Farmers like socialism for them

The other morning, while waiting for my breakfast, I was forced to listen to an impromptu roundtable of well-off, local ag men at the next table discussing their disgust of the stupidity of anyone who would consider voting for a Democratic socialist for president because “Socialism has never worked anywhere.”

From there, their exchange went on to the need for the government to build a dam at Temperance Flat. For their theories to be consistent, it seems these lovers of pure capitalism should be suggesting the free market should play out, and those who benefit and profit most from cheap water from a new dam (the farmers) should pick up some if not most of the cost of the project.

I suppose they thought a little socialism is OK as long as they personally benefited. I thought of enlightening them on the dichotomy of their arguments. But I could foresee their response, “We keep food cheaper for everyone,” which would be true, but would also be another solid example of how the benefits of Democratic socialism can work for the common good, a distinction I felt couldn’t grasp.

Luckily, my breakfast arrived, so I could turn my attention to other things.

This story was originally published November 15, 2015 at 9:29 AM with the headline "Farmers like socialism for them."