Socialism Dead?

Socialism is dead, they tell us. Yet if you read the Communist Manifesto and compare it to the real world of today, it is frightening how much of it is implemented in the part of Europe that was never behind the Iron Curtain.

Socialism is dead, they tell us. Yet if you look at today’s Norway it is frightening how much of the “commanding heights” of the economy are owned by the government.

Socialism is dead, they tell us. Yet today – on this international day of socialism – flags are flying everywhere, including from government buildings, and in large parts of the Europe that never were behind the Iron Curtain, it is a public holiday.

In many countries that were behind the Iron Curtain it also remains a public holiday.

In Norway, Liberation Day – commemorating liberation on May 8, 1945 – is a public flag day, but not a public holiday. May 1 is both a public holiday and a public flag day. It is not an uncommon sight to see a flag pole with a flying flag on May 1, whilst the same flag pole is naked on May 8. That tells you something. Words are superfluous.

In Norway – as in the rest of Scandinavia – Christmas Eve is the main day when Christmas is celebrated. Christmas Eve is neither a public holiday nor a public flag day, but Christmas Day is. Boxing Day is a public holiday, but not a public flag day. May 1 has a higher status than Christmas Eve and Boxing Day. That tells you something about the actual, secular official religion of today. Words are superfluous.

In the years following liberation in 1945, the government was criticized for not respecting rights that were thought to have been regained on May 8, 1945. We celebrate “what socialism has done for us.” Being liberated from the atrocities of Nazi Germany will hardly be noticed in a week’s time. Wearing a t-shirt with Ernesto Guevara on it is OK. Wearing Hitler or Nazi clothing creates uproar. That tells you something. Words are superfluous.

If you need words, turn to the Black Book of Communism, which should suggest that half-staff with black band is in order.

Socialism is dead, they tell us. Baloney is not uncommon.