The 11th Plank Has Arrived

Both congressional Democrats and Republicans (while feigning outrage) want to pass Government Health Care. That's why massive capital gains tax hikes (15% to 22.5%) and income tax bracket hikes (to 42.5%) are buried in the new version of the bill.

For those not following U.S. (over-)achievement of the 10 planks of Marxism:

1. Abolition of private property and the application of all rent to public purpose.

Done.

As we've seen all too well lately, banking corporations are our government. But to the extent some are private, by the time a 30 mortgage is paid, property taxes exceed original mortgage payments.

2. A heavy progressive or graduated income tax.

Done.

3. Abolition of all rights of inheritance.

Done.

The death tax forces all family businesses, of any value, to turn over the keys to the corporate-government for pennies on the dollar when the owner dies. If you own nothing, you are exempt.

4. Confiscation of the property of all emigrants and rebels.

Mostly applied to US citizens through Eminent Domain.

Marx was just an angry racist; the original White Supremacist.

5. Centralization of credit in the hands of the state, by means of a national bank with state capital and an exclusive monopoly.

Done.

6. Centralization of the means of communication and transportation in the hands of the State.

Done.

7. Extension of factories and instruments of production owned by the State, the bringing into cultivation of waste lands, and the improvement of the soil generally in accordance with a common plan.

TVA, Government Motors, more broadly... corporations and our government are indistinguishable. "The United States government will bear any burden and pay any price to ensure that Citigroup does not fail" --Chairwoman of congressional oversight panel

Certainly, more to come.

8. Equal liability of all to labor. Establishment of Industrial armies, especially for agriculture.

Done.

9. Combination of agriculture with manufacturing industries; gradual abolition of the distinction between town and country by a more equable distribution of the population over the country.

Done.

Government zoning has displaced individual land ownership. But I think Marx was probably high when he phrased this one.

10. Free education for all children in government schools. Abolition of children's factory labor in its present form. Combination of education with industrial production.

Done.

And now, beyond Marx's wildest dreams:

11. Centralized control over citizens' physical being. Common enforcement of the ideal size and make-up of the population. Care granted in proportion to production.