Why I Love Slovakia!!!

In September 1994, I had the opportunity to spend a week in Slovakia, encouraging the people of Slovakia to embrace capitalism. This encouragement included the invitation to have faith in the uncertainty that capitalism breeds.

Why?

Because even with all of the problems of capitalism, the alternatives have been worse throughout world history.

In Slovakia I found a fear of uncertainty. Under the previous socialistic type of government the people had been guaranteed a car, a flat (apartment), an education and a job. The profit incentive did not exist. The incentives allowing the freedom to maximize potential weren't there.

I was concerned that the lack of these incentives had weakened the potential of the people and of the country. It had allowed a climate of decay to invade the country.

I love Slovakia because the people are friendly, ambitious, pretty, smart and patriotic.

I love Slovakia because of it's tremendous heritage, and because of it's beautiful scenery. I love the mountains of Slovakia.

I love Slovakia because it is embracing freedom. It is embracing the prosperity that comes with freedom.

In September of 1994, 18 different political groups were vying for power.

Somewhat thereafter, former communist leaders were elected to power.

Those leaders discouraged competition, and embraced protectionism and favoritism.

The results were disastrous.

But mighty changes have taken place, and Slovakia is well on it's way to enjoying greater peace and prosperity.

Best Wishes to you, Slovakia, and to all those who join with you in your success.

In 1994 I was saddened to see the decay that had taken place in many cities and historical landmarks. Decades of neglect had wiped out much of the beauty of the country's heritage. But I was excited to see the high energy level of a beautiful people, embracing the opportunities of a new independent country.

As I was reflecting on the changes that were taking place, the different consequences of political philosophies came to mind. The following definitions of these philosophies are worth considering. They utilize the example of cows in an interesting way to reflect on the differences of socialism, communism, fascism, nazism, anarchism, capitalism and synergism.

Socialism: If you have two cows, then the socialist will give you one cow and he'll give one to your neighbor.

Communism: If you have two cows, then the communist will give both cows to the government and the government will give you back some milk.

Fascism: If you have two cows, then the fascist takes all of the milk to the government; the government sells it and distributes the wealth as it will.

Nazism: If you have two cows, then the nazi will shoot you and take the two cows.

Anarchism: If you have two cows, then the anarchist will take both cows; shoot the government agent, and find more cows to take.

Capitalism: If you have two cows, then the capitalist will sell one cow and buy a bull.

Synergism: If you are a synergist, it becomes a group effort. If a synergist has two cows, he may keep them or trade them depending upon his comparative advantages. The synergism from two cows has to include every other commodity and service as well. Synergism is the team, community, nation or world, maximizing it's potential through comparative advantages, to the benefit of all. And that maximazation of prosperity can only be achieved and enjoyed if all parties choose righteously. It embraces the good habits that capitalism forces upon us, but it also requires that every individual freely chooses to do what's right for the group.

Until the day comes that the world population freely embraces synergism, peace, joy and prosperity will elude us.