Unfettered State Socialism: Where To Draw The Line

I recently came across an interesting post over at LibertarianMinds.com about what the author termed "unfettered state socialism". I enjoyed the read, and generally agree with the author's position. That said, I do have a couple of observations, which are outlined below. I started writing this post initially as a comment at the bottom of the Libertarian Minds post, but it quickly grew to be lengthy enough to merit its own post.

First, the term "redistributive justice" is an oxymoron.

Second, in virtually all of those poverty-stricken, third-world countries (or "developing nations" for the politically correct) referenced within the post are themselves victims of unfettered state socialism. Cuba and Venezuela, where virtually everyone lives in abject poverty, are probably the finest examples, but the list is extensive. In Africa's case, the poverty afflicting several countries is a bit more complicated in nature than state socialism, largely due to dysfunctional governments failure to provide the basic security necessary for any sort of functional economy to develop. That said, governments and African rulers in general confiscating the wealth and assets of the respective nations' citizens is a common theme throughout. It's a matter of semantics more than anything else I suppose.

Finally, the line should be drawn at the point redistribution of wealth extends beyond providing food, shelter and medical assistance to those physically or mentally UNABLE to work.

Unemployment "benefits" should be available for no more than a month. Likewise for food stamps. The overwhelming majority of all other entitlement programs should be cut entirely.

The only other exception I can think of is military veterans who were active duty during wartime. They should receive whatever they need.

When people know they can get paid for up to three years for NOT WORKING, those of us who do choose to work will be carrying an unsustainable share of the burden. At that rate, sooner or later Atlas will shrug. It's more a matter of if than when.