In theory, socialism sounds great. I mean, who doesn't like to get things for free? I'm all about getting a coupon in the mail for something free. Even if I don't need it, I am probably going to go get it because, who in their right mind turns down something that is free!? This is the mindset of those who support socialism. Socialism is about making sure everything is free so that everyone can have it and will be equal. No one should have the luxury of having something that someone else can not afford. Well news flash: that's not the idea that America was based on!

With this past election, socialism has become more talked about than ever before in America. Bernie Sanders, a self proclaimed Democratic Socialist, was leading the parade and it seems like nearly every Millennial seems to be jumping up to join. I don't blame them, as I already said, I love to get things for free; however, what some other Millennials don't realize is what we are actually giving up if we follow anyone, not just Bernie, toward a socialistic country.

Let's look at Obamacare. Free healthcare is a characteristic of a socialistic country. Yes, it is sad that there were some people that could not afford healthcare, but Obamacare has really messed a lot of people up. Free healthcare is not free! Someone has to pay for it. The cost of healthcare sky rocketed. There were people on top tier plans who had to drop down to the lowest plans available and can still barely afford those. Doctors used to be able to take cash payments and work with patients who might not be able to afford insurance, but with Obamacare this is no longer allowed. This has messed up a lot of people who make too much to qualify for free healthcare but can't afford to be part of a healthcare plan.

The American dream is to build a life that you can be proud of. Many times, people do this by starting their own business. There are tons of small mom and pop stores that are already struggling to keep their doors open. It is hard enough with the taxes and regulations already in place. Socialism will increase the difficulty for entrepreneur's to start a business. With socialism, no one can have more than someone else. If someone works hard and opens a business they are not rewarded. Majority of the profit will be taken away and given to those who did not work to make the money. What is the point in putting in the effort to succeed when you will reap the same rewards if you stay home in your pajamas and watch Netflix all day. Yes, that actually does sound kind of appealing, but this creates a black hole. This causes less people to want to work, which means that less money will go into the pot used to give to the lazy.

These are only two of the many many ways that socialism can destroy a country. A government should keep order not control every aspect of our lives. By allowing the government to have complete control, there is no longer any freedom. There isn't the freedom to make our own decisions. We become stuck in a rut where we can only do what someone else tells us we are allowed to do. We no longer are able to capitalize on the American dream and create a life our future generations can be proud of. We become complacent. We become lazy. So, why exactly are we trying to turn into a country that so many people have come to America to get away from?

As Margaret Thatcher once said: "The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money."