We Really Want Socialism?

According to a new Rassmussen poll only 53% prefer capitalism to socialism.  Are we nuts?

We continue to move toward a society that is of the opinion that someone should take care of us.  Government is more than willing to fill that role.  Here’s a thought - grow up and take care of yourself.  First, why do you deserve to have someone take care of you?  Secondly, why would you want to live that way? 

Is this the mindset that made America the greatest nation on earth?  Lets all line up and get our handout from the government.  Free healthcare, free housing, free education, free food, its all good as long as someone else is paying for it.  Problem is there are less and less people paying for it.  Approximately 50% of the people in the US do not pay any income taxes.  The other 50% are paying an increasingly larger amount so that the government can take care of us. 

The founding fathers never envisioned this.  They spoke of a country of opportunity, not a perpetual Christmas.  They saw a nation where you could make something of yourself, not sit back and wait for the delivery of your check.  They envisioned a land where hard work was rewarded, not punished and taxed. 

As those who work hard for what they have continue to carry the burden and their successes not only taxed but even vilified by the pols, press and the people, what incentive will they have to succeed?  When they stop succeeding who will pick up the tab for the handouts?

Capitalism has led to some of the greatest inventions and discoveries in history.  Socialist countries are a drain on the world, not a contributor.  Great strides in medicine, technology, other sciences and industry have come about from a system of capitalism that encourages people to succeed.  Once that incentive and accompanying resources are removed the quantity and quality of great discoveries decreases.

How have we failed so in educating our nation’s citizenry of these facts, borne out in history?