The American Dream vs. Democratic Principles in Business

I'm sure most of you are aware of the growing resentment towards Wal-mart, and I can honestly say that I'm not much of a fan of the superstore either. Still, this gives the state of Maryland and Chris Van Hollen no justification for its' current legislative initiatives. Apparently, some Democratic officials and a labor union, that is supported by Wal-mart competitors deemed appropriate the passing of an insurance bill in the state of Maryland obligating the superstore to provide at least 8% of its payroll into health benefits specifically or put that money into the state's health care program for the poor.

On the surface, this looks like a good idea. But, upon closer examination, is highly similar to programs found in Socialist goverments. Last I recall, the United Soviet Socialist Republic (USSR) collapsed due to economic depletion. So, why is it that politicians are now trying to 'better' America with such ideology? I can honestly say that it boggles my mind.

I then received my Monday Morning Memo from Wizard Academy, and lo and behold, Mr. Williams put into words how I feel about this specific subject. The memo starts quite simply with this: "America is a democracy and we believe in free enterprise." He continues with the definition of democracy and free enterprise. Quite simply, a democracy is "majority rule...Groupthink..."United we stand, divided we fall"...free enterprise - is to have an absolute dictator." This guy is brilliant!

The break down of the memo continues:

So while America's social system is a democracy, individualized financial dictatorship is the foundation of our economy.

That's right. Our economic system, rather, the success of our economic system is reliant on the money honchos. He with the most money, right or wrong, fair or unfair, gets to make the rules. I know it sounds harsh. But, in order for the American economy to prosper, this must be true. Otherwise, we'll be headed down that same road as the USSR.

Strange, isn't it? A democracy will have an economic system based on Darwinian survival-of-the-fittest, "It's a dog eat dog world and I'm about to wolf your poodle, pal."

It's ironic actually, but rightly so. Otherwise, there is no such thing as the American Dream. In order for this Dream to exist, two financial dictators must also exist: employees and customers. Our economic security relies on these two to perform as they must.

Employees, "if you don't like the rules of your dictator, you can go to work for yourself. But if you're an unwise financial dictator, the bank and the IRS" will come-a-callin'. "Welcome to America."
Customers, "if you don't prefer the person you bought from yesterday, buy from someone else tomorrow. God bless America: Land of the Free and Home of the Brave."

I'd like to close this post with the words of Mr. Williams:

"The American Dream" isn't the dream of a great society. It's the dream of personal wealth.

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Links:
Monday Morning Memo for January 30, 2006
The American Dream
Md. Passes Rules on Wal-Mart Insurance