America Is Not a “Free Country” — It Is a Marxist State: A Detailed Account By BitlyFool

The idea that America, a nation traditionally championing individual liberty and free-market capitalism, has adopted many tenets of Marxism may seem far-fetched to some. However, a closer look reveals how elements of Karl Marx’s Communist Manifesto—specifically its 10 Planks—have been progressively implemented in the United States. Below, we provide a detailed account of these developments, including historical dates and legislative milestones.

The 10 Planks of the Communist Manifesto

In The Communist Manifesto (1848), Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels outlined ten policy measures necessary for transitioning a society to communism. These measures aimed to centralize control over property, production, and wealth while reducing individual freedom. Let’s examine each plank and how it has been implemented in the U.S.

1. Abolition of Private Property

Marx’s Vision: Private land ownership should be abolished, with land distributed or controlled by the state.

Implementation in America:

• Eminent Domain (Fifth Amendment): While the Constitution protects private property, the government can seize land for public use if “just compensation” is provided. Over the years, the interpretation of “public use” has broadened significantly.
  • Milestone: The Supreme Court case Kelo v. City of New London (2005) allowed private property to be seized and transferred to private developers.
• Property Taxes: Property ownership in the U.S. is conditional on the payment of taxes, effectively making the government a co-owner.

2. A Heavy Progressive or Graduated Income Tax

Marx’s Vision: A graduated income tax redistributes wealth by taxing higher earners at higher rates.

Implementation in America:

• Milestone: The 16th Amendment (1913) established the federal income tax system.
• Modern Context: The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) enforces an income tax system where higher earners face steeper tax rates, echoing Marx’s policy.

3. Abolition of Rights of Inheritance

Marx’s Vision: Inheritance should be abolished to prevent the accumulation of wealth in families.

Implementation in America:

• Estate Taxes: Known colloquially as the “death tax,” estate taxes diminish wealth passed down through generations.
  • Milestone: The modern estate tax was first introduced in 1916.
• High rates on large inheritances disincentivize intergenerational wealth transfer, aligning with Marxist principles.

4. Confiscation of the Property of Emigrants and Rebels

Marx’s Vision: The property of those opposing the regime should be seized.

Implementation in America:

• Civil Asset Forfeiture: Law enforcement agencies can confiscate property suspected of being connected to criminal activity without requiring a criminal conviction.
  • Milestone: The Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1984 expanded civil asset forfeiture powers.
• During the Civil War, Confiscation Acts (1861–1862) allowed the Union to seize property from Confederate rebels.

5. Centralization of Credit in the Hands of the State

Marx’s Vision: All credit should be centralized in a state-controlled bank.

Implementation in America:

• Federal Reserve Act (1913): Established the Federal Reserve, a central bank that controls the nation’s money supply and credit.
• Government programs like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac control large portions of the mortgage lending industry, centralizing credit for housing.

6. Centralization of Communication and Transportation

Marx’s Vision: The state should control transportation and communication networks.

Implementation in America:

• Federal Communications Commission (FCC): Created in 1934, the FCC regulates all forms of communication, including radio, television, and the internet.
• Interstate Highway System (1956): Funded and managed by the federal government, this system centralizes transportation infrastructure.
• Airline Deregulation Act (1978): While it decentralized aspects of the airline industry, federal oversight remains extensive.

7. Extension of Factories and Instruments of Production Owned by the State

Marx’s Vision: The state should control production and industries critical to the economy.

Implementation in America:

• Public Ownership: Industries such as Amtrak and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) are owned and operated by the government.
  • Milestone: TVA was created in 1933 as part of the New Deal to control energy production and distribution.
• Bailouts: During the 2008 financial crisis, the federal government effectively nationalized portions of the auto and banking industries through bailouts.

8. Equal Liability of All to Labor

Marx’s Vision: Everyone must work, and labor should be a shared responsibility.

Implementation in America:

• Labor Laws: Minimum wage laws, equal opportunity employment regulations, and unionization efforts align with this principle.
  • Milestone: The Fair Labor Standards Act (1938) introduced minimum wage and maximum work hours.
• Selective Service: Mandatory military drafts (e.g., during WWII, Vietnam) enforce labor obligations to the state.

9. Combination of Agriculture with Manufacturing Industries

Marx’s Vision: Agriculture and manufacturing should be integrated under centralized control.

Implementation in America:

• Department of Agriculture (USDA): Oversees agricultural policy and integrates it with national economic goals.
  • Milestone: Established in 1862, the USDA regulates everything from farming subsidies to food production.
• Agribusiness Subsidies: Federal subsidies encourage the consolidation of agriculture into large-scale corporate farming, reducing individual farm autonomy.

10. Free Education for All Children in Public Schools

Marx’s Vision: Education should be state-controlled and free to all children.

Implementation in America:

• Public Education System: Mandated and funded by the government, public schools are free for all children.
  • Milestone: The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (1965) expanded federal involvement in education.
• Indoctrination Concerns: Critics argue that public education often promotes conformity and state-aligned ideologies.

Dates When Marxist Principles Were Implemented in America

Conclusion

While America may outwardly present itself as a bastion of freedom and capitalism, the adoption of Marxist principles over the past 150 years tells a more complex story. From property taxes to centralized education, nearly all of Marx’s 10 Planks have found a foothold in U.S. governance.

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