HomeArticlesCultureCollective Farms as a Solution to the Welfare State’s Demise?

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Collective Farms as a Solution to the Welfare State’s Demise? — 5 Comments

  1. Gordon, there is no doubt that your vision – backed by historical practice of various types, as you mentioned – produces a much better outcome for all at a much lower cost. When moral and spiritual values are factored in (as they should be, after all, because we are moral and spiritual beings) the argument for the status quo falls apart. The real question is: can we get there from here? How? Since this is to be voluntary, there would need to be a very deep, well thought out plan for both short and long term transition questions. Would something need to be “taken away” from current welfare recipients in order to get their attention and present a better alternative? How about food stamps? A hungry stomach might encourage change. A key would be to create 4-5 pilot projects and move the debate from mere philosophy to practical applications. This is the kind of right-brain thinking we need! Keep it up. Politicians are you listening?

    • Alan, It would be good, as you suggest to create a few pilot projects. Governments could set aside land and build buildings for people to live in to get them started. They should become self-sufficient later. However, it will not be easy for welfare recipients to move to a collective farm easily. Inevitably things will get worse for them do to the necessity of rationing and at some point the idea of a collective farm will look more interesting. Also, it is likely that when they find such a life is not the dead end of 2nd and 3rd generation welfare recipients, more people may want to do it. Also a farm will have food security and there may be shortages in the cities that make food stamps useless. There are always a number of people on welfare looking for self-respect and a way out of dependency. Eventually the public mood should shift.

      The urban politicians that are mutually dependent on welfare recipients and only remain in office by keeping them dependent will resist. You will need the equivalent of Wisconsin’s Governor Walker to stand up to them. Ironically, I am proposing a communist-type solution but I expect the democrats will resist because there is nothing about stealing from rich in it. And, the Republicans will resit because it will likely look too much like communism to them–even thought it will promote the values of thrift and self-reliance embodied in the Tea Party. It would, however be a meeting place for the more noble political leaders in both parties–those not living off of special interest money.

      These organic farms will pose a challenge to agribusiness monopolies. My niece is an organic farmer and Monsanto, Cargill, et. al. play political hardball trying every trick to shut them down. However, organic farms should produce healthier food with fewer chemicals.
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      • Maybe some church groups should take up the challenge, establish a prototype, staff it and find a way to contract with the state to care for these individuals in exchange for some of their welfare money. This is what residential care organizations do for the mentally and physically challenged. Get local stakeholders involved and create partnerships for a win win scenario.

  2. Are you joking…does anyone else see that this would create modern day slavery…Did you get this idea after watching WWII videos? Next thing you will say is that we should just start killing everyone that is considered a burden on society…Wow…

    • I guess you didn’t read the article. This would all be voluntary, along the lines of moving in with a family (or checking into rehab) instead of laying in the gutter. But, one would be free to try that option as well as get a job and a place to live on their own.

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