by Gregory Thayer, MBA 

Open questions for Vermont’s Democatic Socialist of America members. Where’s Bernie…

Where has Socialism/Communism ever worked? Do you realize that the very smartphone in your hands right now is only because of Free-Market Capitalism competition? Your website declares you want to get rid of the Presidency, the U.S. Senate, Homeland Security and ICE, State and local Law Enforcement, private businesses, prisons, our United States Constitution. What world will we live in with your ideas? Please answer my simple questions. 

America was founded on the principles of individual liberty, private property, limited government, and free enterprise. These ideals, embodied in the Declaration of Independence and protected by the U.S. Constitution, have helped make the United States one of the world’s most prosperous and innovative nations. The freedom to start a business, own property, invest, and pursue opportunity has lifted millions of Americans into the middle class and created an economy that has become the envy of much of the world.

Today, many Conservatives believe those principles face growing challenges. Organizations such as the Democratic Socialists of America advocate for significantly expanding the role of government in health care, housing, education, labor policy, and other areas of the economy. Supporters argue these policies would create a fairer society and reduce inequality. Critics contend they would move the United States away from free-market capitalism toward greater government control over economic life.

From a conservative perspective, history offers important lessons. Countries that adopted centrally planned socialist systems—including the former Soviet Union, Mao-era China, Cuba, and Venezuela—experienced severe economic hardship, shortages, and restrictions on political and economic freedoms. While supporters of democratic socialism often distinguish their proposals from those systems and point to Nordic countries as examples of combining capitalism with robust social programs, conservatives argue that even those nations rely fundamentally on market economies and private enterprise rather than traditional socialism.

Many conservatives also express concern that some progressive political movements seek to reinterpret constitutional principles through expanded federal authority, increased regulation, and a larger administrative state. They argue these trends weaken federalism, reduce individual responsibility, and shift decision-making away from citizens and local communities. Others disagree, arguing that these changes are consistent with constitutional government and are intended to address modern social and economic challenges.

In Vermont, these debates are especially visible. Critics of current state policies argue that high taxes, extensive regulation, health insurance mandates, and expanding government programs have increased the cost of living, discouraged business investment, and made it more difficult for young families and entrepreneurs to remain in the state. They believe Vermont should reduce taxes, encourage competition, streamline regulations, and create a stronger environment for economic growth.

Capitalism is not perfect. It requires the rule of law, honest competition, and accountability. But conservatives maintain that history has shown free markets consistently produce greater prosperity, innovation, and opportunity than economies where government exercises broad control over production and investment.

Ultimately, the question facing Vermont and America is not whether government has a role—it clearly does. The question is how large that role should be. Those who favor limited government believe America’s continued success depends on preserving Constitutional liberties, protecting private property, encouraging entrepreneurship, and allowing free markets—not government—to remain the primary engine of economic opportunity.