Is Obama Socialist?

In Karl Marx’s Manifesto of the Communist party, he describes what communism is. He feels it is feared by people who misunderstand it. He also points out the difference between socialism and communism. He states that “socialism is a society ruled by the laborers and communism is a classless society” (Marx). He also made a list of steps on how to become socialist or communist. These steps include: increasing property tax significantly, taking private property, giving the credit to the state and development of a national bank, and many more. Karl Marx explains communism as a beautiful, thing but it has its flaws just like everything else.

By reading Karl’s work, I can now relate the president’s actions to what has, in the past, lead to socialism. Lately, Obama has passed a new health care. This health care plan, according to the White House, "health reform will make health care more affordable, make health insurers more accountable, expand health coverage to all Americans, and make the health system sustainable, stabilizing family budgets, the Federal budget, and the economy. (White House)" this displays evidence of the government trying to control the economy. Marx says this is a step towards socialism. As the government gains more and more control over the economy, gain more and more resources in there fight to transform America. Also, Obama has came up with four new tax credits and expanded one. All trying to "help" the economy, but while doing so, he is increasing the amount of control the government has over the economy. The White House said about the new credits, "what is good for working families is good for the economy and what is good for the economy is good for working families" (White House). Karl also said that socialism is the party of the working class and that the laborers are the ones in power. the last statement noted from the white house sounds a little socialist to me, what about you?

Marx , Karl. Manifesto of the Communist Party. 1848. Print.

Office of the Press Secrectary, . "President Obama Underscores Commitment to Restoring Fairness to the Tax Code and Providing Tax Relief to Working Americans." THE WHITE HOUSE. N.p., April 15, 2009. Web. 9 Apr 2010. .