"Petrilli: Of course, not everyone is happy with this line of argument. The socialists, for example, detest it." And Jim Horn: "it is clear that he has joined those who have chosen to use their 'no excuses' tough talk as the ultimate excuse to ignore poverty." No, to both of them. As a socialist, let me explain. Socialism, as I see it, is a philosophy of personal empowerment. Of ensuring each person has the means to chart his or her own course in life. That's why we oppose oppression and inequality. But it's not paternalistic. It's not a philosophy that says, "we will lift you out of poverty" (no more than it is a philosophy that says "we will educate you for your own good"). I spend as much time in my own talks and writings telling people not to act so helpless, not to meekly submit to authority and intimidation, to grasp their own future in their own hands and make something of themselves. You can't be passive. Freedom belongs only to those who act free; empowerment belongs only to those who take power.
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