The United States of America is portrayed to the world and its citizens as a democracy. Where citizens are able to vote for representatives of whom they chose, have equal opportunities, privileges and rights. Abraham Lincoln once said, “Government by the people, for the people will not perish from this Earth.” Over one hundred years after the Gettysburg Address our country has made many triumphs, but has many obstacles yet to overcome. In the recent years, mostly over the past seven with President Obama elected, the United States citizens have been questioning his actions and his reforms under not a democratic standpoint, but a socialist standpoint. In particular this statement arose with the passing in 2009 of the Affordable Care Act, Obamacare …show more content…
It’s a merge. Today’s policies are never black nor white, or work to the benefit of everyone. There is no perfect policy because if there were everyone would have enough food on their tables, enough medical coverage for all illnesses at an affordable rate, or enough money to ensure financial security in old age. Social welfare policies are in place to benefit those who are unable to work or provide for themselves in order to survive. Capitalism is displayed in the individuals’ options to choose health care companies, foods for purchase, or what they chose to spend their money on after retirement. Socialism is displayed in the ACA where if you do not pick a plan you will be fined. In Social Security since they control how much you will receive if a person collects earlier than sixty-five. Lastly, for SNAP the government regulates the amount of money someone can receive monthly and also what that individual is allowed to buy with that money. If it was solely capitalist based Social Security would be privatized, ACA wouldn’t force a plan, and SNAP would allow any grocery store purchases to be made. It is important to remember that all of these programs have been designed to better the lives of the citizens who are in need of