I just don’t get it.  The message coming out of OWS is that the US Government needs to get more socialized.  They say, “Government is the answer!”  “Steal from tax the rich and give to the poor!”

When, in the history of the world, has Big Socialized Government ever created jobs and fostered long-term sustainable economic growth?  Folks, please let me tell you.  Socialism is a bad idea.  Every country that has gone there has ended in revolution.

Why has the US become the world’s super-power?  What led the American Experiment of the 1700′s to become such a model of prosperity, which led so many other countries in the world to adopt democracy and even craft their Constitutions after us?

It’s not because we taxed our people to the hilt and let the Government run everything.  If you want that, look to Europe.

In this country, we have FREEDOM.  That includes freedom to pursue your dreams.  Freedom to experiment in how you want to live your life.  But it’s a two-edged sword.  The same freedom that gives us an opportunity to succeed, gives us an opportunity to fail.

Succeeding requires study and hard work.  But, oh wait.  That’s something America doesn’t believe in anymore.  We let ourselves spend all day playing video games, watching movies, and participating in the Occupy Facebook movement.  Hard work?  What’s that?

Why do the poor (or those who imagine themselves so) lean toward Socialism, and the rich lean toward Capitalism?  If you’re poor, you want everything given to you.  Of course.  It’s human nature.  We don’t want to work for our daily bread.  And we blame the rich for grinding us down. And since Americans don’t believe in a God anymore, Government is the next best thing to solve these “problems”.

We live in the most amazing country that has ever existed on the face of the planet. Opportunity is everywhere. I hear people complaining that social mobility is lacking in this country. But I just don’t see what they’re talking about. Those who study the world around them, pick their passion, and run with it, succeed. But the Government cannot hand success to you on a silver platter, despite what many politicians claim. You have to take initiative. You have to study. You have to put some elbow grease and some brain-power to work.

To anyone who is looking for a job, here is my suggested reading list:

1. Who Moved My Cheese, by Spencer Johnson, M.D.
2. The Go-Getter, by Peter B. Kyne
3. Linchpin, by Seth Godin
4. Financial Peace Revisited, by Dave Ramsey
5. Stop Acting Rich, by Thomas Stanley Ph.D.
6. QBQ! The Question Behind the Question, by John G. Miller
7. Tribes, by Seth Godin
8. More Than Enough, by Dave Ramsey

Now OWS wants to block the GOP primaries all over the place, starting with Iowa.  Hello?  The very process that Democracy needs in order to function, the very method that is established for effecting change in the US Government, our election process, is the very method they want to shut down.  Bright idea.

This is going to get a bunch of people arrested.

Dear OWS supporters: I sympathize with you in your plight to address corporate greed.  But I think you’re barking up the wrong tree.  You should protest in Washington D.C.  You should directly approach the GOP candidates and ask them what they are planning to do about your concerns if elected.  Hold your own GOP debate!  I’m sure the major media outlets would cover it.

EDIT: November 2nd – This just in: Dave Ramsey agrees with practically everything I’m saying here.

I, for one, believe the GOP has the right idea to fix this economy.  Not those crazy extreme right candidates, but I mean the level-headed fiscally conservative ones.  The answer is not increasing taxation, which is the inevitable result of bigger government.  The answer is reigning in spending and cutting excess red tape.  Yes, let’s deal with corporate greed.  Government is the only effective conscience for Capitalism.  However, demanding more government handouts and programs is not the answer.

Here’s a great interview between two guys representing the OWS and anti-OWS camps.  The anti-OWS guy is the adult in the room. He patiently listens while the OWS guy makes his case, and then, when given a chance to speak, he politely rips it up with reasoned arguments. The OWS guy can’t stand it and tries to rudely interrupt several times. Reminds me of a recent GOP debate where Santorum and Perry took turns rudely interrupting Romney when he clearly had the floor.

Hint: Not being able to patiently wait your turn to speak is a sign of your immaturity and the weakness of your case. Please make a better case when it’s your turn to speak, or be quiet.