Congress Formally Denounces Socialism, Citing Historical Atrocities and 100 Million Deaths

This concurrent resolution, which is essentially Congress putting its official opinion on the record, is a strong, formal condemnation of socialism. It doesn't create new laws or change regulations; instead, it serves as a philosophical statement, laying out a case against socialist ideology by pointing to historical outcomes.

The resolution argues that throughout history, the concentration of power inherent in socialism has repeatedly led to totalitarian regimes, economic collapse, and massive human suffering. It claims that socialist regimes, from Lenin to Mao to the Kim dynasty, have been responsible for the deaths of over 100 million people worldwide through mass murder, famine (like the Holodomor in Ukraine and the Great Leap Forward in China), and political purges. The text specifically calls out the expropriation of property in Cuba and the current economic collapse in Venezuela as modern examples of failure.

The Historical Case Against Collective Ownership

To make its point, the resolution relies heavily on specific, dark historical examples. For instance, it notes that the Bolshevik Revolution led to millions of deaths and that the Soviet gulag system imprisoned 10 million people. It cites the estimated 15 to 55 million deaths from starvation during China’s Great Leap Forward. The core message here is that when power and property are centralized, the results are catastrophic, linking these outcomes directly to the ideology of socialism.

This historical condemnation is then contrasted with the founding principles of the United States. The resolution quotes Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, emphasizing the American belief in individual liberty and the sanctity of private property. The argument is that the U.S. system is fundamentally opposed to the collectivistic nature of socialism, stating that government should not arbitrarily seize the safety or property of one group to benefit another. For the average person, this part of the resolution frames the debate as a choice between individual economic freedom and centralized control.

Why a Resolution Matters to You

Since this is a concurrent resolution, it has zero legal power. It won't raise your taxes, change your 401k, or open a new government office. However, it’s a powerful political signal. Congress is officially staking out a position that strongly rejects socialist policies in every form. For those who advocate for policies like Medicare for All, expanded social safety nets, or increased regulation—policies that are often labeled "socialist" by opponents—this resolution serves as a formal legislative barrier and talking point against them.

In practical terms, it clarifies the philosophical battle lines in Washington. If you’re someone who supports free-market capitalism, this resolution validates your position. If you lean toward democratic socialism or support policies that involve greater government control over certain sectors, this resolution is a formal statement from a legislative body that your ideas are historically dangerous. While it changes nothing on the ground today, it sets the stage for future legislative debates, ensuring that the historical consequences cited here will be used to frame—and potentially shut down—any discussion of policies that opponents can plausibly label as moving toward "socialism."