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Socialism Sucks: Two Economists Drink Their Way Through the Unfree World
The bastard step-child of Milton Friedman and Anthony Bourdain, Socialism Sucks is a bar-crawl through former, current, and wannabe socialist countries around the world. Free market economists Robert Lawson and Benjamin Powell travel to countries like Venezuela, Cuba, Russia, and Sweden to investigate the dangers and idiocies of socialism—while drinking a lot of beer.
176 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 30, 2019
265 people are currently reading
1068 people want to read
About the author
Robert Lawson
118 books79 followersBorn in New York City, Lawson spent his early life in Montclair, New Jersey. Following high school, he studied art for three years under illustrator Howard Giles (an advocate of dynamic symmetry as conceived by Jay Hambidge) at the New York School of Fine and Applied Art (now Parsons School of Design), marrying fellow artist and illustrator Marie Abrams in 1922. His career as an illustrator began in 1914, when his illustration for a poem about the invasion of Belgium was published in Harper's Weekly. He went on to publish in other magazines, including the Ladies Home Journal, Everybody's Magazine, Century Magazine, Vogue, and Designer.
During World War I, Lawson was a member of the first U.S. Army camouflage unit (called the American Camouflage Corps), in connection with which he served in France with other artists, such as Barry Faulkner, Sherry Edmundson Fry, William Twigg-Smith and Kerr Eby. In his autobiography, Faulkner recalls that Lawson had a remarkable "sense of fantasy and humor", which made him especially valuable when the camoufleurs put on musical shows for the children of the French women who worked with them on camouflage
After the war, Lawson resumed his work as an artist, and in 1922, illustrated his first children's book, The Wonderful Adventures of Little Prince Toofat. Subsequently he illustrated dozens of children's books by other authors, including such well-known titles as The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf (which later became an animated film by the Walt Disney Studios) and Mr. Popper's Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater. In total, he illustrated as many as forty books by other authors, and another seventeen books that he himself was author of, including Ben and Me: An Astonishing Life of Benjamin Franklin By His Good Mouse Amos and Rabbit Hill. His work was widely admired, and he became the first, and so far only, person to be given both the Caldecott Medal (They Were Strong and Good, 1941) and the Newbery Medal (Rabbit Hill, 1945). Ben and Me earned a Lewis Carroll Shelf Award in 1961.
Lawson was a witty and inventive author, and his children's fiction is no less engaging for grown-ups. One of his inventive themes was the idea of a person's life as seen through the eyes of a companion animal, an approach that he first realized in Ben and Me. Some of his later books employed the same device (which was compatible with his style of illustration) to other figures, such as Christopher Columbus (I Discover Columbus) and Paul Revere (Mr. Revere and I). Captain Kidd's Cat, which he both wrote and illustrated, is narrated by the feline in the title, named McDermot, who tells the story of the famous pirate's ill-starred voyage, in the process of which he is shown to have been a brave, upright, honest, hen-pecked man betrayed by his friends and calumniated by posterity. His artistic witticism and creativity can be seen in The Story of Ferdinand the Bull, where he illustrates a cork tree as a tree that bears corks as fruits, ready to be picked and placed into bottles.
In the early 1930s, Lawson became interested in etching. One of the resulting prints was awarded the John Taylor Arms Prize by the Society of American Etchers.
Lawson died in 1957 at his home in Westport, Connecticut, in a house that he referred to as Rabbit Hill, since it had been the setting for his book of the same name. He was 64. He is buried in Mountain Grove Cemetery, in Bridgeport, Connecticut. An annual conference is held in his honor in Westport.
The Robert Lawson Papers are in the University of Minnesota Children's Literature Research Collections.
During World War I, Lawson was a member of the first U.S. Army camouflage unit (called the American Camouflage Corps), in connection with which he served in France with other artists, such as Barry Faulkner, Sherry Edmundson Fry, William Twigg-Smith and Kerr Eby. In his autobiography, Faulkner recalls that Lawson had a remarkable "sense of fantasy and humor", which made him especially valuable when the camoufleurs put on musical shows for the children of the French women who worked with them on camouflage
After the war, Lawson resumed his work as an artist, and in 1922, illustrated his first children's book, The Wonderful Adventures of Little Prince Toofat. Subsequently he illustrated dozens of children's books by other authors, including such well-known titles as The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf (which later became an animated film by the Walt Disney Studios) and Mr. Popper's Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater. In total, he illustrated as many as forty books by other authors, and another seventeen books that he himself was author of, including Ben and Me: An Astonishing Life of Benjamin Franklin By His Good Mouse Amos and Rabbit Hill. His work was widely admired, and he became the first, and so far only, person to be given both the Caldecott Medal (They Were Strong and Good, 1941) and the Newbery Medal (Rabbit Hill, 1945). Ben and Me earned a Lewis Carroll Shelf Award in 1961.
Lawson was a witty and inventive author, and his children's fiction is no less engaging for grown-ups. One of his inventive themes was the idea of a person's life as seen through the eyes of a companion animal, an approach that he first realized in Ben and Me. Some of his later books employed the same device (which was compatible with his style of illustration) to other figures, such as Christopher Columbus (I Discover Columbus) and Paul Revere (Mr. Revere and I). Captain Kidd's Cat, which he both wrote and illustrated, is narrated by the feline in the title, named McDermot, who tells the story of the famous pirate's ill-starred voyage, in the process of which he is shown to have been a brave, upright, honest, hen-pecked man betrayed by his friends and calumniated by posterity. His artistic witticism and creativity can be seen in The Story of Ferdinand the Bull, where he illustrates a cork tree as a tree that bears corks as fruits, ready to be picked and placed into bottles.
In the early 1930s, Lawson became interested in etching. One of the resulting prints was awarded the John Taylor Arms Prize by the Society of American Etchers.
Lawson died in 1957 at his home in Westport, Connecticut, in a house that he referred to as Rabbit Hill, since it had been the setting for his book of the same name. He was 64. He is buried in Mountain Grove Cemetery, in Bridgeport, Connecticut. An annual conference is held in his honor in Westport.
The Robert Lawson Papers are in the University of Minnesota Children's Literature Research Collections.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
July 22, 2020
I love how the authors actually traveled to the countries mentioned in this book and during their trips pointed out the consequences of their highly centralized governments. Here in this book, the authors travel to Sweden, Cuba, Venezuela, China, and (near) North Korea. My favorite chapter has to be on Cuba. Kudos to authors for having the courage to travel to these countries and spread free-market ideas!
January 14, 2020
2020-01-13 - Wonderful book.
Not for those with delicate language sensibilities, but otherwise I recommend it to most any adult.
Very funny. Very informative. Breezy, yet serious too.
If you want an intro into why "democratic socialism" might be worth being careful of this campaign season, this book is for you.
Great little descriptions of the key features of such socialist countries as:
Venezuela
Cuba
North Korea
and the former socialist countries:
China
Georgia (in the Caucasus mountains next to the Black Sea, not the US State)
Russia
Ukraine
and the never socialist, though highly welfare statist & high taxing:
Sweden.
Oh, the book ended with a visit to a major socialist convention...
in the USA - perfect.
I loved the mix of travelogue, history, drinking & eating, economic theory and more.
The references to key people and ideas was just about right for this intro-level book.
I read it in less than a week, which is pretty darn quick for me.
I listened to part of the Audio book and read other parts on my Kindle, due to my schedule and love of both. The professional narrator, John Pruden, was excellent.
Highly recommended for those who have not closed their mind on the subject of socialism (or the free market alternatives). If you think you like the idea of the promises of socialism, give this book a shot. If you like the idea of seeing what travelling to some exotic and talked about places in the news, this could be the ticket.
Great place to start a reasonable journey toward clearer understanding and how to create an actually better world.
Not for those with delicate language sensibilities, but otherwise I recommend it to most any adult.
Very funny. Very informative. Breezy, yet serious too.
If you want an intro into why "democratic socialism" might be worth being careful of this campaign season, this book is for you.
Great little descriptions of the key features of such socialist countries as:
Venezuela
Cuba
North Korea
and the former socialist countries:
China
Georgia (in the Caucasus mountains next to the Black Sea, not the US State)
Russia
Ukraine
and the never socialist, though highly welfare statist & high taxing:
Sweden.
Oh, the book ended with a visit to a major socialist convention...
in the USA - perfect.
I loved the mix of travelogue, history, drinking & eating, economic theory and more.
The references to key people and ideas was just about right for this intro-level book.
I read it in less than a week, which is pretty darn quick for me.
I listened to part of the Audio book and read other parts on my Kindle, due to my schedule and love of both. The professional narrator, John Pruden, was excellent.
Highly recommended for those who have not closed their mind on the subject of socialism (or the free market alternatives). If you think you like the idea of the promises of socialism, give this book a shot. If you like the idea of seeing what travelling to some exotic and talked about places in the news, this could be the ticket.
Great place to start a reasonable journey toward clearer understanding and how to create an actually better world.
July 27, 2021
Kapağını görür görmez merak ederek hemen satın almıştım. Maalesef beklediğimden çok uzak bir kitap çıktı. Ben bir düşünce eseriyle karşılaşacağımı sanmıştım ama karşıma çıkan şey iki ayyaşın sıradan, basit yolculuk anıları. Ayyaş dememi garipsemeyin, kitap boyunca yazarların tek derdi bira, barlar ve içkiler. Esasen yaptıkları değerlendirmeler de ziyaret ettikleri sosyalist ülkelerdeki bar / restoran kalitesi ve filanca marka biranın bulunup bulunamamasından ibaret.
Kırk sayfa boyunca Venezüela'nın sefaletini anlatıp bu ülkeye karşı uygulanan yaptırımlardan bir kere bahsetmemek, yine bir o kadar Küba'nın sefaletini anlatıp bu ülkeye yönelik ambargolardan sadece 1 cümlede bahsetmek ama anlatılan tüm fakirliğin nedeninin sosyalizm olduğunu iddia etmek hem zavallıca, hem de kötü niyetin ispatı bence.
Sonuç olarak, görünüşte akademisyenler tarafından yazılmış olsa da esasen gayet sığ bir plaj kitabı. Daha ileri giderek, kağıt ısrafı olarak değerlendirilebilir. Kitabın en güzel yanı, orijinalinde Socialism Sucks olan isminin Türkçeye gayet iyi çevrilmiş olması.
Kırk sayfa boyunca Venezüela'nın sefaletini anlatıp bu ülkeye karşı uygulanan yaptırımlardan bir kere bahsetmemek, yine bir o kadar Küba'nın sefaletini anlatıp bu ülkeye yönelik ambargolardan sadece 1 cümlede bahsetmek ama anlatılan tüm fakirliğin nedeninin sosyalizm olduğunu iddia etmek hem zavallıca, hem de kötü niyetin ispatı bence.
Sonuç olarak, görünüşte akademisyenler tarafından yazılmış olsa da esasen gayet sığ bir plaj kitabı. Daha ileri giderek, kağıt ısrafı olarak değerlendirilebilir. Kitabın en güzel yanı, orijinalinde Socialism Sucks olan isminin Türkçeye gayet iyi çevrilmiş olması.
August 16, 2020
On World Tour
Two economic professors go on a world tour of socialist economies to drink beer and observe what's really going on. Not quite The Rolling Stones on tour, but far more fun than you ever would have guessed. Written in a manner accessible to all rather than as a stern economic textbook, Socialism Sucks tours Havana, Pyongyang (at least the DMZ), Moscow, Tbilisi, and the Venezuelan border, observing how inefficient government run economies are - kind of like the world run by the DMV. In Havana, with no motive for improvement, hotels are run-down, moldy places with beer cans floating in the pool, restaurants have no signs and virtually the same menus, and the grocery stores are empty. Why is socialism so popular with millennial then? The authors postulate that millennial sues the term as a grab bag for all left wing issues including those that have nothing to do with economics and are unaware of the dark history of the famines in the Ukraine and the re-education camps in China. All in all, quite a fun short book that's easy to read.
Two economic professors go on a world tour of socialist economies to drink beer and observe what's really going on. Not quite The Rolling Stones on tour, but far more fun than you ever would have guessed. Written in a manner accessible to all rather than as a stern economic textbook, Socialism Sucks tours Havana, Pyongyang (at least the DMZ), Moscow, Tbilisi, and the Venezuelan border, observing how inefficient government run economies are - kind of like the world run by the DMV. In Havana, with no motive for improvement, hotels are run-down, moldy places with beer cans floating in the pool, restaurants have no signs and virtually the same menus, and the grocery stores are empty. Why is socialism so popular with millennial then? The authors postulate that millennial sues the term as a grab bag for all left wing issues including those that have nothing to do with economics and are unaware of the dark history of the famines in the Ukraine and the re-education camps in China. All in all, quite a fun short book that's easy to read.
November 22, 2019
I am not the audience for this book, that should be noted before you read any further.
I read this at the instance of my dad, who is always trying to challenge my politics, and, unsurprisingly, I hated it. I wanted to give it one star, but I added one, because there are at least three good things about it, and the authors aren't uneducated in matters of history, and they do an okay job at setting out exactly what they mean to do, but just yelling that other people are wrong and don't understand doesn't provide any helpful information regarding the bigger issues.
Good things:
1. This book is short. Just over 4 hours on audio.
2. According to the facts presented in this book, I have learned that I am, indeed, not a socialist, though I was never a Stalinist or a Mao supporter, either, and please, if you're reading this, NEVER listen to Sean Penn and think he speaks for ANYONE else, especially me.
3. I have decided my political affiliation (previously independent) henceforth is "non profits," people who have a cause and actually do something about it instead of just railing against "the other side" - both "sides" do this, I am just reviewing this book from its singular point of view). Note: Not all nonprofits are good. I know this, because people (yes, all of us) are largely garbage, and nonprofits are also run by people.
Like many Millennials, I have identified as a Democratic Socialist, because the platforms that American Democratic Socialists run on tend to align most closely to my own beliefs (no one agrees totally on all issues). This book taught me that we absolutely MUST come up with a new name for ourselves, those of us who care about healthcare for those who need it, food and shelter for the poor, are concerned about the daily murder of Black Americans and Trans Americans, about women's right to choose, the environment, and really just want all of y'all to leave gay people alone.
Let's come up with another term, if for no other reason than the authors of this book can stop writing entire books that complain about how we aren't what we call ourselves while taking constant breaks to remind us how much they drink beer, so that we also know they are on our level, or whatever.
I read this at the instance of my dad, who is always trying to challenge my politics, and, unsurprisingly, I hated it. I wanted to give it one star, but I added one, because there are at least three good things about it, and the authors aren't uneducated in matters of history, and they do an okay job at setting out exactly what they mean to do, but just yelling that other people are wrong and don't understand doesn't provide any helpful information regarding the bigger issues.
Good things:
1. This book is short. Just over 4 hours on audio.
2. According to the facts presented in this book, I have learned that I am, indeed, not a socialist, though I was never a Stalinist or a Mao supporter, either, and please, if you're reading this, NEVER listen to Sean Penn and think he speaks for ANYONE else, especially me.
3. I have decided my political affiliation (previously independent) henceforth is "non profits," people who have a cause and actually do something about it instead of just railing against "the other side" - both "sides" do this, I am just reviewing this book from its singular point of view). Note: Not all nonprofits are good. I know this, because people (yes, all of us) are largely garbage, and nonprofits are also run by people.
Like many Millennials, I have identified as a Democratic Socialist, because the platforms that American Democratic Socialists run on tend to align most closely to my own beliefs (no one agrees totally on all issues). This book taught me that we absolutely MUST come up with a new name for ourselves, those of us who care about healthcare for those who need it, food and shelter for the poor, are concerned about the daily murder of Black Americans and Trans Americans, about women's right to choose, the environment, and really just want all of y'all to leave gay people alone.
Let's come up with another term, if for no other reason than the authors of this book can stop writing entire books that complain about how we aren't what we call ourselves while taking constant breaks to remind us how much they drink beer, so that we also know they are on our level, or whatever.
May 24, 2021
If you think you are or seriously think you want to be a socialist, please read this book first. Socialism Sucks: Two Economists Drink Their Way Through the Unfree World by Robert A. Lawson is not a theoretical argument or "I'm right, you're wrong" confrontation. I tend more conservative but what I really liked about this book is the concept of two beer-loving college professors going on a field trip to various socialist countries (or what some people call socialist countries), drink beer, ask questions, and analyze economic statistics to assess the lifestyles and level of freedom the local population experiences. This is the kind of field research I would like to do if I had the time and money. The author presents their findings and observations in a casual matter-of-fact way as if you are sitting at the table having a beer with them. At the same time, don't let this casualness take away from what they are presenting, these are seriously degreed professors of economics, and you will actually learn something by reading this book. I don't think you can claim college credit for it, but there is also no final exam and you are likely going to have a much more in depth understanding of socialism. Highly recommended, particularly for socialists and pseudo-socialists.
January 5, 2021
Warning: This review may trigger some on the Left. No apologies. We still have the 1st Amendment, thank God.
Socialism Sucks This is a catchy title - it caught my attention!
Well the front cover of the book does state: “Two Economists drink their way through the unfree world.” And, from what they wrote, they did just that! Now that I am a reformed red wine drinker (and other alcohol) - I surely would like to recommend a book or two for these astute authors. Sounds grand all their beer drinking episodes, but now that I realize how toxic alcohol really is . . . maybe they could take a peek at some good books about the subject. Not to put a damper on their “fun”; just a suggestion.
Socialism Sucks is a quick and entertaining read. It was written by two economists Robert Lawson and Benjamin Powell. There were some great one liners by Benjamin that made me guffaw out loud! From what I learned reading this book, Bob was the more serious of the two. Kind of the “good cop, bad cop” theme. Not really.
I have not taken an economics class as of yet, but am very interested in the subject, and would like to pursue further reading. Any book that gives me insight, I am ready to purchase! These two authors, Bob and Ben, are economists with excellent backgrounds who explained many aspects of economics in a simple language for any laymen, such as me, to understand. Loved it!
These men travel to different Socialist countries and give us a sense of the atmosphere. I appreciate this because I do NOT want to venture anywhere near these spots. I would just as soon stay put here in California. I am seeing enough here as it is. Enough to rile the constituency to petition a recall of Governor Newsom.
Chapter 1 - Venezuela- the infamous argument for Socialism for the Left, BEFORE Venezuela went down the tubes. Informative chapter.
Chapter 2 - Cuba - another darling of the Left. What rose-colored glasses the Left wear. Many citizens of Cuba have attempted and succeeded to escape by boat to Florida. And, yes, sadly, many did not succeed. But, no Floridians have reciprocated.
A statement that is emphasized several times about Capitalism- “private property rights” - how important this is for free exchange of labor. And, an example of this is shown in Cuba with a small relaxation of property rights called “casa particulars”. Bob and Ben compare/contrast the state-run hotels and these privately owned “casa particulars”.
Private Ownership vs. Collective Ownership explained.
Chapter 6 - New Capitalism: Georgia - my favorite chapter. The Rose Revolution, new government led by Mikheil Saakashvili and Kakha Bendukidze worked hard to turn the economy around.
Three top killer dictators are referenced in the book:
Chairman Mao - China - about 80 million
Josef Stalin - Russia - about 20 million
Adolph Hitler - Germany - Nationalist Socialist Leader - about 20 million
Speaking of Hitler - Here is a little list of how the Nazis took over Germany. It has a familiar ring about it of our current atmosphere here in America.
They banned guns.
They got rid of God.
Banned church services.
Burned bibles and books in the streets.
Tore down statues.
Burned the flag.
Got rid of any and all history they did not agree with.
Got rid of the public police so only the rich could afford it.
Put their country in a state of fear.
Created domestic terrorist
organizations that got rid of anything and anyone who disagreed with the “brown shirts”.
(A Google search of these will be disputed-Google, a search engine, which of recent, has proven a LeftWing bias.) If interested, it might be helpful to do a more thorough research outside of Google.
All three (above) were “committed socialists of one sort or another”.
“Stalin considered the political and economic system under his rule to be Marxism–Leninism.” Marxism has been bantered about lately - kind of unsettling.
So, in the news lately, many in U.S. Congress are in bed with China; I guess following the money. So, if we reduce our military and our nuclear weapons (which is the wish of the Left & Libertarians) and China and Russia continue on top of their game, in these areas, increasing their military and nuclear weapons 10 fold compared to the US, what happens? Is it ok for China and/or Russia to move on in? I’m not one who is excited about these prospects. And, I honestly see a scenario close to this. Democrats want to take over this country talking about “he, she, mother, brother”, Global Warming, instead of talking about protecting our country. Who will protect us from China/Russia? Where are the Democrats going with all this? Do they think China and/or Russia will sit back and let us do our New Green Deals, Gender equality, Me Too, Queens of the Resistance, yada yada. I don’t think so. These areas of concern are NOT on their list AT ALL!! We look very weak with these absurd subjects - weak enough for a Take Over. I am praying to God this never happens.
I believe I understood that Bob and Ben are Libertarians. I thought I was heading toward this political philosophy earlier when Trump was first elected, but now realize I’m just a good old fashioned Conservative. I do believe in borders, I do believe in law and order, and I believe in God. Ok, this is oversimplified, but, the point is I am not on the same page as Libertarianism.
In Chapter 7 - “Conclusion: Back in the USSA” is where I did see the biggest gap between my thinking and theirs. We agree on Capitalism for sure. And, they state in order for Capitalism to thrive you need complete open borders. Again, I am simplifying. Just have a major disagreement here. Yeah, many differences in ideas in Chapter 7 for me.
In this Chapter 7, they took a swipe on those of us who watched Fox News (past tense). Didn’t particularly get warm & fuzzies on this. But, the two authors should know- Fox News has moved to the Left in their reporting- since November 3, 2020, election night. So, “to people who watch Fox News” as they write, many Conservatives have gone on to other news sources. Fox News ratings have slipped quite a bit since that night. Here is Capitalism at work. If the product isn’t needed/wanted . . .
One person who has done very well on Fox is Tucker Carlson. And, I believe he is a Libertarian. He transparently reports and delves into many stories that are not seen on mainstream media. So, maybe Bob and Ben might take a peek on Fox News at Tucker’s segments.
An author, whom I read, Ayn Rand, (b. 1905 d. 1982) was referenced in a couple of spots in this book. She was pro Capitalism. She was ardently against Communism. She lived it in Soviet Russia during the Revolution. She wrote books to bring awareness to free countries like America, that it can happen here. And, by gosh, here we are now seeing the beginnings come to fruition. Mandatory masks, free speech squashed for Conservatives on FB and Twitter (I was a victim of this on Twitter, twice- so, no, it is not a “conspiracy theory”).
Found this tweet today by Senator Hawley regarding Antifa:
“Tonight while I was in Missouri, Antifa scumbags came to our place in DC and threatened my wife and newborn daughter, who can’t travel. They screamed threats, vandalized, and tried to pound open our door. Let me be clear: My family & I will not be intimidated by leftwing violence.”
These violent acts by Antifa (or BLM) are not good arguments for Socialism.
As the title says:
Socialism Sucks!
Socialism Sucks This is a catchy title - it caught my attention!
Well the front cover of the book does state: “Two Economists drink their way through the unfree world.” And, from what they wrote, they did just that! Now that I am a reformed red wine drinker (and other alcohol) - I surely would like to recommend a book or two for these astute authors. Sounds grand all their beer drinking episodes, but now that I realize how toxic alcohol really is . . . maybe they could take a peek at some good books about the subject. Not to put a damper on their “fun”; just a suggestion.
Socialism Sucks is a quick and entertaining read. It was written by two economists Robert Lawson and Benjamin Powell. There were some great one liners by Benjamin that made me guffaw out loud! From what I learned reading this book, Bob was the more serious of the two. Kind of the “good cop, bad cop” theme. Not really.
I have not taken an economics class as of yet, but am very interested in the subject, and would like to pursue further reading. Any book that gives me insight, I am ready to purchase! These two authors, Bob and Ben, are economists with excellent backgrounds who explained many aspects of economics in a simple language for any laymen, such as me, to understand. Loved it!
These men travel to different Socialist countries and give us a sense of the atmosphere. I appreciate this because I do NOT want to venture anywhere near these spots. I would just as soon stay put here in California. I am seeing enough here as it is. Enough to rile the constituency to petition a recall of Governor Newsom.
Chapter 1 - Venezuela- the infamous argument for Socialism for the Left, BEFORE Venezuela went down the tubes. Informative chapter.
Chapter 2 - Cuba - another darling of the Left. What rose-colored glasses the Left wear. Many citizens of Cuba have attempted and succeeded to escape by boat to Florida. And, yes, sadly, many did not succeed. But, no Floridians have reciprocated.
A statement that is emphasized several times about Capitalism- “private property rights” - how important this is for free exchange of labor. And, an example of this is shown in Cuba with a small relaxation of property rights called “casa particulars”. Bob and Ben compare/contrast the state-run hotels and these privately owned “casa particulars”.
Private Ownership vs. Collective Ownership explained.
Chapter 6 - New Capitalism: Georgia - my favorite chapter. The Rose Revolution, new government led by Mikheil Saakashvili and Kakha Bendukidze worked hard to turn the economy around.
Three top killer dictators are referenced in the book:
Chairman Mao - China - about 80 million
Josef Stalin - Russia - about 20 million
Adolph Hitler - Germany - Nationalist Socialist Leader - about 20 million
Speaking of Hitler - Here is a little list of how the Nazis took over Germany. It has a familiar ring about it of our current atmosphere here in America.
They banned guns.
They got rid of God.
Banned church services.
Burned bibles and books in the streets.
Tore down statues.
Burned the flag.
Got rid of any and all history they did not agree with.
Got rid of the public police so only the rich could afford it.
Put their country in a state of fear.
Created domestic terrorist
organizations that got rid of anything and anyone who disagreed with the “brown shirts”.
(A Google search of these will be disputed-Google, a search engine, which of recent, has proven a LeftWing bias.) If interested, it might be helpful to do a more thorough research outside of Google.
All three (above) were “committed socialists of one sort or another”.
“Stalin considered the political and economic system under his rule to be Marxism–Leninism.” Marxism has been bantered about lately - kind of unsettling.
So, in the news lately, many in U.S. Congress are in bed with China; I guess following the money. So, if we reduce our military and our nuclear weapons (which is the wish of the Left & Libertarians) and China and Russia continue on top of their game, in these areas, increasing their military and nuclear weapons 10 fold compared to the US, what happens? Is it ok for China and/or Russia to move on in? I’m not one who is excited about these prospects. And, I honestly see a scenario close to this. Democrats want to take over this country talking about “he, she, mother, brother”, Global Warming, instead of talking about protecting our country. Who will protect us from China/Russia? Where are the Democrats going with all this? Do they think China and/or Russia will sit back and let us do our New Green Deals, Gender equality, Me Too, Queens of the Resistance, yada yada. I don’t think so. These areas of concern are NOT on their list AT ALL!! We look very weak with these absurd subjects - weak enough for a Take Over. I am praying to God this never happens.
I believe I understood that Bob and Ben are Libertarians. I thought I was heading toward this political philosophy earlier when Trump was first elected, but now realize I’m just a good old fashioned Conservative. I do believe in borders, I do believe in law and order, and I believe in God. Ok, this is oversimplified, but, the point is I am not on the same page as Libertarianism.
In Chapter 7 - “Conclusion: Back in the USSA” is where I did see the biggest gap between my thinking and theirs. We agree on Capitalism for sure. And, they state in order for Capitalism to thrive you need complete open borders. Again, I am simplifying. Just have a major disagreement here. Yeah, many differences in ideas in Chapter 7 for me.
In this Chapter 7, they took a swipe on those of us who watched Fox News (past tense). Didn’t particularly get warm & fuzzies on this. But, the two authors should know- Fox News has moved to the Left in their reporting- since November 3, 2020, election night. So, “to people who watch Fox News” as they write, many Conservatives have gone on to other news sources. Fox News ratings have slipped quite a bit since that night. Here is Capitalism at work. If the product isn’t needed/wanted . . .
One person who has done very well on Fox is Tucker Carlson. And, I believe he is a Libertarian. He transparently reports and delves into many stories that are not seen on mainstream media. So, maybe Bob and Ben might take a peek on Fox News at Tucker’s segments.
An author, whom I read, Ayn Rand, (b. 1905 d. 1982) was referenced in a couple of spots in this book. She was pro Capitalism. She was ardently against Communism. She lived it in Soviet Russia during the Revolution. She wrote books to bring awareness to free countries like America, that it can happen here. And, by gosh, here we are now seeing the beginnings come to fruition. Mandatory masks, free speech squashed for Conservatives on FB and Twitter (I was a victim of this on Twitter, twice- so, no, it is not a “conspiracy theory”).
Found this tweet today by Senator Hawley regarding Antifa:
“Tonight while I was in Missouri, Antifa scumbags came to our place in DC and threatened my wife and newborn daughter, who can’t travel. They screamed threats, vandalized, and tried to pound open our door. Let me be clear: My family & I will not be intimidated by leftwing violence.”
These violent acts by Antifa (or BLM) are not good arguments for Socialism.
As the title says:
Socialism Sucks!
February 18, 2021
Four stars, not for literary genius - hey, it’s by a couple bibulous economists- but because there are too few short and entertaining books that make short work of the dangers of socialism and communism. “Animal Farm” and “Anthem” come to mind, but they’re not funny.
May 4, 2020
Despite the gauche cover and glaring neon-level bias of Socialism Sucks, it is a surprisingly excellent book for what it seeks to do: give a tour of the socialist world, and conversationally give a more than sufficient history and economic crash-course lessons in socialism.
I'd also like to note that this book is only truly effective if its paired with either a neutral history of socialism, or, if you're truly committed, a pro-socialism one. This is because in order to fully see its flaws and potential merits—which I would argue are extremely dubious in terms of putting them into practice—it helps to have two conflicting and/or diverse sources. That being said, it is very easy to say why abolishing private property would make it difficult to determine prices, and thus would lead to a more inefficient market. (That's the argument this book makes, anyways.)
In conclusion, while it looks like its meant to preach-to-the-choir (and it is), its a worthy book to hear a deceptively in-depth casual study into the historical demerits of socialism, and an equally worthy one for why the system or variations of it should not be implemented in future.
PS: If they had added some counter-arguments for their purported truths, that would have been amazing and would have made their credibility higher, because then the reader could fully digest a more balanced viewpoint. Also, while I can understand why conservatives and an older crowd might appreciate it, I did not enjoy their subtle ad hominems against young kids who have 'dyed hair and unshaved legs'. While I definitely do not prefer that aesthetic, that in no way should diminish their arguments, even if they're cherrypicked and are indeed bad. But aside from these two things, the book was excellent.
I'd also like to note that this book is only truly effective if its paired with either a neutral history of socialism, or, if you're truly committed, a pro-socialism one. This is because in order to fully see its flaws and potential merits—which I would argue are extremely dubious in terms of putting them into practice—it helps to have two conflicting and/or diverse sources. That being said, it is very easy to say why abolishing private property would make it difficult to determine prices, and thus would lead to a more inefficient market. (That's the argument this book makes, anyways.)
In conclusion, while it looks like its meant to preach-to-the-choir (and it is), its a worthy book to hear a deceptively in-depth casual study into the historical demerits of socialism, and an equally worthy one for why the system or variations of it should not be implemented in future.
PS: If they had added some counter-arguments for their purported truths, that would have been amazing and would have made their credibility higher, because then the reader could fully digest a more balanced viewpoint. Also, while I can understand why conservatives and an older crowd might appreciate it, I did not enjoy their subtle ad hominems against young kids who have 'dyed hair and unshaved legs'. While I definitely do not prefer that aesthetic, that in no way should diminish their arguments, even if they're cherrypicked and are indeed bad. But aside from these two things, the book was excellent.
August 29, 2019
Must read for all those who think WELFARE STATE AND OTHER FORM OF SOCIALISM is what drives an economy, Knew it always and would say it again, "SOCIALISM SUCKS"!!!
April 13, 2022
This book was fun and scary at the same time. Easily understandable, and they offered a really good list of books of varying degrees of difficulty. I learned a lot, which is always good. And beer!
September 3, 2019
I wish all the socialist sympathizers would read this one, it's nothing like what most people think.
October 9, 2019
So a book about a pub crawl through Venezuela, North Korea, Sweden, and Cuba (and others)?
Well, that kind of caught my attention.
The book does a good job of giving background to many of the failed socialist states, as well as showing how countries that embrace capitalism also begin to thrive. For example, China's economy only began to improve when they began introducing capitalism into the market place. Before then, China's "Great Leap Forward" and "Cultural Revolution" killed at least 80 million of its own population.
Unfortunately, China is still a political communist country, and as we are seeing today in Hong Kong, will use force against those who openly oppose it.
Venezuela is another shining example of socialism's failures.
Once the favorite example of those exuding how wonderful socialism is, now it is the perfect example of what happens when socialism is implemented.
In Cuba, they described great examples of the differences between private property rights versus state-owned hotels.
Overall, the book is not written in a dry prose that is common with many economics books. It is written in a more anecdotal fashion as the authors visit different bars in each of the countries, while explaining the economics as a background to what they are experiencing. It certainly gives a good perspective on today's "democratic socialists" and their agenda. To be clear, even though today the message is muddled in nice feel good language like "Green New Deal" and "Medicare for all":
Control of the means of production requires tremendous power to be wielded by government officials and bureaucrats, the system's planners, and with that power inevitably comes corruption, abuse, and tyranny. That is not an opinion, that is fact that is supported by the historical record.
We wrote this book because too many people seem to be dangerously ignorant of what socialism is, how it functions, and its historical track record. We also wanted to get drunk in Cuba, and this was a great way to write off our expenses.
Well, that kind of caught my attention.
The book does a good job of giving background to many of the failed socialist states, as well as showing how countries that embrace capitalism also begin to thrive. For example, China's economy only began to improve when they began introducing capitalism into the market place. Before then, China's "Great Leap Forward" and "Cultural Revolution" killed at least 80 million of its own population.
The blithe use of the term ‘famine’ also lends support to the widespread view that these deaths were the unintended consequence of half-baked and poorly executed economic programmes.” In fact, “coercion, terror, and systematic violence were the foundations of the Great Leap Forward.”
Unfortunately, China is still a political communist country, and as we are seeing today in Hong Kong, will use force against those who openly oppose it.
Venezuela is another shining example of socialism's failures.
Venezuela began its experiment with democratic socialism twenty years ago. Despite its democratic origins and a stroke of good fortune with an oil boom, socialism failed in Venezuela as it has failed everywhere else, bringing economic misery and political tyranny in its wake.
Once the favorite example of those exuding how wonderful socialism is, now it is the perfect example of what happens when socialism is implemented.
In Cuba, they described great examples of the differences between private property rights versus state-owned hotels.
Private property rights give people the incentive to preserve resources (like housing) for the future. The managers of the state-owned hotels don’t have the same incentive because they don’t benefit from the hotel being in better condition in the future.
Overall, the book is not written in a dry prose that is common with many economics books. It is written in a more anecdotal fashion as the authors visit different bars in each of the countries, while explaining the economics as a background to what they are experiencing. It certainly gives a good perspective on today's "democratic socialists" and their agenda. To be clear, even though today the message is muddled in nice feel good language like "Green New Deal" and "Medicare for all":
To separate the state from socialism in any large society is like trying to separate private property from capitalism. It can’t be done. I’ll say it once more for the people in the back: socialism, in practice, means that the state owns and controls the means of production. This is what socialism meant to Lenin and Trotsky, and this is what socialism means today.
Control of the means of production requires tremendous power to be wielded by government officials and bureaucrats, the system's planners, and with that power inevitably comes corruption, abuse, and tyranny. That is not an opinion, that is fact that is supported by the historical record.
May 5, 2020
3.5 stars
So a couple of middle aged economist professors travel the globe, enjoy some beer, and offer a solid compare and contrast view of planned socialistic economies vs. free market ones. This is a very likeable and non-technical read. The authors are spot on that living in a free market where we are free to trade our goods, time, and services with one another benefits society far more than a planned economy by government overlords. The "invisible hand" of the market has lifted far more people out of poverty so they can build a good life of their own.
Time and time again we see that a planned economy offers nothing but political and economic misery. TWhere the only thing it brings is equal poverty to the masses and the loss of freedom. There's several great points made in this book and I think this is a great introduction that young people should read about and consider. Given the state of our public education they've probably never even researched the matter.
The authors seem to be far more charitable to "free trade" and immigration than I am, singing it's total praise while ignoring the flipside of those issues.
They also seem to think that young people, young socialist who identify with socialism because of social causes (LGBT, abortion, environmental, etc.) can be won over to free market ideas.....as if those social values can be absorbed wholeheartedly without adopting economic socialism. Maybe at best they could become libertarians. Which I think paints a naïve picture and ignores the influence of overall "cultural Marxism" that these young people have been taught. To loathe western ideas of gender, sexuality, marriage, family, religion and morality. Western values were once the standard in our culture, and have also been one of the keys to our economic success. It's not just for free markets sake that our country has been so successful. Moral worldviews and economic ones seem to go hand in hand. The U.S.S.R. attacked the same cultural ideas as well.
Nonetheless this was a fun and light read. I wholeheartedly agree with the two authors conclusion that indeed "socialism sucks."
So a couple of middle aged economist professors travel the globe, enjoy some beer, and offer a solid compare and contrast view of planned socialistic economies vs. free market ones. This is a very likeable and non-technical read. The authors are spot on that living in a free market where we are free to trade our goods, time, and services with one another benefits society far more than a planned economy by government overlords. The "invisible hand" of the market has lifted far more people out of poverty so they can build a good life of their own.
Time and time again we see that a planned economy offers nothing but political and economic misery. TWhere the only thing it brings is equal poverty to the masses and the loss of freedom. There's several great points made in this book and I think this is a great introduction that young people should read about and consider. Given the state of our public education they've probably never even researched the matter.
The authors seem to be far more charitable to "free trade" and immigration than I am, singing it's total praise while ignoring the flipside of those issues.
They also seem to think that young people, young socialist who identify with socialism because of social causes (LGBT, abortion, environmental, etc.) can be won over to free market ideas.....as if those social values can be absorbed wholeheartedly without adopting economic socialism. Maybe at best they could become libertarians. Which I think paints a naïve picture and ignores the influence of overall "cultural Marxism" that these young people have been taught. To loathe western ideas of gender, sexuality, marriage, family, religion and morality. Western values were once the standard in our culture, and have also been one of the keys to our economic success. It's not just for free markets sake that our country has been so successful. Moral worldviews and economic ones seem to go hand in hand. The U.S.S.R. attacked the same cultural ideas as well.
Nonetheless this was a fun and light read. I wholeheartedly agree with the two authors conclusion that indeed "socialism sucks."
February 5, 2021
Despite the inflammatory title this is actually a lucid, albeit lighthearted, investigation of what life is actually like in several “socialist utopias.” Two economists travel the world and relate their experiences drinking beer in various countries. They explain that data show nations with higher indexes of economic freedom have higher standards of living, and their travels reflect this. Following Marxist principles consistently leads to misery and poverty. And usually crappy beer too. Unfortunately, the Millennials that seem to believe that socialism might be a good idea and would thus benefit from a little further education will likely be put off by the snarky title.
I’m just going to drop in an excerpt. In Chapter 5 they show how Marx’s ideas on value, alienation, and history (essentially the 3 Pillars of Marxism) were all wrong. They explain this in some detail and then give this summary:
“As we paused to look at the statue [of Marx] Bob said, “I bet there’s never been a guy who has been so wrong about every major thing he wrote about and who still has as many followers as Marx.” Bob’s right. Profits don’t represent exploitation, because the labor theory of value is wrong. Instead, at least in a free market, profits represent created value. Capitalism can’t be the cause of alienation because workers inevitably do better under capitalism than under socialism, and market prices provide a higher standard of living and more economic opportunity. Finally, industries haven’t become more concentrated and wages haven’t been pushed down under capitalism. Instead, capitalism has been the engine of prosperity, innovation, new industries, and rising wages, while socialist economies have stagnated or even regressed.”
I’m just going to drop in an excerpt. In Chapter 5 they show how Marx’s ideas on value, alienation, and history (essentially the 3 Pillars of Marxism) were all wrong. They explain this in some detail and then give this summary:
“As we paused to look at the statue [of Marx] Bob said, “I bet there’s never been a guy who has been so wrong about every major thing he wrote about and who still has as many followers as Marx.” Bob’s right. Profits don’t represent exploitation, because the labor theory of value is wrong. Instead, at least in a free market, profits represent created value. Capitalism can’t be the cause of alienation because workers inevitably do better under capitalism than under socialism, and market prices provide a higher standard of living and more economic opportunity. Finally, industries haven’t become more concentrated and wages haven’t been pushed down under capitalism. Instead, capitalism has been the engine of prosperity, innovation, new industries, and rising wages, while socialist economies have stagnated or even regressed.”
August 26, 2019
Short + sweet
An often funny travelogue co-written by two geeky economists/professors in an informal manner.
Each chapter focuses on a socialistic country and includes a brief economic history, a comment on their alcohol selection, and anecdotes about the country's economic freedom and how its policies affect the citizens' livelihood right now. These chapters herein were all written from experience as these two traveled the world to drink beer and observe their surroundings. Despite the laughs and expletives, their messaging is on point and comes from a learned and well-read perspective. (Aside: both of their economic perspectives are strictly influenced by the Austrian school of economics, i.e., Mises, Hayek, Rothbard, et al.)
Very enjoyable listen for a capitalist.
An often funny travelogue co-written by two geeky economists/professors in an informal manner.
Each chapter focuses on a socialistic country and includes a brief economic history, a comment on their alcohol selection, and anecdotes about the country's economic freedom and how its policies affect the citizens' livelihood right now. These chapters herein were all written from experience as these two traveled the world to drink beer and observe their surroundings. Despite the laughs and expletives, their messaging is on point and comes from a learned and well-read perspective. (Aside: both of their economic perspectives are strictly influenced by the Austrian school of economics, i.e., Mises, Hayek, Rothbard, et al.)
Very enjoyable listen for a capitalist.
January 28, 2020
Socialism Sucks is a quick, light-hearted, entertaining read for those who appreciate free markets. The authors travel the socialist world drinking and observing how people live. Their trips to Venezuela, Cuba and North Korea were particularly interesting, as was their attendance at a socialist conference. Predictably, their conclusion is in the title.
Having met the author last summer, I was motivated to eventually read it and it did not disappoint. I appreciate that it was brief (at 2x speed, it takes only 2 hours to listen to) and not overly involved with economic formulas. Austrian economists are refreshingly accessible. I doubt that devoted socialists will read this, but they should at least wonder why the countries that espouse their beliefs are such miserable places to live.
Having met the author last summer, I was motivated to eventually read it and it did not disappoint. I appreciate that it was brief (at 2x speed, it takes only 2 hours to listen to) and not overly involved with economic formulas. Austrian economists are refreshingly accessible. I doubt that devoted socialists will read this, but they should at least wonder why the countries that espouse their beliefs are such miserable places to live.
January 3, 2023
Volum lejer, amuzant, intrigant pe alocuri despre realitățile din statele cu regimuri socialiste actuale sau recente. E o selecție subiectivă, dar care surprinde unele dintre exemplele firești: Venezuela, Cuba, Coreea de Nord, Rusia, China etc. Lejeritatea și superficialitatea comentariilor îl fac atractiv și în același timp inutilizabil pentru un cititor informat. Recomandat mai ales celor curioși și care nu prea știu multă istorie și economie recentă. Altfel, nuanțele se pierd complet în textele celor doi economiști și concluziile nu sunt suficient argumentate: dar probabil fiind adresat publicului larg, stilistica și tușele groase țin de intenția autorilor.
September 22, 2019
Have you ever read an economics book that was fun? Well, here it is. In a humorous way the authors show the downside of socialism and along the way the teach some things about socialism and they show that nations like Sweden and Denmark are not socialist as they are often said to be. A great read.
July 21, 2021
Ezbere bilinen sosyalizm savunmaları için güzel bir kitap olmuş. Fena halde gazlanan bu durumun aslında ne kadar doğru ne kadar yanlış olduğunu gösteren bir kitap. Daha net daha bizden bir anlatım yapan yazarlar, süslü cümleler yerine daha net girmişler konuya. Bu sayede biraz sert tepki alabilirler ama doğrular bu tepkileri azaltır diye düşünüyorum.
January 10, 2020
This was a good short read. The book is pretty much what is described in the title; two economists travel to Venezuela, Cuba, Georgia, Russia, and also observe Noth Korea via China and South Korea.
They intersplice their travel stories with the history of the places they visit, focusing on their respective economic failures.
While I agreed with most of the arguments they laid out, there was a somewhat obtuse bit of writing towards the end where they try to make a case that open borders and mass immigration are good for economies. Regardless of where you stand politically on this debate, it should not be controversial to note that while the countries that accept immigrants may experience more prosperity via an organic growth of their populations, this argument does not consider the source countries. Constantly removing the upper strata (both economically and intellectually) of poor developing nations is not a recipe conducive to the economic growth of those places. If brain-drain is an issue for Canada when we lose our graduates to the United States, then it is most surely an issue for emerging and developing economies that lose people to the West. I'm surprised that they seemingly failed to acknowledge this.
It was none the less a well-written book dense with information.
4 stars.
They intersplice their travel stories with the history of the places they visit, focusing on their respective economic failures.
While I agreed with most of the arguments they laid out, there was a somewhat obtuse bit of writing towards the end where they try to make a case that open borders and mass immigration are good for economies. Regardless of where you stand politically on this debate, it should not be controversial to note that while the countries that accept immigrants may experience more prosperity via an organic growth of their populations, this argument does not consider the source countries. Constantly removing the upper strata (both economically and intellectually) of poor developing nations is not a recipe conducive to the economic growth of those places. If brain-drain is an issue for Canada when we lose our graduates to the United States, then it is most surely an issue for emerging and developing economies that lose people to the West. I'm surprised that they seemingly failed to acknowledge this.
It was none the less a well-written book dense with information.
4 stars.
August 31, 2019
Loved the facts the story but weak premise for these two. I kind of wonder when these two fellas going to grow up and be men and quit acting like college bar flies themselves. At least that a bit how they came off in the book
The book did give us some great facts about how socialism suck. Which that part was interesting. As well as the some progression of what will likely happen when it is followed.
Kind of scary if you ask me but hey I want my liberty and freedom as they do.
Certainly feel like a couple of guys who are looking to use anything they can in order to right off their taxes a couple big drinking trip. Away from thier family while one clearly is looking for who knows.. a strip club.
Ok that seemed harsh clearly it’s written for a millennial aged.
The book did give us some great facts about how socialism suck. Which that part was interesting. As well as the some progression of what will likely happen when it is followed.
Kind of scary if you ask me but hey I want my liberty and freedom as they do.
Certainly feel like a couple of guys who are looking to use anything they can in order to right off their taxes a couple big drinking trip. Away from thier family while one clearly is looking for who knows.. a strip club.
Ok that seemed harsh clearly it’s written for a millennial aged.
February 2, 2021
A very interesting historical analysis of socialism’s outcomes in countries that have tried it. The authors sometimes get a bit too flippant for my taste, but make their point well: collective ownership (read: government ownership) is a guaranteed road to a loss of economic freedom. And economic freedom is a necessary requirement of political freedom.
They also do a nice job of explaining what socialism is and isn’t, and how few of its proponents have even a basic understanding of its tenets.
Their “index of economic freedom” is interesting to explore further. If you’re expecting a manifesto for conservatives you’ll be disappointed. However, reading this with an open mind will make you think. That’s what good books do, right?
They also do a nice job of explaining what socialism is and isn’t, and how few of its proponents have even a basic understanding of its tenets.
Their “index of economic freedom” is interesting to explore further. If you’re expecting a manifesto for conservatives you’ll be disappointed. However, reading this with an open mind will make you think. That’s what good books do, right?
November 9, 2019
As long as you remember that this is not an economics textbook, it is a jolly fun jaunt through various countries and the effects of their economic systems.
A welcome empirical and travel-diary view to add to the economic theory of free markets.
A welcome empirical and travel-diary view to add to the economic theory of free markets.
August 27, 2019
In the Foreword by Tom Woods, and in the book too, they point out how everyone was praising Venezuela until it went to hell, then the line became “it’s not real socialism.” Where is real socialism? Why is it that every country praised, from Cuba to North Korea, in the early days ends up killing and starving massive amounts of people? They point to Sweden as a model, but Sweden isn’t socialist! Robert Lawson publishes the Fraser Institute’s annual Economic Freedom of the World report, so he’s familiar with the countries they visited on their drunken tour of the unfree world.
This book is a rollicking read of various socialist and former socialist/communist countries, including some great economic analysis of why these places suck. From Venezuela, Cuba, North Korea (though they visit the South and China, not the North), and Russia to the Ukraine and Georgia and finally back in the USA at a socialist conference, where they ask, “How can so many American, particularly millennials, view socialism so favorably? Answer: they don’t understand defining characteristic, which is state ownership of the means of production. Rather, they define it as a more radical brand of progressive or leftist beliefs. Social justice = socialism.
The Cuba visit was particularly interesting. The food is all the same, which isn’t really equality, it’s just sameness. The hotels were shitty, unless you stayed in private places where the owner had an incentive to take care of customers. Since everyone earns the same wage, Cuba has great music. It’s easier to be a musician than a plumber, or some other dirty job. There’s no prices to allocate resources, so people gravitate to what’s easier. About 70% of Cubans work for the state, average salary of $25 per month. A car from 1959 sells for $15,000 (Russian Ladas and Moskvitches sell for $8-10,000). Where are all the boats?, the authors ask. Miami. The lack of autos means lack of traffic fatalities, inflating their life expectancy numbers. There’s an amusing look at the New York Times’ Red Century series, including the installment, “Why Women Had Better Sex Under Socialism. Really? Just plain stupid. A thoroughly enjoyable read, and LOL at times.
This book is a rollicking read of various socialist and former socialist/communist countries, including some great economic analysis of why these places suck. From Venezuela, Cuba, North Korea (though they visit the South and China, not the North), and Russia to the Ukraine and Georgia and finally back in the USA at a socialist conference, where they ask, “How can so many American, particularly millennials, view socialism so favorably? Answer: they don’t understand defining characteristic, which is state ownership of the means of production. Rather, they define it as a more radical brand of progressive or leftist beliefs. Social justice = socialism.
The Cuba visit was particularly interesting. The food is all the same, which isn’t really equality, it’s just sameness. The hotels were shitty, unless you stayed in private places where the owner had an incentive to take care of customers. Since everyone earns the same wage, Cuba has great music. It’s easier to be a musician than a plumber, or some other dirty job. There’s no prices to allocate resources, so people gravitate to what’s easier. About 70% of Cubans work for the state, average salary of $25 per month. A car from 1959 sells for $15,000 (Russian Ladas and Moskvitches sell for $8-10,000). Where are all the boats?, the authors ask. Miami. The lack of autos means lack of traffic fatalities, inflating their life expectancy numbers. There’s an amusing look at the New York Times’ Red Century series, including the installment, “Why Women Had Better Sex Under Socialism. Really? Just plain stupid. A thoroughly enjoyable read, and LOL at times.
February 10, 2020
Very easy read that mixes the real life travel in socialist countries, including those not really socialist and those Soviet bloc countries with a socialist hangover. The authors are forthright and its content: “This book is a truthful accounting of our travels, and so includes our sometimes excessive drinking, low-grade misogyny, and salty language.” So, it has some F bombs and jokes about strippers from middle aged men acting like frat boys mixed with hard economic data and studies. The style makes for very easy and enjoyable reading. It’s the funnest economic book I’ve read, though that is a low bar to clear since most great economic books are dry academics.
The nerd in me would love to have a book club to discuss the content and specifically the ideas with which I don’t agree. The authors are hardcore libertarians with a strong belief that free markets solve everything. They are open borders, always anti-tariff, and anti-trade embargoes. IMO, those positions ignore the pitfalls of the dark side of human nature. Open borders when the neighboring country is run by violent criminal gangs may bring workers in to fill market need, but it also brings crime and violence. Lifting trade embargoes with Cuba may bring some market reforms, but can it bring freedom? The experience in China suggest it would likely result in wealthier people who are still oppressed and lack political and religious freedom.
Highly recommend the book for anyone interested in a view into the life of other economies.
The nerd in me would love to have a book club to discuss the content and specifically the ideas with which I don’t agree. The authors are hardcore libertarians with a strong belief that free markets solve everything. They are open borders, always anti-tariff, and anti-trade embargoes. IMO, those positions ignore the pitfalls of the dark side of human nature. Open borders when the neighboring country is run by violent criminal gangs may bring workers in to fill market need, but it also brings crime and violence. Lifting trade embargoes with Cuba may bring some market reforms, but can it bring freedom? The experience in China suggest it would likely result in wealthier people who are still oppressed and lack political and religious freedom.
Highly recommend the book for anyone interested in a view into the life of other economies.
June 3, 2020
Well let’s start with the fact that in this mercifully short book, the authors, more than once, peddle the myth that Hitler was a socialist to fit their theories that all socialists are evil while capitalist systems, moved perhaps by the invisible hand is beyond reproach and filled with only those determined to promote wealth and liberty for all. Or move to the first chapter about Venezuela where they provide figures for the country’s economic decline over a 50 year period, while recognizing that the move to socialism started only twenty years ago.
I wouldn’t accuse these men of being stupid, but I would say they were being disingenuous to an extreme. They present their own definition of socialism as being the means of production controlled by the state (no, the people actually) and the abolition of private property 9nope, not that either). Those young fools who claim to be socialists, but don’t wholeheartedly agree with the extreme version of this single and incorrect definition should be pitied.
Before going further I should also say I am a Professor of business also, with a strong belief in the capitalist system. This book however does more to harm than rather than help the arguments it is supposedly trying to make.
Oh and as for the publishers claims that this is a humorous travelogue with two lovable laid back all American dudes, no that’s just another disingenuous attempt to sell a thin tea-party infused screed by two boring old farts who bragging of their alcohol consumption.
I wouldn’t accuse these men of being stupid, but I would say they were being disingenuous to an extreme. They present their own definition of socialism as being the means of production controlled by the state (no, the people actually) and the abolition of private property 9nope, not that either). Those young fools who claim to be socialists, but don’t wholeheartedly agree with the extreme version of this single and incorrect definition should be pitied.
Before going further I should also say I am a Professor of business also, with a strong belief in the capitalist system. This book however does more to harm than rather than help the arguments it is supposedly trying to make.
Oh and as for the publishers claims that this is a humorous travelogue with two lovable laid back all American dudes, no that’s just another disingenuous attempt to sell a thin tea-party infused screed by two boring old farts who bragging of their alcohol consumption.
March 16, 2021
I have mixed feelings about this. Despite the warning in the introduction that this is not a book for "woke" (aka easily offended) people, I enjoyed reading it. It's not "unwoke" for authors who claim not to know what "woke" really means. The style was easy to comprehend, and who doesn't like a good traveling story. Especially during the pandemic being stuck home.
However, when talking about the economy I think, it avoided most of the hard questions and didn't make particularly strong arguments for capitalism. It did show that full-on socialism sucks. But the authors seemed to imply that they also proved that just because full-on socialism sucks, it means that full-on libertarian capitalism is automatically the best alternative - which is just a logical fallacy.
Also, they kind of assume that the abstract concept of economical freedom is a goal in itself rather than talking about how economical freedom affects people's lives, environment, etc. If they would touch the question of people's lives under libertarian capitalism vs. social democracy (capitalism with a bigger welfare state), their arguments would come under scrutiny, and the book would have to be much longer.
Altogether, I think, it's not a bad read but it has to be taken for what it is - a book about different countries, a collection of anecdotes, and a little laugh on how badly people sometimes understand definitions of economical terms. You shouldn't expect it to give you strong arguments against socialist policies or for libertarian ones.
However, when talking about the economy I think, it avoided most of the hard questions and didn't make particularly strong arguments for capitalism. It did show that full-on socialism sucks. But the authors seemed to imply that they also proved that just because full-on socialism sucks, it means that full-on libertarian capitalism is automatically the best alternative - which is just a logical fallacy.
Also, they kind of assume that the abstract concept of economical freedom is a goal in itself rather than talking about how economical freedom affects people's lives, environment, etc. If they would touch the question of people's lives under libertarian capitalism vs. social democracy (capitalism with a bigger welfare state), their arguments would come under scrutiny, and the book would have to be much longer.
Altogether, I think, it's not a bad read but it has to be taken for what it is - a book about different countries, a collection of anecdotes, and a little laugh on how badly people sometimes understand definitions of economical terms. You shouldn't expect it to give you strong arguments against socialist policies or for libertarian ones.
September 10, 2019
Fun little book. It's a nice blend of experience, theory, and history. Two main themes run throughout this book, first, socialism is a particular thing whose meaning has been lost (the authors try to carefully refocus that meaning: Sweden isn't socialist and Venezuela is, for example), second, the more toward the capitalist side of the spectrum the better the beer (okay, not beer specifically, just wealth and choices, which happens to impact beer).
Anyone can travel to a socialist country and develop any narrative they want. It's easy. As a matter of fact, in the chapter titled "Conclusion: Back in the USSA" the authors write of a socialist lecturer who made the argument that Venezuela's downfall is the fault of capitalism. Capitalism! Nevermind the fact that the likes of Sean Penn, Bernie, and Co. had been cheering on the very Venezuelan socialism that predictably led to its current demise. Apparently for socialists, when their ideas hit the fan, it's not the type of socialism they advocated, actually, it's not even socialism at all.
So, in order to steer clear of this opinion-based rhetoric (aka, newspeak), the authors expertly weave economic theory (often referring to the likes of Mises) and history into their narrative, giving powerful explanation to their experiences--transcending mere opinion.
Anyone can travel to a socialist country and develop any narrative they want. It's easy. As a matter of fact, in the chapter titled "Conclusion: Back in the USSA" the authors write of a socialist lecturer who made the argument that Venezuela's downfall is the fault of capitalism. Capitalism! Nevermind the fact that the likes of Sean Penn, Bernie, and Co. had been cheering on the very Venezuelan socialism that predictably led to its current demise. Apparently for socialists, when their ideas hit the fan, it's not the type of socialism they advocated, actually, it's not even socialism at all.
So, in order to steer clear of this opinion-based rhetoric (aka, newspeak), the authors expertly weave economic theory (often referring to the likes of Mises) and history into their narrative, giving powerful explanation to their experiences--transcending mere opinion.
February 4, 2020
Treating a serious subject through the lens of drinking beer was quite fun. I find it often helps to study a subject from a concrete example and use that to extrapolate and learn the general principle from that. These guys have taken that exact approach with this book and show how socialism (defined as the collective control by government of the means of production) has limited supply and quality of goods (beer in this case) and created, at the same time, scarcity. In other words, it's hard to find beer, and when you do, it's likely to suck and you'll have few choices.
What I would have liked to have seen in this book was treatment of collective control by government of the right to purchase (as opposed to means of production), as by creating only a single buyer of a resource (health care for instance), I suspect we are really creating the same problem from the other end of the equation. Sadly, this wasn't even mentioned.
I especially liked the treatment of not just the free exchange of goods and services, but also the free movement of people across borders. This economic lens applied to immigration was quite helpful.
What I would have liked to have seen in this book was treatment of collective control by government of the right to purchase (as opposed to means of production), as by creating only a single buyer of a resource (health care for instance), I suspect we are really creating the same problem from the other end of the equation. Sadly, this wasn't even mentioned.
I especially liked the treatment of not just the free exchange of goods and services, but also the free movement of people across borders. This economic lens applied to immigration was quite helpful.
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