of 'liberalism' they will adopt every fragment of the Socialist
program, until one day America will be a Socialist nation, without
knowing how it happened."

by:
Norman Thomas
(1884-1968) six-time U.S. Presidential candidate for the Socialist Party of America
Source:
1948 - from an interview during the presidential campaign,

[Ed. note: Norman Thomas and Gus Hall, the U.S. Communist Party
Candidate, both quit American politics, agreeing that the Republican
and Democratic parties had adopted every plank on the
Communist/Socialist and they no longer had an alternate party platform
on which to run.]
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Reader comments about this quote:
Yes, Socialism is seductive, but who would have thought that Fascism would be so well received? Gulp!
 -- Anytown, USA		 
 -- Anonymous 
While I suspect it would fall upon deaf ears, this quote needs be shared with the DNC.
 -- Anonymous, My town, USA		 
This is important to read again. We have gone from a Republic, past democracy to a Tyranny. Our own government has usurped power from the people. When they begin confiscating our weapons, we must fight or be their slaves.
 -- Joel, Rochester, MI		 
 -- Jim, Lombard, IL 
Yes, I agree with all these statements about this quote. I just wish I knew of a gentle, effective way to talk to all my friends, mostly Dems, so they could really understand this without getting so defensive about it. Readers may also do a search on "Fabianism" to discover more about this incidious agenda.
 -- Sharyn Longley, Arcadia, Florida		 
This is a five-star quote. Print it and put it somewhere you will see it every day - educate your young people about our country's true history.
 -- Ozarks Old Folks		 
Who or what is the source of this quote? The info under "source" above provides no info about where/when the quote materialized or in what context.
 -- Anonymous, youngtown		 
I first heard this quote in a speech Ronald Reagan gave against Universal Health Care. The two go hand in hand.
 -- Anonymous		 
I like the quote, but the editor's note is a little misleading since Thomas died in 1968.
 -- Anonymous		 
I give it only 3 stars because the first part is true but not the second. Many, many Americans will know exactly how this country became a Socialist Constitutional Republic. Some I read above. But we were outvoted. Just that simple. At least until the pendulum swings back our way - slowly.
 -- Dougmcr8, Springfield, VA		 
a prophesy fulfilled
 -- Mike, Norwalk		 
True, Americans have been brain washed and have a knee jerk reaction to the word. In practice however we accept socialisms all of the time because they work to give us better lives. Look at the farmer cooperatives out in the countryside. Sewer systems are socialisms as well as any form of school public or private where folks come together to learn. Urban and suburban planning as to where the streets and malls etcetera should be are socialisms. A cooperative society is socialism. Grow up America and learn what socialism is (doing things together) but never accept TOTALITARIANSIM that is what is to be avoided.
 -- Waffler, Smith, Arkansas		 
The political spectrum is not linear, but rather circular. We thus find socialism/communism to be kissing kin with fascism with only the ownership of the factors of production offering clues as to the differences.
 -- Southern Grey, Elsewhere		 
The facist right has gone and don it again, reframed the arguments (see comments above) such that few even understand what the terms really mean. We are much closer to their facist goals than to any socialist goals, and what serves as a left today is really more of a moderate middle ground than having any hint of socialism.
 -- Anonymous, Reston, VA US		 
Mr. Anytown - socialism and fascism are almost indistinguishable in practical application. I doubt that you have any concept of what fascism really is. The quote is so dead on and obviously true. Anyone with any intellect would have figured this out on there own but somebody had to say it. Dougmcr8 - you are right that many see it, but that isn't the point. The point is that the majority in this country will be incrementally duped into thinking that it is acceptable. Between feigning concern for the less fortunate and preaching blind hatred for any one that would insert reason into the equation, the socialists will always get some or all of their agenda into law. Many otherwise conservative people are sucked into the hate the wealthy mentality because they lack the intellect to see through it. This is probably the biggest weapon the left has. Hate the rich, hate banks, hate corporations, and really, really hate big oil. Oil must be hated because energy is the key to the economic engine of a free economy. Socialists believe that all the ills of the world will be solved if we can just destroy the free economy. That is why they flock to and flood every political group out there from environmentalists, animal rights, abortion rights, and human rights. The goal is to get us to give up a little bit at a time. Roger Baldwin is winning. Once the socialists are securely in charge with no ability for their removal all of those "concerns" will simply disappear because they were merely vehicles to be discarded when the real objective is realized.
 -- warren, olathe		 
Socialists confuse 'society' with 'government.' Society is a blessing, and it is from society that public services arise without coercion. It is when we force our good intentions on those who do not share them and indeed live fine without them that socialism and society draw the battle lines. The lure of socialism is the lie that government can provide for us -- it can't and it doesn't. WE provide for ourselves AND our government. By right, I cannot be forced to pay for my neighbors' bankruptcy (in whatever form it may take). I may, however, out of compassion and humanitarianism help out if I choose to, but when I am forced to give up the fruits of my own labors to prop up those that want something for nothing, then we have socialism. The GOP and Dems have indeed adopted every plank of the Communist Manifesto and it has bankrupted the country. What socialists don't see is that socialist, fascist, communist governments are under the thumb of the richest and most powerful who hide behind the scenes. With Liberty gone, the most we can hope for is a benevolent king -- and it ain't the president. Socialists almost always say that if we left public services up to society, they would never get done. What they mean is that unless we are subservient to a ruling class that 'knows better' everything will fall apart and there will be rioting in the streets. All the while the ruling elite wage foreign and domestic wars to keep us all wrangling with each other while they go laughing to the bank. Private industry can ALWAYS provide better services than a monopolistic government -- if we were to count on Washington for our bread, we would all starve. Five stars for being a true statement, but thumbs down for the reality of it.
 -- E Archer, NYC		 
We dish out $millions to oil companies, we already ahave a signle payor healthcare system for 120 million Americans, Washington politicians get healthcare for life, and the list goes on. So, what's all the fuss about?
 -- RobertSRQ		 
Well said, Archer.
 -- Logan, Memphis, TN		 
We all pay for each others health care in every product we buy. Those companies who do best at cornering the market on their product can acheive sufficient profits to give their employees the best health care possible. Smaller companies can not compete and may loose good employees to the companies with better heath care. A universal program will take employer based health care away and should lower prices of product that includes the health care premium. And if everyone has to pay some premium (those who are now geting a free ride for instance) the health care industry should improve.
 -- Waffler, Smith, Arkansas		 
Marx would certainly agree with you Waffler. Actually, he would absolutely agree with you considering his 1st, 3rd, and 8th planks.
 -- Logan, Memphis, TN		 
well said Waffler
 -- RobertSRQ		 
Insurance? Folks, it's the damn insurance business that has gotten us into this mess in the first place! 'Insurance' is but another twisted word that implies 'security' when in fact it is a form of gambling. But insurance also attempts to relieve people of their responsibility -- and to place blame on others -- 1 out of 4 Americans will be sued in their lifetime. Insurance is the game of commercial law -- betting on outcomes. It is driven by speculation and statistics. It is a lawyer's heaven! Before long, the lawyers start passing statutes that govern liability to better suit the insurance companies. Those of you crying foul of corporate America and begging for National Health Care are quite frankly, nuts. Who do you think government contracts to provide social services?... American corporations!! Besides health care, the insurance business governs trade and has influenced the court system in favor of enormous profits. This drives up the cost of health care, trade, and legal services as well. What we need is REFORM! Not more of the same. Canada has a national health care SYSTEM, not universal health INSURANCE -- there is a difference, and what is being proposed in the US is not a health care system, but the biggest insurance system in the new world. There is a lot more that could be done to lower prices of health care in America instead of simply buying more insurance. This will put huge profits from borrowed government money into the insurance corporations -- what are you thinking?!!
 -- E Archer, NYC		 
The Editor's note says "Norman Thomas and Gus Hall . . . both quit American politics, agreeing that the Republican and Democratic parties by 1970 had adopted every plank on the Communist/Socialist . . ." 1970? The Editor should look to the paragraph above where is says that Norman Thomas died in 1968. What's the story?
 -- Joe D, Bellmore, New York		 
Sorry for the confusion. "By 1970" the Republican and Democratic parties had adopted every plank of the Communist Manifesto. Thomas died in 1968 and the Socialist Party had all but merged with the Democratic Party -- most of the Socialist delegates were in the 1968 Democratic Convention. The Communist Party fizzled out as funding from the USSR stopped.
 -- Editor, Liberty Quotes		 
 -- Anonymous 
This quote represents the 2008 Obama Biden presidential platform.
 -- C Russell, San Antonio		 
Socialism is seductive as Anytown USA pointed out but that is because it appeals to the idealist in all of us but ignores or denies human nature. The current election has been one of class warfare induced by appealing to the greed and envy of human beings but sounding so good on the surface. For example, the idea of social justice that has become a talking point comes from the original Humanist Manifesto and one of its planks is affirmative action which seeks to balance injustices by "leveling the field" for groups who have been oppressed, etc. Those who buy in to the idea forget that those who are given a "leg up" tend to become lazy and those who are passed by because they are from the wrong group become envious and bitter leading to division. It is a wonderful tool if one wants to create division in order to attain and maintain power. Speaking of idealists, Norman Thomas, the author of this quote was a graduate of Union Theological Seminary, a conservative seminary in New York City so his idealism came from a good source, but he forget that Jesus said "the poor are with you always".
 -- a.wilbourn, cedar hill, tx.		 
During the 1956 Presidential campaign, Norman Thomas, on national television, announced, "The Socialist Party will no longer be running a candidate for president. The Democratic Party is leading this country to Socialism much faster than we could ever hope to."
 -- Max, Archer Lodge, NC		 
 -- Anonymous 
Socialism always moves left, never any other direction. In the end the concern is that it will not be society that has all the power, but rather a few elites who will consoidate power and show us all the true way. Europe is a good example of socialism that is on a path to a few elites controlling the many. They haven't completed the mission yet, but with mico-steps and giant steps and medium steps they will eventually have their way. Then it is only a matter of time once this absoute power is in place, posing as our shared friend and savior, that some very nasty and charismatic character(s) will come along and create Big Brother. It is so slow and sly, but it is happening and will happen. I doubrt there is anyway to stop it as long as idealists continue to believe that we can change human nature and achieving that is akin to teaching a duck to bark..
 -- Lars, Plainwell, Mi		 
I give the quote three stars as well, because as enlightening as the quote may be to some who are not paying attention, I would still really like to see an unimpeachable source for the quote that can be cross-checked and its validity assured. It's absolutely essential that if quotes such as this get published and circulated widely (as they should be), that we can check out and validate the veracity of the quote.
 -- SaveTheGuns.com, Maine		 
Since when is a socialist going to speak negatively about socialism? Sounds like a mythological monster to scare people away from even considering liberal views.
 -- Anonymous, anywhere, Illinois		 
Look around folks, it's happening now! Read "Atlas Shrugged" Who is John Galt?
 -- Tombo, Dayton		 
The USA is a republic, not a democracy. To quote the ancient Greeks, a democracy can never work, as soon as the people become organized enough to vote for what they want at the expense of those that have it, the entire system will break down.
 -- captain352, Greenwich		 
Communism / socialism is the opiate of the masses, not religion... For obvious reasons, neither communism, nor socialism will ever work; it's failed everywhere it's been tried.
 -- Dave Ferro, Dayton		 
So long as there are the poor and disadvantaged, those struggling to stay alive, those whom the elite see as fodder for their machine, they will have a champion able to promise solutions that can never be delivered except at the expense of those fortunate enough to have achieved the means by which they are able to survive. The elite class never gives to any cause without recognition. To provide jobs with a decent wage is beneath their dignity for it makes the worker too self-sufficient. The ruling class would prefer a feudal system wherein their needs are met by the hands of serfs. In that respect, it is no different from socialism/communism. There have been known instances of the wealthy business owner providing for the needs of his workers; but this is rare. It is more often the case of the corporate leaders stealing off the backs of the worker and consumer. I see not a socialist state emerging in this country. Everyone knows that won't work including the socialists. They only use the ideology as a means to an end. And the end is total dictatorship with everyone in the ruling class fighting for the top bunk. Personally, I think the top bunk is filled; and we on the bottom are about to be crapped on.
 -- grampawoody, Brackettville, Texas		 
I agree with DOUGMCR8. We have been outvoted on the matter. Those that vote for socialism or fascism should read Genesis 47 :13-27. Whether you believe the Bible or not, Even if Joe Blow wrote this is it would still be valid. What price would you put on your freedom? Free health care, free lunch.
 -- R.U.WITHMEE, DALLAS,TEXAS		 
>http://davids-home-now.blogspot.com/ See relevant comment posted in 2008
 -- David Thomas, San Diego		 
 -- Angela Cusimano, Shirley, New York 
Heard it quoted differently, last part was "until one day they (the American people) will wake up and say, "where have all our freedoms gone?"." The barely literate person who blogged about fascists had better do his homework. Who were the fascists? The Germans made no bones about concealing their identity as they named their movement the Nationalist Socialist Democratic Workers Party or NSDAP (Nazis).
 -- Who cares, L.R., AR		 
What would like to bet that if Obama had specified "change" would be socialism, massive transfer of wealth & the destruction of "capitalism" he NEVER would have been elected. But he cleverly never gave any specifics except ending the war in Iraq & closing Gitmo.
 -- Anonymous, Denver, CO		 
I live in the US almost 15 years. I immigrated from Russia, and I see that America moves to the left very fast (at least at North California) and I feel how dangerous it is. The phrase of Norman Thomas reflects exactly what is going on. A lot of people are very ignorant, and they fall in love with socialist terminology very quickly. Their ignorance, lack of history knowledge (even recent history) don't allow them to see or to predict next step. They live like there is no tomorrow. Russian community in the US is more conservative basically, but unfortunately even in our community some people are ready to do the same mistakes they already did. They "Americanized" very quickly and not in the best way.
 -- Jane, San Francisco		 
THEY WILL HAVE TO PRY MY GUNS FROM MY COLD DEAD HANDS!
 -- RON, WASKOM,TX		 
As the son of Cuban immigrants who came to the USA in 1965, I see the USA moving to the left. I am scared for my children. This election is the most vivid display, the government control of business and people through handouts aka bailout, stimulus, etc. is the proof. Perception is reality whatever mainstream media prints is what the masses will believe. Notice that after our messianic president was elected the negative reports on Iraq have pretty much stopped?
 -- Nelson, Hollywood, FL		 
Fed generated boom and bust! See the writings of nobel prize winner in 1974 F.A. Hayek. We've had the economic answer for almost 70 years. Join a non-profit limited life span political party Code Red: No Fed "Red" Doesn't stand for communism. Based on Borders, Language and Culture and the Economic principles of F.A. Hayek Code Red will last for 10 years, hopefully long enough to return America to a true Democracy. Goals: Return to the gold standard, this will make our currency #1 in the world. Abolishment of Veto power for the Fed. a return to pre civil war democracy One Man One Vote. Not a Representative Democracy that deteriorates into a mass of Multiple Dictators. Before the civil war whoever lost the presidency became vice president, let's talk about it. 3 year term limits just like the old days, 3 years for everyone for everything no career politicians. 50,000 yearly income for all federal employees that's as much as most teachers, no more rich politicians. In 2000 the congress legalized the sale of home loans, FDR made it illegal in 1934 because it creates inflation in property value by allowing the banks and mortg. companies to make a profit selling your loan back and forth. This alone could crash the market according to FDR. In 1999 a banker would be sitting in federal prison for selling your loan. In 2000 it's legal, in 2008 the crash. Close to 70 years of success and in 8 years... collapse. Please contact michaelsavage@savage-productions.com and help us form this citizen formed party. The 6 time presidential canidate for the Socialist Party of America Norman Thomas said in a debate with his communist counter part: "I no longer need to run for president in my party, The Democratic Party has adopted our platform."
 -- Erik, Chico, Ca		 
I'm afraid that the pendulum might not ever swing back because there are too many people now who are on the government take (welfare and aid recipients included) and more coming into the country illegally who the Dems will give amnesty too along with benefits. This and organizations like ACORN will insure we become a one party system.
 -- Bill, Deland, FL		 
Where were all you people on November the 4th??? Holding your breath?? Nationalize the banks, control the salaries of the banks exec's and people in stock market, make the poor and undeserving beholden to you via government aid and more of it. Allow illegal immigrants to use the schools and health care for their "future" vote. I'm worn out, sorry.
 -- keither, southwest michigan		 
If Norman Thomas died in 1968, can someone explain to me how could he say, in 1970, that the Democratic and Republican parties had adopted the platforms of socialism?
 -- Alice, St. Louis		 
Sorry for the confusion in the Editor's Note. Gus Hall was still alive in 1970 and BY 1970 both Gus Hall and Norman Thomas had quit politics as both the Socialist and Communist Parties had been folded into the Democratic party. Obviously, Norman Thomas quit politics earlier than 1970...
 -- Editor, Liberty Quotes		 
If anyone doesn't think we are heading for Socialism, they're an idiot! I am not putting people down who I think are idiots. The word, "idiot" means that you are a person not educated in whatever the topic is, or whatever the skill is. I think people who don't play drums and try to play are an idiot. Since I play well enough, I can judge another person to say they are unskilled and uneducated in the instrument. You math majors out there can call me an idiot when it comes down to me trying math. It doesn't offend me to have someone who knows math call me an idiot in math. So.....I've read every book, listened to every tape and educated myself from others that know what Socialism is, and therefore, I know what causes it, and what it looks like. You people out there that are just beginning to educate yourself in knowing what Socialism is about, is in kindergarten. Therefore, you're idiots when it comes to knowing everything there is to know about Socialism. Do I make myself clear?
 -- Rick, Slidell		 
Dear E Archer, NYC: Your statement is near perfect. Lets think of all the great societies that have extinguished themselves: Ancient Egypt, Rome, Aztecs, Maya's, etc. What do they have in common? A people subservient to the governing body/ king, dictator and so on. I hope this country wakes the heck up and turns around before it is too late.
 -- Tom, Monroeville		 
Can anyone come up with a source for this alleged quotation? I don't think Thomas ever said this.
 -- Poumista, http://poumista.wordpress.com		 
The most important thing to remember when dealing with politics and the associated terms and goals of various entities is that behind it all human nature reigns supreme. The error that liberals make in their politics (or is it deliberate?) is that they do not acknowledge that nature. You can see it in the institutions that they attack - military-law/enforcement-religion, and those they bolster - welfare-universal health care- big government. Wouldn't it be great if there were no war? Wouldn't it be great if we all hugged and got along? It isn't human nature for ALL people to behave that way. There will always be conflict, injustice, and evil. Accept it. Tearing down the entities that made this country great because of some faults or past mistakes is like throwing out the baby with the bath water. What is wrong with God fearing, hard working, self reliant, self dependent people? They don't depend on a liberal political structure to take care of them and erode their morality. But welcome to the new liberal America. One full of self-entitled, shiftless, lazy, immoral, uneducated, and ignorant people.
 -- Joe, San Jose		 
We need to wake up... Here is another N. Thomas quote: "The difference between Democrats and Republicans is: Democrats have accepted some ideas of Socialism cheerfully, while Republicans have accepted them reluctantly" Source: Norman Thomas
 -- Eric, Ponder, TX		 
Undocumented [and fictitious] sources are valueless.
 -- Anonymous		 
I really don't care who said what. As Eric put it...it's right on!! The people who are always responsible are the people we vote for. And that, concerned citizen, is the 545 people that make up the politicos in Washington. Everyone wants to balance the budget but when was it done and for how long? Republican, Demolition,,,,er, I ment Democrat, Independent, or Socialist?
 -- John, Montgomery, Texas		 
I see this as a Warning, and if people dont wake up, their ability to improve their own lives, live free, and prosper is going to be ended, with much of the US living in Squaler, because the US Government cant, and wont feed and clothe everyone, anymore than it's Social Security Programs, Medicaide, Medicare, and ALL other Government Programs have EVER Produced what they advertised,....and if the US citizens are that Stupid, to sit iddly by, while someone promisses security at the behest of freedoms and they give those freedoms up, for More Government Lies, then they deserve everything they get "The penalty good men pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men and women." - Plato
 -- Chief_Cabioch, Shreveport		 
There's no source for this quote. It is entirely made up, and if you knew any actual history about the man, you would know he would have never said it.
 -- Paul, Olive Branch, MS		 
No stars because the quotee is not important. Factual circumstances in this matter is. Both major political parties are frauds. Lies is their language. Deceit is their goal. Slavery will be the result unless terminated in the next 8 months. The current holder of the Presidental office is ineligible to hold that office because he is not a "natural born" citizen. An issue that is still being prosecuted. However, a single man cannot bring about a political change in our government. Our congress is responsible for what is taking place. They just use the President because he has the Constitutional power to sign bills into law. The reality is our current politicians are providing taxation without representation. We have gone full circle and are back where we started. We could shutdown the government in just a couple of months if all tax paying citizens would just fill out a W-4 form with sufficient exemptions to stop taxes being taken from their pay. No taxes, shortly no government ability at any level. The people who have become entitled to our tax dollars would have to fend for themselves. The education system would return to those who teach for the benefit of the students and not the money. The reality is: Government bad, free enterprise good. Politicians bad, business owners good. It is time to benefit from our 2nd Amendment to prepare for the class war that is coming. If not a class war then a race war. If not a race war then a war for our original freedom. Guns and ammunition is flying off the shelves everywhere as law abiding citizens realize they must have the ability to defend themselves. If citizens do not have guns then only the criminals will. Now, how do we get the defenders of freedom to join the populace in rebelling against the government that is taking our freedoms from us in all of the ways written about above. Our military and law enforcement are expected to defend the politicians holding us hostage and converting us to slaves. The second Tea Party is coming April 15. After that, what? Time will tell but it does not look good for freedom right now.
 -- Jay, Apple Valley, CA		 
i think our lost liberties are a perfect example of the dumbing down of america
 -- mjah1660, baton rouge la		 
I agree with Mike in Norwalk. Whether you believe in prophecy or not, we will all have to hold on to our seats. Is gonna be a very bumpy ride!
 -- Lynda, Allen Prak, MI		 
I think this is made up. It doesn't sound like the Thomas I've read.
 -- Gary, Orange County, CA		 
Interestingly people associate the right with fascism when it actually grew out of the international liberal or socialist movement in europe in the 1930's. They differred in one important way. The liberals were internationalists and the fascists were nationalists or patriotic. The left dispite their protestations see patriotism as a greater problem than fascism's other qualities. And to clear up one other point, George Bush is a free trader, Obama is a one-worlder. There's a difference.
 -- Richmann, NYC		 
Sotomayer's nomination certainly tips Obama's hand. This quote is fundamental in his playbook, and she fits right in! She even placed another of Thomas' quotes in her 1976 Princeton yearbook: "I am not a champion of lost causes, but of causes not yet won." American complacency will allow them a complete victory unless we WAKE UP AMERICA!
 -- Jean L., Dover, NH		 
Nostradamus has predicted this! He said that a form of slavery would be implemented in the US in its end days. People that live under Socialism are, in a way, a higher form of pet. They get fed, and comforted as long as they obey what they are told to do. Same thing with my pet dog!
 -- Brian, Hawaii		 
Unfortunately, I believe that today many people would willingly embrace socialism. They are definitely doing so but disassociate themselves from the label "socialism". I'm afraid it will not be long before they are proud to be a socialist and even a communist. More and more people are willing to give up their freedoms in favor of security--the illusion they get from a nanny state. Socialism and communism, like most forms of government have laudatory goals--but the reality falls short. Of course the USA was founded on freedom and personal responsibility. It's first two hundred years revealed flaws but the advancements made in this nation proved that capitalism and freedom, especially when combined with personal responsibility, is an ideal that indeed works!
 -- HPR, Carmel		 
14 million illegals.good job government.you won!
 -- ray, copperopolis		 
The only surprising thing in the comments is depth and breadth of ignorance. Indeed, educate your children but teach them to think critically and not spout the garbage of their parents. Yawn.
 -- Joseph Stans, St. Paul, MN		 
 -- Anonymous 
Hey Editor, saying that it's from an interview during the 1948 Presidential Campaign without saying interviewed by whom, where, and on what date -- to confirm that Norman Thomas was in that place on that date and that there was such an interviewer -- is no more believable than saying my grandmother, born in 1897, sang for the Pope. (She didn't, of course, but she was born in Italy.)
 -- Don T, The Heartland		 
 -- Rachael Bellamy, kansas city Mo 
With this Norman Thomas quote in mind, and the many references to our lack intellect, I recommend the reading of: "The deliberate dumbing down of America." Charlotte Thomson Iserbyt
 -- Phil Reynolds, Edwardsburg		 
There is no stopping the machine as long as we have uneducated people, poor thinkers, minorities and the under-priveledged (or lazy), they will be catered to by the Democratic party. I'd suggest a two state solution, but I don't know many liberals who would want to live in a state soley comprised of liberals, it would FAIL!!!!!!! It could not survive for long. We really need to get rid of them.
 -- Washington, DC		 
It puzzles me that so many people do not recognize that the Republican Party of George Bush was left of the Thomas's Socialist Party.
 -- msgijoe, Oxford		 
this quote is by Ronald Reagan, not Norman Thomas.
 -- Brent, San Bruno		 
 -- Anonymous 
I believe that Thomas made this statement as part of his concession speech after losing the presiential electon in the late forties. He went on to say that he was never going to run again and that the socialist party was no longer needed because we have the Democrats. Like many free societies we are yeilding to socialism. Everything socialism gets involved in is a loser; Public schools, Medcare, Medicade, Social Security and AmTrak are just a few examples. We should NEVER allow the free capitalist system to become polluted with socialism. Socialist health care is a disaster in countries where it exists. Worse yet; socialism is a stepping stone to tyranny. This is why the Founding Fathers insisted on a small central government and outlined in the constituton that which the central government is permitted. "Beware the greedy hand of governent, thrusting itself into every corner and crevice of industry" -Thomas Paine
 -- Tombo, Fairborn		 
I think the reality of our situation makes it not matter who said what or when, but we must look around us to see what the truth is in our world. And, if people are actually reading all of these comments, why do they continually have to clarify the 1968 vs 1970 comments... frustrating...
 -- crazy j, the OC Calif		 
Memo to Rick, Slidell: thanks for the comments. This is why I love reading these blogs...every now and then, out of the blue comes moronic, arrogant statements from the likes of you...You, the expert in socialism sure showed the rest of us "idiots" how truly enlightened you are. Thanks for the yuks, dude
 -- Dave, Minneapolis		 
Good friend of mine put it this way: You take the King's shilling, you do the King's service. The trick, then, is for those who don't want to work for the King to figure out how to deal with each other. I believe in a day's work for a day's pay - drives me crazy to see people sitting on their glutes getting paid for nothing. Way up in these comments I saw a phrase or two that struck a chord - I help those in need when I choose to - I may not always have 'extra' money laying around (things can be tight at times for those who aren't exactly poor also), I may not think one person is as deserving of assistance as another (lost job during a draw-down vs. crack addict), and that is how societies take care of themselves. I'd like to see a personality study of the EU and U.S. politicians today with some analysis of how many of them truly have the job because of some higher sense of providing for the greater good. Too many people seem to think they are 'owed' something because they are poor, an ethnic minority, etc. Just a century ago people would wait to get married, have kids, buy a house because they couldn't AFFORD it. Self-policing social responsibility. Now take the case of the young buck who seems to think it's okay to kick out some pups every few years, with different women, tell them to live in govt housing while he quits his job and walks away (drawing unemployment INSURANCE that he'll likely never pay back or pay taxes on) and eventually break the law enough times to get a free ride (3 squares and a bunk) for the rest of his life - in prison. Oh, how RESPONSIBLE we've all become! Or the young women who accept their role in that equation as well! "They can all be reformed!" Everyone deserves an equal chance - that's what the U.S. Constitution line "all men are created equal" means to me - then how come so many seem to get 2,3,4 chances and never get removed from the gene pool? Crime rates were pretty low back in the days of public executions, and rarely did anyone care if it was your first murder/rape/arson/robbery...they just knew you weren't going to get a chance at a second! (plus, if you demonstrated those awkward behaviors at a young enough age, you likely got removed before you could breed more little freaks...) This whole argument above only exists because of the bureaucracy that has been created around the world by those who don't want to strike out on their own and make something of and for themselves. For an interesting look at what could happen to our niche societies, read World War Z by Max Brooks. As some of those commenting above have noted, (it may not be zombies, of course) even more (potentially internal to western govts) conflict appears to be on the horizon. Charismatic leaders arise when a population is ready to listen - Ben Franklin, Robespierre, Hitler, Castro, Pol Pot, Bin Laden - love them or hate them, if no one agreed with them, they would have no following...
 -- Guy Fawkes, Manchester, UK		 
WE LIVE IN A SOFT TYRANNY TODAY IN THE USA. WE ARE ENDOWED BY OUR CREATOR WITH CERTAIN UNALIENABLE RIGHTS THAT CHIEF AMONG THESE ARE LIFE, LIBERTY, AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS! NO GOVERNING BODY OR GOVERNED SOCIETY CAN EXIST EXCEPT BY THE CONSENT OF THE GOVERNED. TYRANNY WILL RESULT AT SOME POINT IN ANY EVOLUTION OF A SOCIETY OR COUNTRY. IT ALWAYS HAS. IN THE CASE OF THE CURRENT ARISTOCRACY THAT ABIDES IN WASHINGTON D.C. AT PRESENT IT WILL COME TO PASS THAT THEY ENJOY THEIR DAY IN THE SUN AND THEN COMMON PRESSURE OF SOME TYPE BY THE GOVERNED WILL REMOVE THEM AND THEIR IDEOLOGY FROM THEIR POSITIONS OF PRIVELEDGE. THEN MAYBE THIS COUNTRY WILL HAVE A NEW BIRTH OF FREEDOM OR AT LEAST A REPRIEVE FROM THE MINDLESS POWER MAD ARISTOCRACY THAT HAS A STRANGLE HOLD ON THE PEOPLE AND CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES . OBAMA CANNOT BE AN AMERICAN BEHAVING IN SUCH AND UNAMERICAN FASHION. HE HAS USURPED THE CONSTITUTION AND IS RUNNING ROUGSHOD OVER THE PEOPLE AND HAS PUT US IN A POSITION OF PURE DANGER IN THE WORLD. THIS IS DANGEROUS AND CRIMIMAL BEHAVIOR BY A PRESIDENT AND HE SHOULD BE IMPEACHED ALONG WITH THE MAJORITY OF THE CONGRESS AND REMOVED AND JAILED. BLOGOIOVICH WAS JUST AN INKLING INTO THE POLITICS OF GREED WE WOULD BE SEEING! GOD SAVE US ALL AND THIS GREAT REPUBLIC!
 -- Anonymous, PILOT POINT TEXAS		 
what a great forum. people on both sides.the 1st amend. makes it all possible.
 -- bill phil, pompano bch.,fl		 
What he said about socialism is absolutely true! Most Americans choose "liberalism" not knowing it's just another word for "socialism" or "collectivism". "Individualism" is taught in the Bible. You see it also in the Declaration Of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.
 -- Jeff, Ft. Worth, Tx		 
I believe America is at a crossroads where generations of Americans have been socially engineered and manipulated through the government indoctrination centers (public schools) deliberately dumbing down generation after generation so America falls toward the bottom of the international list for academic achievement and Phil Reynolds I have that book you recommended in my library is excellent (The Deliberate Dumbing down of America) an ignorant population is easy to manipulate, the media and Hollywood have played their part in the psychological conditioning to reject the philosophy of individual freedom and liberty that our founders gave us in favor of a society who has forgotten how to do for themselves with the spirit of self-reliance and their community, but have become totally dependent on the government which is to say OPM (other People's Money). A prime example is Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, neighboring states were hit just as hard but their people got up off their back sides and helped each other to clean up and rebuild I believe they have at least three days to evacuate but didn't, fleets of buses were submerged under floodwaters that could have been used to evacuate people. The American people now find themselves in the place where they elected a president they knew absolutely nothing about other than a feel-good vote to dissuade their white guilt and his promise of "change," if they had taken the time to research his background they would've discovered he sought out associations with self proclaimed communist radicals i.e. Van Jones and blatantly anti-American and racist like Rev. Wright whose teaching he sat under for 20 years and Louis Farrakhan who Rev. Wright honored. I am seeing signs that people are waking up to this quantum leap into national Socialism and I think the 2010 elections will be bad year for incumbents, our country needs to get back under the limitations of the Constitution that's were most off our problems are created in the extraconstitutional crap that politicians do to buy votes with, that goes for both parties! I can't believe the guy from the UK lumped Benjamin Franklin in with murderers row how incongruous, still feeling a little bitter over losing the colonies?
 -- Mike, Des Moines, Iowa		 
I have known of this quote for some time now. I became interested in politics at an early age and have watched our country give in to socialist thinking at an ever- increasing rate that really seemed to pick up steam in the mid 1980's with the ridiculous politically correct movement. Having traveled the world while in the military, and having lived in a few countries that are socialist and fascist states, I have seen the results of socialism first hand. There is a reason my recent ancestors risked their lives escaping from mother Russia. Under socialism, communism, and fascism you have an elite few that come into power by convincing the masses that they know how to make decisions concerning your life better than you can. Once they have the masses believing the crap that spews out of their mouths, the masses are left with food they cannot afford, utilities they cannot pay for to heat their homes and looking for jobs that are no longer there, because the government does not create jobs, the private sector does. Warren, olathe; Archer, NYC; Lars, Plainwell; Jane, SF; Anonymous, Pilot Point; Mike, Des Moines; I beg all of you to continue to try and educate as many people as possible to the dangers that the American Socialist Party(Liberals) bring to the table. As for those on here that don't see anything wrong with socialism or communism, or fascism, well, why don't you grab the people in this country that believe like you do and go live in Russia, Cuba, Venezuela or anywhere else. If you do not want to do that then I suggest you finally start to think for yourselves and educate yourselves a little better than the current liberal education system we have in this country that in my opinion is the biggest part of the problem.
 -- Lee, Kansas City		 
I fear it goes even further than not knowing how it happened. Without the ability now to question or even just think, due both to the (intended?) distractions of all the bread and circuses of the modern electronic world plus the terrible dumbing-down of education, there is a whole world without any knowledge that it has even happened!
 -- Neil, Sydney, Australia		 
I believe quote is actually 1944.
 -- Katrina, Los Angeles		 
Take your pick: "All systems are capitalist. It's just a matter of who owns and controls the capital -- ancient king, dictator, or private individual. We should properly be looking at the contrast between a free market system where individuals have the right to live like kings if they have the ability to earn that right and government control of the market system such as we find today in socialist nations." --Ronald Reagan "Jesus was the first socialist, the first to seek a better life for mankind." - -Mikhail Gorbachev What do I think? Basically ALL governments wish to control us .. they'll turn the internet OFF if we get too much power and rise up against them! People Power. VIVA!! Now, there's socialism!!
 -- Mark, Alice Springs, OZ		 
"A wise and frugal Government, which shall restrain men from injuring one another, shall leave them otherwise free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement." Thomas Jefferson.. ...enough said.
 -- bbk, anytown, tx		 
Great explanation of the Democratic party's goals.
 -- Roderick, St. Landry		 
 -- Anonymous 
I remember Nikita Kruschev saying the same thing: "The American people will not accept communism overnight, we will feed it to you a little at a time untill one day you will wake up and realise that you have it". Well, it's here.
 -- frank		 
If we don't wake up and really take a look at what is being spoon fed to us from this Government we will eventually have all of our freedoms taken away. Just take a look at all of the freedoms which have been taken away from us in the last year, we have three more years for all of us to endure... Get out and spread the word, even to the most left winged.
 -- Paco, Juno, Milwaukee, Wi		 
In the entire history of humanity, capitalism is still the best system. Why else would Communist China embrace capitalism other than to get ahead? Socialism didn't work for the USSR, and China learned from the Soviet Union's mistake. The US dollar put the Chinese astronaut into space. Everything in life is truly a bell-shaped curve. Human nature ensures that even if we have a guaranteed income for everyone, some will always take from others, increasing one and lessening the other. In the very basest form of capitalism, Captain John Smith stated, "he who will not work shall not eat." The survival of little Jamestown depended on that, but today in such a huge society, many find his statement untrue with our wonderful social programs. "A government that robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul." (George Bernard Shaw) That's why the Democratic Party wants to grow their support base with amnesty for illegals. Donald Duck
 -- Anonymous, Youngstown, OH		 
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