by Barry A. Liebling
There is no question that socialism is growing in popularity. Many cities with sizable populations are governed by Democrats who push leftist programs, and these politicians usually get re-elected. New York City, the largest in the country, has just coronated a mayor who proudly proclaims he is a democratic socialist. In his victory speech the young mayor articulated the essence of his ambitious agenda when he said, “We will prove that there is no problem too large for government to solve, and no concern too small for it to care about.” https://reason.com/2025/11/05/mamdani-claims-mandate-for-bigger-government-there-is-no-problem-too-large-for-government-to-solve/
The notion that government ought to have increased authority over nearly every aspect of human affairs is precisely what his strongest supporters are craving. Of course, not all big government is socialism. There are numerous toxic alternatives. But all socialism requires a robust government.
Note well that people are highly heterogenous. Some base their political preferences on a systematic view of the world. They have arguments (perhaps valid and sound, perhaps foolish and flawed) to support their preferences.
But a lot of people are not interested in evaluating or understanding the implications of various public policies. They vote out of habit for one party or another, and they like or scorn particular candidates for frivolous reasons. And notice that because socialism is increasing in popularity, people who are habitual conformists and enjoy following the crowd are likely to join in.
Those of us who value liberty are facing a challenging task. We have to develop a method of explaining that the path to a good human life is individual sovereignty – which is incompatible with big government socialism. And the explanation has to be persuasive.
There are two messages that have to be conveyed. The first is that big government socialism removes agency from individuals. Policies are decided by the government and each person is obligated to comply and to obey the directives. This is inevitable.
It is common for socialist boosters to tout its “benefits”. They boast that government will provide you with free food, free transportation, free housing, free healthcare. If not free, the state will deeply subsidize and make whatever you want “affordable.” In praising the advantages of socialism progressive leftists do not mention that there is a catch – which is that everything the government gives you it can withhold (or confiscate) if you do not submit to its authority. And the money required to fund government prizes must be forcibly taken by way of taxes.
Of course some people understand that socialism reduces and ultimately eliminates personal freedom. But for many citizens this is not obvious, and informing them is newsworthy and impactful. So it is important to convey in easy-to-understand terms that liberty and big government socialism are always inversely related.
If more people grasp this, more people will conclude that socialism is not for them, and that is a step in the right direction. Who will be persuaded by this revelation? Those individuals who want to plan and run their own lives and have no desire to be permanently subservient to the state.
But notice, there are a lot of people who are attracted to the collectivist life. They believe that communal living is ideal, and they do not want themselves or anyone else to be autonomous. To them the group is what is important, and it is proper for all persons to subordinate themselves to the needs of the group (this could be family, clan, tribe, country, state, …). To some, there is tremendous comfort in being directed and taking orders. They regard personal freedom as a bad idea because people are not smart enough to behave properly. There has to be officials in authority who decide what everyone should do.
And who are the designated authorities? There is no shortage of bullies who lust for power. They yearn to be in charge and to control others. In a socialist system these are the nomenklatura, the “smart” officials who mandate what will be done.
So explaining the consequences of socialism will help some people think properly, but many have a genuine desire for collectivism. And this brings us to the second message liberty enthusiasts have to broadcast – individualism is the essential path to human flourishing. Prosperity depends on intelligently making judgments and choices. Sometimes you will be right, and sometimes you will make mistakes. But as a well-functioning person you try to identify your errors and make corrections. That is something each person should do, and collectivism necessarily conflicts with independent thinking.
Note that the best proponents in the Enlightenment recognized that individuals, not collectives, are what is required for human prosperity. And the valid Enlightenment theme is that every person has natural rights and deserves self-sovereignty which is reflected in the Declaration Of Independence.
Keep in mind that even the most correct and clear messaging will not be effective all of the time. Everyone has free will, and each person has to be receptive to considering arguments for individualism and be persuaded. But in recent years there has been a severe shortage of advocates for liberty, and now is a good time to fix this. We have a lot of work to do.
*** See other entries at AlertMindPublishing.com in “Monthly Columns.” ***