Above: "Doomed," an artwork by Michael J. Gallagher (1898-1965), created while he was in the WPA, between 1935 and 1943. Image from the Free Library of Philadelphia and Julie Redwine of the General Services Administration.
American-style capitalism is a disgrace
--> American-style capitalism is cruel, allowing millions of Americans to die by withholding medicine and medical treatments, in order to increase profits (the Nazi's Aktion T4 program also killed in this manner, and also for financial reasons).
(It is interesting to note, in relation to deaths due to the withholding of medicine and medical care, that the definition of "depraved heart murder" is "Killing someone in a way that demonstrates a callous disregard for the value of human life." Using that definition, I think we could legitimately--and not hyperbolically--call America a "depraved heart murder society.")
--> American-style capitalism is exclusionary because "The wealthiest 1% own more stock than the bottom 90% combined"; and, "While more than half of U.S. adults own stock, most don't own much... The bottom 50% of Americans by net worth own only 1% of stocks" (Motley Fool). This is largely due to the fact that most Americans don't have enough disposable income--mired down by low wages and debt--to invest in any significant way.
--> American-style capitalism is anti-Christian in the extreme - despite many of its adherents beating their chests and demanding that we agree with them that America is a Christian nation (!). The truth is, American-style capitalism shows contempt for Christ. For example, Jesus said, three times, "It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than it is for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven" (Matthew 19:24, Mark 10:25, and Luke 18:25). And yet, look at how we worship--or at least, admire--millionaires, billionaires, and now our first trillionaire, Elon Musk. Also, look at how American-style capitalism treats the poor (e.g., low wages, stingy benefits, and the rich using their profits to buy politicians to cut social programs that aid the poor) vs. how Jesus said the poor should be treated - they're exactly opposite.
--> American-style capitalism causes wide-scale mental health problems. According to a 2025 Northwestern Mutual study, "Nearly 7 in 10 Americans (69%) say that financial uncertainty has made them feel depressed and anxious..." A 2025 MarketWatch survey indicated that a whopping "94% [of Americans] say they sacrifice their mental health to get by financially, with 92% saying financial stress has caused adverse physical effects (e.g., loss of sleep, headaches, etc.). A 2023 Experian survey reported "A staggering 68% of U.S. adults feel they have suffered from, or are currently suffering from, financial trauma..."
And yet those in power continue to warn us against "Socialism!" Now, I don't necessarily think socialism is the answer, at least not in its most rigid form. I think we need a healthy mix of private sector, not-for-profit, and government programs (much healthier than the hideous mix we have today, which prioritizes profits over health, well-being, and life itself). But please, we're supposed to be scared of socialism?... even as the capitalists are eviscerating us like vultures on top of roadkill?? That's simply B.S., promulgated by those who stand to lose a little money and power if we adopt a few socialistic policies, such as high-quality healthcare for all, regardless of income.
When will we stop listening to the sociopaths... and start listening to Christ's teachings (or, just our own hearts)? Ever? Or are we destined to be endlessly punched, kicked, clubbed, and mentally persecuted so that the tiniest sliver of the population can live in extreme luxury? If the latter, well, dear God, I'm praying for an asteroid.
"The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little."
--President Franklin Roosevelt, "Inaugural Address," January 20, 1937
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