ESL Podcast 783 - Different Political Philosophies
socialist - a person who believes the government should own all the large businesses and taxes should be used to pass money from the rich to the poor
Gene is a socialist who believes that it's the government's job to take care of all of its citizens, including supplying jobs and providing healthcare.
staunch - showing strong support for someone or something
This award is given once a year to a staunch supporter of human rights.
capitalist - a person who believes most businesses should be owned by individuals and the government should not interfere very much
A true capitalist thinks the market will take care of everything, so there's little need for government action in the economy.
hands-off - without being involved
Heather wants to try an unusual, hands-off approach to parenting her three children.
taxes - money paid to the government by individuals and companies to pay for public services
When they bought their first home, they were shocked by how much they had to pay in property taxes.
citizen - a person who belongs to a particular country and can have a passport and other official documents from that country
After living in the country for three years, Lia applied to become a U.S. citizen.
communist - a person who believes the government should produce all goods and services and nothing should be owned by individuals
Friedrich Engels and Karl Marx were the first and best-known communists.
next thing I know - a phrase used to predict what might happen the future, often used sarcastically
Wow, you've been here only six months and they're already promoting you to vice-president! Next thing I know, you'll be the CEO.
revolution - a period of time and/or action taken where people protest or fight to change the government or the political system in a country
What were the main causes of the American Revolution?
to get back on (one's) feet - to become independent again, especially financially independent, after a period of time when one has had to depend on other people
When Francine lost her job last year, she had to move in with her parents and plans to live with them until she can get back on her feet again.
subject to - controlled, affected, or influenced by
All terms of this contract are subject to the laws of the State of California.
market forces - the phenomena describing how the demand and supply of goods and services work to establish prices in an economic market
Market forces ensure that with high supply and low demand, prices fall.
to put people out of work - to make people lose their job, usually because their work is no longer needed
When car manufacturers moved overseas, it put people out of work in Detroit.
to intervene - to become involved in something to try to change the results
Jared doesn't like to intervene when his children are arguing, because he believes that they should work out their problems themselves.
income earner - someone who earns money from work
Kimberly wants to stay home with her kids, but she and her husband aren't sure if the family can afford to have just one income earner.
to pass the buck - to try to make someone else responsible for the consequences of one's own actions; to blame someone else
It's your fault that this happened, so stop trying to pass the buck.
distribution of wealth - how money is shared among many people
Some people believe the current distribution of wealth is unfair and the government should do more to make sure that poor people have more money.
with me or against me - a phrase used to make someone choose between agreeing or opposing oneself
I'm going to do this whether you're with me or against me, but I'd really like to have your help.
comrade - a friend, companion, or colleague; the term traditionally used to address other people in communist societies
Comrade, everyone is counting on your participation.