An acquaintance on FB shared this video. He considers himself a socialist and wanted to share why and asked for dialogue/opinions: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMS_P09dKbc&feature=share I am have started to respond several times, but each response comes off extremely negative because I am not a socialist and do not believe the more government control is a good thing. I actually felt my blood pressure rising as I watched this video. But then I began thinking that I would love to begin having some meaningful discussions with my children about some -isms such as socialism, capitalism, communism, etc... What resources have any of you used successfully? Just thought I'd share to get some opinions/suggestions here.
Not what you wanted, but I found it refreshing to hear American media trying to clear up the common misconception among Americans that socialism and communism are the same thing.
I am not sure how old you are but Milton Friedman's line about spending other people's money seems to encapsulate the problem with socialism. "There are four ways in which you can spend money. You can spend your own money on yourself. When you do that, why then you really watch out what you’re doing, and you try to get the most for your money. Then you can spend your own money on somebody else. For example, I buy a birthday present for someone. Well, then I’m not so careful about the content of the present, but I’m very careful about the cost. Then, I can spend somebody else’s money on myself. And if I spend somebody else’s money on myself, then I’m sure going to have a good lunch! Finally, I can spend somebody else’s money on somebody else. And if I spend somebody else’s money on somebody else, I’m not concerned about how much it is, and I’m not concerned about what I get. And that’s government. And that’s close to 40% of our national income." Also, on Amazon, you can find really cheap college textbooks on Economics. I find that many of these books have interesting stories, comics, illustrations, and such that any teenager can understand. This one, for instance, http://www.amazon.com/Principles-Ec...43238811&sr=1-3&keywords=principles+economics has lots of material for reasoned thinking on this topic. (used copies 98 cents!)
I don't know if you are looking for a curriculum or just general information but I used "A Noble Experiment" by Zeezok publishing which covers the US Government including The Constitution and The Bill of Rights. This is taught from a Christian point of view and are video lectures with a workbook. I bring this up because the first part of the course goes into detail about the differences between capitalism, socialism, communism, fascism, etc. It sparked a discussion and follow-up activities regarding current events. I don't know the age/s of your student/s but mine were 10 and 12 when they went through it. HTH's. Kim
Sorry Shell, I just read the bottom of your post that you have older children so "The Noble Experiment" would be appropriate. Too late in the day for multi-tasking! Kim
