Socialism now

Marx believed that the transition from capitalism to communism must pass through socialism along the way. He said that when the people got fed up with capitalism, that is, when the gap between the rich and the poor became large enough, the people would over throw the existing government. At first the people would control the means of production (socialism) and later as certain leaders took power the control would transfer to the new government (communism). As the industrial revolution gained strength and factory workers were made slaves to the owners, Marx felt this was the opening and he wrote his manifesto. The first country to try this new government was the Soviet Union after the 1917 revolution. The next was North Korea in 1948, then China in 1949, Cuba in 1961, Laos in 1975, Viet Nam in 1976 and finally Venezuela in 1999. The Soviets lasted for 75 years but others like China survived by keeping the government in control but allowing for a free market capitalist economy. People who just a few years ago did not think of socialism as a viable form of government are now reevaluating their positions. They believe that the wealth gap is so great they are ready to throw out the baby with the bath water as they move away from capitalism and toward socialism. It would be prudent if they would examine the seven countries listed above and see how they are faring.