Winston Churchill once explained that “Socialism is the philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy.” Colonel Allen West begins his commentary on the “Gospel of Envy” with that quote. He persuasively argues that Marxism at its heart is an ideology of envy. It also is a “philosophy of failure because you cannot make an entire society equal; you end up retarding individual advancement, achievement, and entrepreneurial spirit.”

Socialism fails because it naively assumes that humans and government “can better determine what do to with you and your production than you.” He points to the current attempt by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani to establish stores that will put convenience stores out of business. He points to Abdul El-Sayed who is promoting government healthcare that will significantly reduce your medical choices.

We hear from the Democratic Socialists that wealthy Americans must pay their fair share. He suggested that they tell that to wealthy NBA stars. Will they ask the same of wealthy progressives who support their congressional campaigns? Will they say that to movie stars and entertainers? Or should actors work for free? Should musicians let Americans hear their songs for free?

He warns that we should not fall for the gospel of envy. Neither should we fall prey to the creed of ignorance. And that comment leads to his concern that most students have never been educated about economics and the dangers of socialism.

Colonel West’s commentary is a reminder that the push for socialism today comes from the heart (a spirit of envy) and from the head (a creed of ignorance). This is our challenge during this election season.