Lesson in Capitalism v. Socialism: Happy Thanksgiving

Many of you probably do not know the real story of Thanksgiving and the reason that I prefer to call it “Capitalism Day”.

Our politically correct schools do not tell us the real story. When I was in school many years ago, the story we got was that the pilgrims gave thanks to the American Indians who had shown them how to plant corn, etc. Yeah, right.

What Thanksgiving really commemorates is the spectacular success of the shift to capitalism that came on the heels of the dismal failure of the collectivist [socialist] system in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts [yes, Common Wealth – think about what that actually means – yeah . . .]. The year was 1623.

You see, from 1620 until the spring of 1623, the Plymouth Bay Colony operated on collectivist principles. Everything produced was put into a common pool and people were rationed what had been produced according to their “need” [whatever that means]. You can imagine the result: low production which led to lack and starvation.

Then, in the spring of 1623, Governor Bradford had figured it out. So, what did he do? He did an experiment. He gave each family a plot of land for them to use as they saw fit. They were able to keep what they produced and do with it as they wished. All of a sudden, people that were too “sick”,”old”,”tired”, etc. decided they were able to work.

And, what was the result? Abundance.

All this information is documented in Governor Bradford’s history “Of Plimoth Plantation”.

“All this while no supply was heard of, neither knew they when they might expect any. So they began to think how they might raise as much corn as they could, and obtain a better crop than they had done, that they might not still thus languish in misery. At length, after much debate of things, the Governor (with the advice of the chiefest amongst them) gave way that they should set corn every man for his own particular, and in that regard trust to themselves; in all other thing to go on in the general way as before. And so assigned to every family a parcel of land, according to the proportion of their number, for that end, only for present use (but made no division for inheritance) and ranged all boys and youth under some family. This had very good success, for it made all hands very industrious, so as much more corn was planted than otherwise would have been by any means the Governor or any other could use, and saved him a great deal of trouble, and gave far better content. The women now went willingly into the field, and took their little ones with them to set corn; which before would allege weakness and inability; whom to have compelled would have been thought great tyranny and oppression.

The experience that was had in this common course and condition, tried sundry years and that amongst godly and sober men, may well evince the vanity of that conceit of Plato’s and other ancients applauded by some of later times; and that the taking away of property and bringing in community into a commonwealth would make them happy and flourishing; as if they were wiser than God. For this community (so far as it was) was found to breed much confusion and discontent and retard much employment that would have been to their benefit and comfort. For the young men, that were most able and fit for labor and service, did repine that they should spend their time and strength to work for other men’s wives and children without any recompense. The strong, or man of parts, had no more in division of victuals and clothes than he that was weak and not able to do a quarter the other could; this was thought injustice. The aged and graver men to be ranked and equalized in labors and victuals, clothes etc., with the meaner and younger sort, thought it some indignity and disrespect unto them. And for men’s wives to be commanded to do service for other men, as dressing their meat, washing their clothes, etc., they deemed it a kind of slavery, neither could many husbands well brook it.”

Think about what this means in the context of what is going on in our country today. We need to, first, know history and, then, we need to learn from it. Let’s do everything we can to avoid repeating the dismal failures.

So, Happy Capitalism Day to all!

D.

About Dorina Lanza

Considered the professor of wealth creation by colleagues and friends alike, Dorina Lanza is a sought-after mentor and speaker on the topics of wealth creation, entrepreneurship, leadership development, influence and motivation. With a combination of twenty years’ technical/corporate experience, twenty years’ entrepreneurial experience and extensive academic accomplishments to her credit, Dorina is uniquely qualified to live out her passion for the mentoring of successful professionals into creating residual income streams and engaging in lucrative joint ventures with corporations and individuals. Dorina has become known for her ability to create a compelling vision that breaks new ground. Her ability to communicate that strategic vision and be a role model inspires others to realize it in their own businesses and lives. Dorina engages, motivates and inspires teams with her unique blend of vision, wit, story telling and humor. Dorina works one-on-one as well as with groups of all sizes. Her technique is equally effective with individuals as it is with corporations and groups large and small. Just as every team member is unique, the way Dorina works with each is customized. Dorina matches energy with energy and is not satisfied unless her people are ecstatic with their results. Each training session is custom tailored to meet the specific needs of the team or individual involved. Dorina’s focus is building wealth – for others and, as a byproduct, for herself. If you think you have what it takes to work toward and receive wealth into your life, schedule your evaluation today by contacting her through http://dorinalanza.com.
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3 Responses to Lesson in Capitalism v. Socialism: Happy Thanksgiving

  1. Anthony DePlacido says:

    Very interesting D……..I did not know that…….we really do need to know history otherwise we are doomed to repeat our failures…….Happy Capitalism Day to you….A

  2. Anthony DePlacido says:

    Very interesting D……..I did not know that……..I agree that we really need to know history otherwise we are doomed to repeat our failures…..Happy Capitalism Day to you…….A

  3. Dorina Lanza says:

    No kidding! LOL! Happy C-Day to you too! 🙂

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