Thanksgiving Is A Celebration Of Capitalism
By gewcew23
@gewcew23 (8007)
United States
November 29, 2008 3:35pm CST
The story of socialism at Plymouth Rock is one that few Americans are taught in their government schools. On landing at Plymouth Rock, the Pilgrims established an economic system in which all their crops would be owned in common and whose harvest would be distributed to each family in accordance with its needs. The colonists felt that such a socialist system would be consistent with their deep religious convictions. There was one big problem, however, with this spread-the-wealth economic system: starvation. When everything was owned by everyone, people would look for excuses to avoid working in the fields and the harvests were not sufficient to keep everyone fed. After repeated food shortages Plymouth Rock Governor William Bradford declared an end to socialism at Plymouth Rock. He announced that every family would be responsible for planting and harvesting its own crops and would be free to keep the bounty.
The result? No more starvation! Instead, a bountiful harvest and more than enough food for everyone. And that’s what the first Thanksgiving was all about to give thanks for the plentiful bounty that had been brought into existence through the “miracle of the market.”
2 people like this
7 responses
@suspenseful (40193)
• Canada
30 Nov 08
I always thought Thanksgiving was to thank God for HIS bounty. And it seems that some of the pilgrims thought of God as the big tooth fairy and figured that all they needed to go to sleep, and presto, the crops are ripening in the field! Bit I guess once William Bradford laid down the law, the people started to get down to work. I guess that proves the old adage, "God helps those who help themselves." Not referring to burglars or thieves, by the way. They are on their own.
2 people like this
@Troublegum (641)
• United States
30 Nov 08
Its funny, this is the second time this week this had come up that I have seen here, I just never put it together with Thanksgiving.
It is also interesting that people are more likely to be charatiable and help others if it is volutary, but if it is mandatory people are less willing to help.
1 person likes this
@Troublegum (641)
• United States
30 Nov 08
My point exactly this is THE primary problem with socialism.
1 person likes this
@Destiny007 (5805)
• United States
30 Nov 08
Socialism just does not work... This country tried it and abandoned the foolish notion.
The reason the left wants to do it again is simply because they want to be in charge of everything that anyone does. They want to be petty dictators, and they have forgotten that they are merely the hired help who work for us.
As to their supporters... they need to get off their lazy as$es and actually earn the income they want instead of waiting for a damn handout.
What these supporters don;t seem to realize is that even under socialism they would still be on the bottom.
1 person likes this
@newtondak (3946)
• United States
29 Nov 08
There are still a number of religious sects and colonies existing in the United States who live in this manner.
1 person likes this
@bestboy19 (5478)
• United States
30 Nov 08
As religious people, they should have remembered what the apostle Paul said, "If a man does not work, nor should he eat." The Soviet Union also proved that people are more responsible when they own than when they just share. And when everything is owned by the government (which seems to be the way we're going) there is no longer any pride in ones self or accomplishments.
1 person likes this
@spalladino (17891)
• United States
30 Nov 08
That's interesting, gewcew...I wasn't taught that in school...or I was absent that day. I do agree that a socialist society as a whole does not work but I see a lot of giant leaps being taken on this board from Plymouth Rock to the present day. I guess I must have missed something.....
