My entries to this point have been mostly centered around my history, my love of this great nation, my admiration for leadership and my unwavering belief in Network Marketing.  All of which I feel are worthy of sharing with friends, colleagues and strangers.  But now, I have decided to take a different direction over the next few weeks.  I have recently had the great pleasure of spending time with a gentlemen named Vladimir who is from Russia.  Vladimir is nearing 50 years old, which means that during his lifetime he has seen the effects of communism on his nation, the fall of communism and is now an extremely successful network marketer and a staunch opponent of communism.

In the short amount of time which I was recently able to share with him, he has seemed to stir something deep within my soul which I feel needs to be freed.  This may sound overly dramatic to some reading this; however, I feel that it is of the utmost importance to share what follows. 

I go back to the first few months that I worked with John Godzich.  I remember watching him speak to a group of Distributors in a private meeting or even speaking one on one with him in a public restaurant or other public place.  John’s boldness in speaking out about his personal beliefs came as a bit of a shock to me at first.  I can recall many conversations where John openly spoke out in disagreement with current government policies and would sometimes draw parallels to socialism.

I would sink down into my chair just a bit, hoping not to draw any criticism onto myself.  Shame on me. I’m embarrassed to admit that I harbored such an attitude, displayed such behavior.  Unfortunately, I (and many young people my age) have been raised in a world where it is not polite to offend others by stating, or even standing by your own beliefs if it would be disagreeable to another.  I imagine that most of us didn’t start out on the crooked path to “political correctness”, it just seeps into our sub-conscious because of social expectations, cultural pressure and often times, a few outspoken people. 

Fortunately, there must be something about one’s boldness that if you are exposed to it long enough, it rubs off on you.  Hence, my enthusiasm to write a three part series on my views and understanding, however limited it may be, on the unspoken effects of socialism and communism. 

First, have you heard the joke that compares the different political view points?

Capitalism: You have two cows.  You sell one and buy a bull.  Your herd multiplies, and the economy grows.  You sell the herd and retire on the income.

Socialism: You have two cows.  The State takes one to give to a poorer neighbor.

Communism: You have two cows.  The State takes both and gives you some milk

Fascism: You have two cows.  The State takes both and sells you some milk.

Nazism: You have two cows.  The State takes both and shoots you.

Bureaucratism: You have two cows.  The State takes both, shoots one, milks the other, and then throws the milk away.

I know this seems trivial but it gives you a kind of “quick reference” to understanding the difference “isms” being thrown around.   

I know that the waters which I’m attempting to navigate by discussing this subject are rather perilous.  But, have you ever heard people say that history is written by the victors?  I believe this whole heartedly.  So, why then do we cater to those who have been defeated?  This is part of the reason why I’m so taken with this topic…..I’ve never been taught these ideals….not in school, not by my parents, not in life.  And, I also believe with all of my heart that you can not grow without understanding your history.  We do not want to repeat history, especially when it comes to a negative impact on millions of lives.  After all, what we know and believe defines our future. 

This is the time.  If not before, now more than ever; our country, our youth, our future depends on it.   Next time, in Part 1, I will be discussing how good ideas can lead to bad things.