Wealth is a byproduct of success. It is the carrot at the end of the stick. Take away that carrot and you remove the desire to pursue success.
Socialism not only takes away that carrot, it extinguishes the amazing success traits that are only revealed through the pursuit of success: hard work ethic, creativity, persistence, genius, good daily habits, overcoming fear/adversity and the courage required to pursue dreams and goals.
The pursuit of success, therefore, is impossible in a Socialist society as Socialism removes the incentive to pursue Success/Wealth.
Thankfully, America’s founding fathers anticipated this.
So, in order to encourage the pursuit of success in America, our founders built into the framework of our US Constitution certain principles that helped fuel the desire to pursue success.
These were: liberty, limited government, and individual property rights.
Property includes an individual’s possessions, their income and the wealth they create during their lifetime. Such property, our founders believed, belonged to the individual and not the government.
These founding principles are codified into what we call the American Dream, and this American Dream is why so many around the world are willing to risk their lives trying to get to America. It is also the reason the U.S. has the world’s largest economy.
But, the American Dream is not just about wealth. It holds different meanings to different people.
For many parents, the American Dream is the belief that their children will be more prosperous than they.
For some, it is merely the ability to rise above the depredations of poverty.
And for others, it represents the ability to become wealthy.
The American Dream has been a huge boon for America.
The United States has 800 billionaires (Ranked: Countries With The Most Billionaires, 2020 – Forbes https://www.forbes.com/sites/jonathanponciano/2020/04/08/the-countries-with-the-most-billionaires-in-2020/#14a300754429).
This is far more than every other country in the world.
We have a 27 trillion dollar economy, the highest of every other country in the world (Bureau of Economic Analysis: https://www.bea.gov/news/2024/gross-domestic-product-fourth-quarter-and-year-2023-advance-estimate#:~:text=Current%2Ddollar%20GDP%20increased%206.3,(tables%201%20and%203)
Liberty and property rights (the right to keep the wealth you produce) have for generations separated America from the rest of the world. It is the reason America is often referred to as “the land of opportunity”.
That was, and still is, a big part of the American Dream.
Unfortunately, there are very powerful individuals/organizations, embedded deep within American life, who are working behind the scenes to transform America from a free market, merit-based society, into a Socialist dystopia.
These New World Order, Marxist-Deep State Agents want to eliminate America’s merit-based system, primarily because it has created a prosperous and strong middle-class.
Why attack America’s middle-class?
These Deep State Marxists know that a prosperous middle-class will never embrace Socialism.
So, the only way the Deep State Marxists can succeed, is by weakening and dividing the middle-class.
The specific tools they are using to weaken and divide the middle-class include:
- Promoting Racism – The BLM/Antifa Marxist agitators are funded by wealthy Socialists and dark money organizations to riot, protest and create chaos, using racism as their prop. Since the bulk of America’s middle-class happens to be white, it is crucial that BLM/Antifa get enough guilt-laden middle-class white people to accept BLM/Antifa’s racist dogma. This helps divide America’s middle-class by moving a swath of guilt-laden, middle-class white people into supporting the Marxist BLM/Antifa agenda.
- Identity Politics – America’s Socialists are succeeding in separating the middle-class into various opposition groups: blacks, whites, gay, heterosexual, transgender, non-binary, etc. This further divides the middle-class.
- Promote the Ideal of White Privilege – If the Socialists in America can succeed in indoctrinating enough of the general public into believing White Privilege exists, then white people, currently the largest demographic of America’s thriving middle-class, is further divided and weakened.
- Establish That White Privilege is Real – If enough middle-class white people accept that White Privilege exists, this will help to further divide the middle-class.
- Political Correctness – In an effort to silence opposition, America’s Socialists are using Political Correctness as a means of checking free speech. Free Speech is a dagger in the heart of Socialism and it must be removed if they are to succeed in gaining power.
- Hate Speech – Hate speech is nothing more than a tool the Marxists use to silence the opposition. Their goal is to make laws which prohibit what the Marxists deem to be Hate Speech.
- Cancel Culture – The success of Political Correctness has allowed its proponents to cause financial damage to those who continue to engage in Free Speech and who refuse to succumb to Political Correctness. Using social media influencers and sympathetic celebrities, these Deep State Socialists are able to force Boycotts of the products or services offered by its enemies.
- Misinformation/Disinformation – Another strategy of the Marxists is to prohibit any speech or opinions that are counter to their own. They target anyone whose opinions do not conform to theirs through their Marxist Fact Checkers.
- DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) – One of the newest Marxist tools being deployed is DEI. DEI’s objective is to replace Merit-Based Employment with DEI-Based Employment. This Racist Tool is currently being used by the Marxists in power to Reward those who support Marxist ideals and punish those who support a Merit-Based Free Market System.
- Demonize the Wealthy – Because America’s free market system and constitutional government has been so wildly successful, there are many wealthy people in America. These wealthy individuals stand in the way of Socialists and must, therefore, be weakened. So, America’s Socialists are hard at work, every day, convincing the general public that the wealthy are evil. They weaken the rich by taking their wealth, through higher income taxes, enacting a wealth tax and imposing draconian laws and regulations that make it more difficult for the wealthy, or anyone desiring wealth, to engage in business or commerce.
- Illegal Immigration – One very important strategy to weaken the middle-class is to open America’s boarders, flooding the labor market with illegal “cheap labor”. These illegal immigrants would then replace millions of existing middle-class workers, while driving down labor costs for those who remain employed, further weakening the middle-class.
- Climate Change – The Climate Change strategy is twofold: #1 Brainwash the general public into believing climate change is man-made and #2 Brainwash the general public into believing that this man-made climate change is reversible. Strategy #1 requires an all-out propaganda effort by the puppets of the Deep State, namely, mainstream media, powerful multi-national corporations and political leaders. Strategy #2 requires the public’s buy in on the enactment of broad-sweeping laws/regulations that are deemed “necessary” in order to save the planet. The Climate Change strategy is a very clever and effective strategy, as it uses Fear to scare the public into accepting freedom-stealing draconian laws/regulations.
- Abortion – This is all about Population Control. Nothing more, nothing less. It’s not about “my body my choice”. “My body, my choice” flew right out the window during the 2020-2021 Pandemic’s mandatory vaccination policies – policies in which many were forced to get vaccinated, or risk losing their jobs. The Marxist Deep State is intent on reducing the human population on our planet and Abortion has been one of their most successful tools.
- Victimhood – By manufacturing oppressed groups, the Marxist Agents are able to divide the general public, which weakens We the People, making the public easier to control.
- Create Chaos in Society – Marxists who are able to gain some sphere of influence implement policies that create more chaos in society. When this chaos reaches scale, creating a feeling of Hopelessness, the Marxists offer “solutions”, which only serve to empower them. These “solutions” almost always require limitations upon individual freedoms.
- Socialist Indoctrination of Our Youth – Anti-American, pro-Socialist educators have invaded the sacred halls of our public schools and colleges. They are teaching our children to hate America, our founding principles and our free market system. If they can succeed in converting our youth into Socialists, they will have a future voting block who will gladly vote Socialists into power.
The ultimate aim of every Marxist is to divide and conquer We the People and foster a feeling of hopelessness within society.
Sadly, the Marxists embedded in the Deep State appear to be succeeding.
Americans, now more than ever, are divided and feeling hopeless.
Attacks on those who dare pursue success and wealth in America are relentless. Calls for increased income taxation of the rich, and a wealth tax on millionaires, are resonating with far too many in America. For those who understand basic economics, increased taxation of the wealthy makes absolutely no sense at all. When you punish the successful for their success, through oppressive taxation, what incentive do entrepreneurs have to pursue wealth?
Without that very important carrot at the end of the stick – the right to keep the wealth you produce through your own efforts – the important incentive to pursue success, is lost.
Our American Dream Achievers are the very individuals who start new companies, produce world-changing innovations and create millions of new jobs.
The wealthy are not the enemy. We need them. Now and forever.
We are biting the hand that feeds us all when we buy into the ideology that says the wealthy are bad.
We should be embracing and encouraging the pursuit of wealth, not condemning it.
We should reward American Dream Achievers, not punish them with higher taxes.
We should hold our wealthy American Dream Achievers up as heroes, paragons and mentors, not demons.
If this Deep State Marxist agenda succeeds, the American Dream will die, our economy will crash and everyone’s standard of living will be pulled down into a community cesspool of poverty.
The discussion then will not be about race, gender, the wealth gap or income inequality. It will, instead, be about how to feed our families.
Never a truer word spoken. This is the very thing stopping my country, South Africa from flourishing today. Unfortunately, the socialists outnumber the capitalist here by quite a big margin. Americans must be careful what they wish for. They’ve been spoilt by 1st world luxuries to the point where they think that is the norm. Appreciate what you have!
Thank you for posting this.
Capitalism will always reign supreme as the best method for growth and wealth creation. I support capitalism 100% and I’m thankful to have the countless opportunities I have in this country.
With that said, something need to be done about the shrinking middle class. Why? Because if the middle class disappears, with it goes the engine of our successful capitalism. We can produce more billionaires and generate more wealth if more people are part of the economy. The more homeless, uneducated, thieves, and welfare-collecting folks we have, the slower our economic growth.
And so while I oppose giving people handouts, it’s imperative that we create a system that helps people stuck at the bottom flourish. And yes, that system needs to be smart enough to keep folks from taking advantage of it. This may sound crazy, but this is how companies operate. We invest in employees by training them and helping them grow in their careers, knowing that in return they are more likely to stay and for our company to rip the benefits.
Offering free college is seen as a “socialist move” – which is odd because K-12 is free everywhere in the US. The difference is that in 2020, a high school degree doesn’t get you very far. So it’d make sense to extend free schooling to offer 4 year programs at state colleges. And yes, you need to design it well.. You could require a B average to keep the free schooling, for example.. that means people who are going to school to tool around will not waste tax payer money.
The billionaire Bill Ackman recently suggested that the federal government give every new baby an investment account with $6,750. In 60 years, that would translate to $1M for retirement. Not only does that lighten the load significantly on Social Security, it also makes every part of the economy… you get everyone rooting for it. Is it a socialist program? Yes. Does it help further strengthen capitalism and wealth generation and preservation in America? Hell yes.
You made several other right leaning statements which I’m going to ignore since you’re entitled to your views. But you should think long and hard about the sustainability of our current system. Without government intervention to help save the middle class, our amazing economic system will go the way of the dodo.
BRAVO!!! Thank you for taking the time — and thoughtful analysis — to write such an eloquent & compelling dissenting opinion. I’ve been a long time follower of Mr. Tom Corley’s emails/blogs/books, and admire many of his ideas. BUT I do see that extremes are dangerous. A very small percentage of extreme rich, a large percentage of extreme poor, and shrinking middle class, society would be reverting backward rather than forward in human evolution.
Tks Kim Do for your kind words. Any form of Socialism = a cancer to those who would pursue success & wealth. Temporary Safety Nets, and in some rare cases, permanent safety nets, are OK. But making one’s needs/wants a “right” removes the important incentive to work for your needs/wants.
Unfortunate blatant support of Trump and money greed and power
Keep your offerings to what you do best i.e financial reality
I am not a socialist , just someone who cares
Disappointing article
Dear Mr. Corley,
Thank you for your intelligent contributions to the blogosphere.
I enjoy reading your articles.
I hope and pray that we do not ascend into Socialism.
Well said! No truer words ever written! May The words of our Lord and the gift of the Holy Spirit be utilized by all of humanity!
Thank you! Well said.
Thankyou, a wonderful common sense article, hope many read this. America needs a new administration the current one is extremely corrupt and promotes what you stated, the need to vote these criminals out of office is more important now than ever before!
You sound crazy and off the rails. This is not the content I’d come to associate with your otherwise useful newsletter. Bye.
Yes, I’m angry. I was born and raised a Democrat and I see very clearly that, post Clinton, the Democrats have opened up their tent to Socialists. They refused to allow RFK, Jr. the Democratic right to participate in the Democratic Primaries. As far as White Privilege, yes I’m angered by that Marxist label. I worked 20 hours a week as a Janitor, in order to pay for college. As far as the border is concerned, that can be done with a stroke of a pen by our President and without any need to involve Congress. Congress is being used as a scape goat/excuse. I don’t like Republicans, at least the ones in power, like McConnell and other Elites. I Hate Marxism and I am very angry that my once-great Democratic Party has allowed even one Socialist into its tent. As far as being a leader, I believe true leaders speak up and do not remain silent, for fear of offending. As far as history, you’re making an assumption that is wholly incorrect. I’ve read every Shelby book, books about the Roman Empire, the UK & US Industrial Revolutions, many books on Economists, many books on our Founding Fathers, etc. I have the most extensive collection of History books than anyone I know – probably close to 175. Many of them I summarized and keep in my Book Summary Binder.
Tom,
I’ve read this article 3 times and think it is one of your best. Sadly, these items are no longer taught in school, so many people are “confused” the first time they hear the truth. My parents were veterans, patriots and Christians. My Great Uncle died on Normandy Beach in 1944. We all were taught to work hard and save.
Please continue to write the truth and do not let anyone “cancel” you. We need more of this, not less! Thank You!
Tks Greg
Cognitive Dissonance
This is disheartening, to say the least. And no, I’m not a democrat. There’s so much I could say, but one thing is clear, and that is that you have clearly spent very little time reading through American history, and how that connects to modern-day white privilege. And I doubt you have spent an extended period of time living in predominantly minority-based areas.
And didn’t the democrats want to tighten our southern border, only to be blocked by republicans that wanted Trump to take credit for this?
I think the democrats are failing in many ways, but to infer that republicans should are somehow inherently good, and that democrats are fueling the dark underbelly of American society, set only to undermine the very fabric of democracy and free-market capitalism, is abhorrently narrow minded.
You have some good things to say, and I enjoy reading your posts, but this is driven by ego and hatred, and it makes me disgusted to know that you consider yourself a leader, without appropriately examining two sides of an issue.
I agree with Maria. Unsubscribing now. Sadly.
Again, Cognitive Dissonance
Take me to church.
Thank you Tom for being willing to speak truth into the world.
Tks Russell. Getting a lot of negative feedback from this post, which disheartens me. You can only pursue success/wealth in a free, united society. And I see very clearly that this administration’s policies are trying to divide, not unite, our great nation, as I articulated in my article.
This sounds right out of the FAUX news talking points. Your apparent bias is on full display. Instead of leading you have decided to go full MAGA. You have nothing to say about the soft attempt at OVERTHROWING our Democratic republic by your new party. You mention nothing about the many instances where they have contributed to the current political moras that is Washington DC. But how could you? You have become part of the problem. You know nothing of racism sir. You would tell minorities it is all in our imagination. YOU & PEOPLE like you are the real problem. You only stand for money. Not truth, not justice, just MONEY. That is your true religion. You pretend to be pias when in truth you are a Aristocratic Zealot pretending to serve the people when your true aim is to serve yourself. How pathetic to claim cognitive dissonance as the excuse for those who challenge your dogma.
Promoting Racism – Nothing supports racism like good old racism. The very underpinnings of the society were birthed on racism. But what would you know about that? Oh let me guess, you asked Candence Owens.
Identity Politics – opposition groups: blacks, whites, gay, heterosexual, transgender, non-binary, etc. This further divides the middle-class. HAVE ALWAYS EXISTED IN AMERICA! THIS IS A JOKE!
Promote the Ideal of White Privilege – WHITES INVENTED WHITE PRIVILEGE, have you forgotten white only bathrooms sir? Minorities having to go around back of restaurants because they could not enjoy the PRIVILEGE of dining in? To many examples to list!!!!! To include legacy admissions to Ivey league schools.
Establish That White Privilege is Real – see previous answer
Political Correctness – So when billionaires & republicans do it what is it called then?
Hate Speech – zzzzz next issue
Cancel Culture – see previous reply.
Misinformation/Disinformation – Republicans created an entire news channel for misinformation. They even pain millions in fines as proven in court to their misinformation campaign against the American Public!
DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) – DEI has its challenges but there are entire bodies of research that point to the weaknesses of our so called merit based system.
Demonize the Wealthy – ZZZZzzz stop crying like a baby. The wealthy have ALWAYS enjoyed a healthy amount of consternation. Many times it was well earned.
Illegal Immigration – Republican refuse to work with Democrats so illegal immigration remains a problem. Both parties have to give some to solve this problem.
Climate Change – California and Florida, nuff said.
Abortion – zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz wake me up before you go go.
Victimhood – you sound like a victim posting this drivel
Create Chaos in Society – what?
You are better Mr Corley. I have enjoyed your blog for some time. I expect a return to form.
Hey Spud. Why are you even a subscriber if your Ideology is anti-money, which, by default, means you’re anti-wealth? Rich Habits is primarily about escaping Poverty or the Middle-Class and becoming Financially Free. You can’t become Financially Free if the powers that be strip our country of our Freedoms. Re: White Privilege, today’s White Privilege Labeling is tomorrow’s Black Privilege Labeling, or Asian Privilege Labeling or Mexican Privilege Labeling. It’s simply a Means to an End. The End being, to weaken and divide We the People in America, which opens the door to Totalitarian Governance.
WOW, OK who is this replying for Mr. Corley? I am now convinced you are a hired hand based on your anemic response. Nowhere in my response to your drivel did i mention I am anti-money or wealth. I did allude to the fact that I am anti extremist or anti poor leadership. I also pushed back on your various assumptions and your lack of perspective on the many issues for which you seem to have no real insight. I say this based on the fact that you did not or could not intelligently respond to any of my pushback.
Fish discover water last.
Lost me at the “deep state”. Unsubscribing.
Thanks for the article. Your article was spot on. The principles predate MAGA, Trump etc. Your articles advocate personal responsibility for one’s lot in life. Some people will blame others, racism, Trump, being born poor, and anything else except themselves. Others will take responsibility and create the right habits to succeed despite their circumstances. While some of your subscribers will leave, I will pass this on to friends and family. Keep telling the truth.
Tks Nate. The negative feedback I received was actually a good thing. While it did initially cause me great discomfort, after sleeping on it, I realized that negative feedback actually presented me with a teachable moment opportunity. Tomorrow’s article with share that teachable moment.
Tom,
Thank you for your great articles, books, and content. Keep up the great work. Don’t let the people who unsubscribe discourage you. You will replace them with other subscribers that value your content and research.
Tks Chad
Well said, sir.
And illegal immigrants have a disproportionately higher criminal impact as a population, especially when they’re especially sent because of their criminal and violent connections to their countries of origin. Not all immigrants, even illegal ones are necessarily evil, and there is some real cause for humanity and compassion for their conditions, however.
And Inflation is another egregious form of taxation and theft. Inflation is always man-made. It is directly related to fiat money.
Fiat money is by definition an endless invitation for manipulation, greed, theft, and watering-down the value of money, which benefits most directly the money printer.
Since public schooling (not a constitutional right) is necessarily funded by the State (including Federal government), it inherently must teach socialism to survive. It has a vested interest in creating an endless stream of compliant contributors to the State. Not to say good people don’t good things out of it, but it’s a rigged, broken, and irredeemable system. And it is unconstitutional.