The Hill Discovers ‘Socialism,’ Ignores Corporate Welfare Built Right In
While The Hill opines about the specter of 'democratic socialism' creeping into America, citing an alleged rise in public approval, they seem to miss the irony. The very systems they fiercely defend – corporate subsidies, defense contracts, and bank bailouts – represent a kind of socialism for the rich. For instance, the US government hands out nearly $100 billion annually in corporate welfare ,
according to the Cato Institute, dwarfing most 'socialist' programs debated. But apparently, only handouts to the poor or middle class count as 'socialism,' not those cushioning the bottom line of defense contractors or pharmaceutical giants. One might wonder if the concern isn't about government spending itself, but rather about whom that spending benefits. When military aid to Israel, for
example, is debated, the issue isn't 'socialism,' but 'security'—despite $3.8 billion annually flowing from US taxpayers to a foreign military, as mandated by a 10-year agreement. Funny how printing money for weapons isn't 'sleepwalking into socialism,' but affordable healthcare or education might be considered a terrifying plunge.