After the rise of the Soviet state from the 1917 revolution. The communist party became the only legal ruling party of the Soviet state. As time progressed it became nearly impossible to advance to any degree in Soviet Russia without belonging to the Party.
Membership in the party ultimately became a privilege, with a small subset of the general population of Party becoming an elite class or nomenklatura in Soviet society. The party and party elite enjoyed many perquisites denied to the average Soviet citizen. Such as shopping at well-stocked stores, access to foreign merchandise, preference in obtaining housing, access to dachas and holiday resorts, being allowed to travel abroad, sending their children to prestigious universities, and obtaining prestigious jobs (as well as party membership itself) for their children.
"Wow, that's really *yawn* interesting", you say. But what does that have to do with us. We live in a free country. A country founded on the principles of democracy and freedom.
Well, I was thinking today. (Never a good thing) Written into the health care reform bill (or whatever they're calling it these days) are provisions for those who have "Cadillac" health plans to be severely taxed.
Unless you belong to a union or group that the administration has approved, or has bought the administration's approval at any rate.
I have to wonder how big a step it will be to go from there to having your party affiliation checked every time you go into your doctor's office?
It does seem to me that they are already trying to set up the perks that the ruling party will enjoy.
Would de facto rationing fall not along age and productivity, but along party affiliation? What other sorts of perks would the "common man" party, the "enlightened" party vote for themselves?
