The Bernie Moment | Ep. 931

Communist Ties

Bernie Sanders' early political career is marked by his association with communist ideologies. Ben Shapiro highlights Sanders' involvement with the Liberty Union Party in the 1970s, advocating for the nationalization of major industries like energy and banks 1. Shapiro argues that Sanders' consistent support for social ownership of production aligns with communist principles. He notes, "Every element of this is social ownership of the means of production, which is to say state ownership of the means of production. That is the definition of communism" 1. Sanders' past positions, Shapiro suggests, could be used by opponents to portray him as a fringe socialist 2.

   

Communist Connections

Sanders' connections to communist figures and movements further illustrate his ideological leanings. Shapiro discusses Sanders' involvement with the Young People's Socialist League and his admiration for socialist revolutionary Eugene Debs 3. He also mentions Sanders' trips to communist countries, where he praised their systems despite acknowledging their flaws. Shapiro quotes Sanders' controversial stance on breadlines, "You know, it's funny. Sometimes American journalists talk about how bad a country is, but people are lining up for food. That's a good thing" 4. These connections and statements, according to Shapiro, reflect Sanders' enduring admiration for socialist policies.

   

Economic Critique

Sanders' economic proposals are rooted in socialist principles, which Shapiro critiques as impractical. He argues that the Austrian School of Economics has debunked the theoretical foundations of socialism, emphasizing the importance of market-driven innovation 5. Shapiro asserts that government intervention cannot replicate the dynamic nature of free markets, which thrive on individual rights and mutual exchange. He states, "The great developments in human history have been responses to market needs that people did not even know existed" 5. Shapiro warns that prioritizing collective needs over individual rights can lead to tyranny 6.