Cross Roads Podcast News - The Truth About Communism: What It Is, What History Shows, and Why Many Americans Oppose It!

Communism is one of those words that can end a conversation fast, mostly because people use it to mean five different things at once. We slow it down and define communism clearly, starting with Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, the claim of a classless society, and the promise of distributing wealth “according to need.” Then we put the theory under pressure: what kind of government power is required to make that system work, and what tends to happen to speech, religion, private property, and dissent when the state controls the economy.

We also untangle socialism vs communism, because those labels get thrown around in American politics without much precision. We talk about socialism as a broad range of policies inside market economies, from public services to government-funded programs, and why that’s not the same thing as abolishing private ownership. If you care about debates over health care, education, taxes, welfare programs, and regulation, these definitions matter more than the slogans.

History makes the stakes real. We touch the Soviet Union, Mao-era China, Cuba, and North Korea, then spend time on a firsthand account of Romania under Nicolae Ceausescu: food lines, rationing, electricity and heat shutoffs, fuel limits, and the fear that came with speaking openly, practicing faith, or even joking about the regime. From there, we zoom back out to capitalism and its critics, asking what system best balances freedom, prosperity, opportunity, and accountability.

If this conversation helps you think more clearly, subscribe, share the show with a friend, and leave us a review so more people can find Crossroads Podcast News.

*Faith in Action - A Publication of Faith & Freedom Coalition, June 2026. "Here's What Happens If Democrats Win Control of Congress on November 3rd."

Transcript

Welcome And Ground Rules

Steven Killfoil 1:06

Good morning, Cross Roads. Welcome to Cross Roads Podcast News. I'm Steven Killfoil.

Mady Killfoil 1:13

And I'm Mady Killfoil. Thanks for joining us today as we tackle a topic that has generated debate for more than a century. Communism, socialism, capitalism, and what these systems actually mean.

Steven Killfoil 1:30

Now, before anyone starts sending us strongly worded emails written entirely in capital letters,

Mady Killfoil 1:37

which by the way are always the most polite emails. Yeah.

Steven Killfoil 1:41

Today's goal isn't to shout, it's to learn. We're going to discuss what communism is, where it came from, what happened when countries tried it, and why Americans remain deeply skeptical of it.

Mady Killfoil 1:57

And we'll leave a little room for humor, because if you are discussing political theories for 25 minutes, you're going to need it.

What Communism Claims To Be

Steven Killfoil 2:07

So what is communism? Let's start with the basics. Communism is a political and economic theory mostly famously associated with Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels.

Mady Killfoil 2:21

Marx and Engels argued that society was divided into classes. They believed workers were being exploited by those who own businesses and properties.

Steven Killfoil 2:45

Their solution was a revolutionary system where private ownership of major industries would be abolished and the means of production would be collectively owned.

Mady Killfoil 2:45

In theory, communism aims for a classless society where wealth is distributed according to need.

Steven Killfoil 2:55

Now that sounds appealing to some people on paper. The idea of eliminating poverty and inequality can certainly sound attractive.

Mady Killfoil 3:05

The challenge comes when theory meets reality.

Socialism Compared With Communism

Steven Killfoil 3:09

What is socialism? Now let's talk about socialism because people often use socialism and communism interchangeably.

Mady Killfoil 3:19

They are related but not identical.

Steven Killfoil 3:23

Socialism generally involves greater government control or ownership of certain industries and a larger role in redistributing wealth through taxes and social programs.

Mady Killfoil 3:36

Many more countries have elements of socialism mixed with market economies.

Steven Killfoil 3:43

Roads, public schools, fire departments, and some government-funded healthcare systems are examples often cited.

Mady Killfoil 3:53

So when people discuss socialism, they are often talking about a very broad range of policies rather than a single system.

Romania’s “Socialist Republic” Reality

Mady Killfoil 4:02

My country of origin, Romania, was called before 1989 the Socialist Republic of Romania, and the government was a communist dictatorship. The power was in the hands of a few people, part of the government that were rich, and the rest of the people were at the edge of poverty and had to obey the laws that the government and the President Nikolai Ceausescu set in place. We had no rights but the right to work for the government. In the mid-1980s, Ceausescu decided to pay off the whole external debt. This is when the real poverty and dictatorship started. Everything that Romania was producing was exported to be able for the country to make money and pay the debt off. Socialism is just a step before communism.

Why Americans Reject Communism

Steven Killfoil 5:01

Now, why many Americans oppose communism? One reason many Americans oppose communism is the belief in individual liberty.

Mady Killfoil 5:11

The United States was founded on principles that emphasize individual rights, private property, religious freedom, and limited government.

Steven Killfoil 5:25

Critics argue that communist governments have historically required extensive government control to implement their policies.

Mady Killfoil 5:34

And that often led to restrictions on speech, religion, political opposition, and private enterprise.

Steven Killfoil 5:42

Many Americans worry that concentrating too much power in the government creates opportunities for abuse.

Mady Killfoil 5:50

As the old saying goes, if one person has all the answers, maybe don't let them also control the grocery store.

Soviet China Cuba North Korea

Steven Killfoil 6:04

 Especially if they've never balanced a checkbook.

Mady Killfoil 6:04

Yeah, that's true.

Steven Killfoil 6:05

So here are some historical examples. When people criticize communism, they're usually looking at historical examples like the Soviet Union.

Mady Killfoil 6:16

The Soviet Union attempted to build a communist society throughout much of the 20th century.

Steven Killfoil 6:23

While the country achieved industrial growth and military power, it also experienced political repression, censorship, shortages, and widespread human rights abuses. Now let's talk about China under Mao.

Mady Killfoil 6:41

China's great leap forward and cultural revolution are often cited as examples of policies that contributed to enormous suffering and loss of life.

Steven Killfoil 6:54

And Cuba supporters point to improvements in literacy and health care.

Mady Killfoil 7:00

Critics point to economic struggles, limited political freedoms, and restrictions on dissent.

Steven Killfoil 7:08

Now let's talk about North Korea. North Korea remains one of the most isolated and authoritarian nations in the world.

Mady Killfoil 7:18

And if your government has to tell you which haircut you are allowed to have, that might be a sign things have gone a little too far.

Steven Killfoil 7:28

Just a little. Yeah,

Rationing Heat Cuts And Fear

Steven Killfoil 7:30

right. Now, what about Romania under Nikolai Ceausescu?

Mady Killfoil 7:34

Some fellow Americans think communism is the future. Well, let me tell you what to expect. Before 1989, we had to stay in line, overnight, register our names on a list that was called out every three hours to be able to get a small quantity of skinny chickens and some deli meats. Starting with 8 p.m., the heat through the cast iron heaters in all the apartments was off until the next morning at 6 a.m. Because people were going back to work, when it will come back on for two hours. Then it was turned off again until 2 p.m. when people were coming back from work. When it will come back on until 8 p.m. And this was an unending cycle.

Steven Killfoil 8:31

So what did you do to keep warm?

Mady Killfoil 8:34

We had the stove burners and the the oven on until we went to bed and then just put one more blanket on. This is what Chaoscu said. Put one more blanket on you so you can keep warm. You don't need the heat. Many people died during below zero temperatures in the winter. I forgot to mention that at 10 p.m. the electricity was turned off also until the next morning around 5-6 a.m. when, like I said, people will start going to work. So we couldn't use even a space heater during the night. The gas for the car was rationed. You were allowed just 25 liters, 6.6 gallons per month per car. We were not allowed to own an apartment or a house, any gold without the stamp of Romanian National Bank or any foreign currency. We were not allowed to talk about our Orthodox religion, God or Jesus, or go to the church. You were not allowed to have a Bible in your home. My father had to hid ours. If you talked bad about the regime or the government, or you made a joke, you were arrested by the security police and either thrown in jail for life or sent to the channel Danube Black Sea for hard labor. The priests that were outspoken about God and faith were all arrested and sent to the channel. Our basic foods were potatoes, beans, rice, and any other vegetables you could find at the farmer's market. Maybe this is why I'm not a fan of Mexican food that just involves beans and rice. I had bananas, oranges, or mandarins only for Christmas after staying in line for hours in the freezing cold. The oils used for cooking were sunflower oil and corn oil, and we were allowed just half a liter per person per month, half a kilo of flour per person per month, ten eggs per person per month, and one bread per person per day. So you could eat as much bread as your heart desired. Different types of fish were the only things that were free. Maybe other countries had it even worse. But now, after hearing all this, you guys out there that still think that socialism slash communism is the future, then you should move to one of the countries that are still communist out there and experience it firsthand. See how you like it.

Steven Killfoil 11:40

Winters were bad. What about summertime?

Mady Killfoil 11:43

The summers were hot and we did not have any any air conditioning, not even an electric fan. And even if we would have had a fan, we didn't not have electricity to run one. The cars were allowed to be driven every other Sunday depending on the plate number. One Sunday plates ending in odd numbers, the next Sunday ending in even numbers. Now you tell me, is this how you want to leave?

Steven Killfoil 12:15

Heavens no!

Partisan Warnings And Voting Message

Steven Killfoil 12:17

It seems New York, however, is going that direction as Zoran Mamdani wants to transform the whole city into a Muslim socialist city. That is why so many Yankees are fleeing to Texas and Florida. They want nothing to do with communism. Now, I received in the mail just the other day my faith in action newsletter, and this is what the top headline says. Here's what happens if Democrats win control of Congress on November 3rd. So this is why it's very important for you all to get out and vote. The right way. The right way, yes. Here's what the Democrats are saying. They said publicly if the Democrats win control of Congress on November 3rd, we promise to impeach President Trump on day one. If the Democrats win control of Congress, this effectively ends the Trump presidency and paves the way for the radical left Democrats to win back the presidency in 2028. If the Democrats win back the presidency, they will never, ever give up the power. Here's what they will promise to do immediately. Award themselves four new senators by turning the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico into states. Eliminate the Senate filibuster so they can enact their entire radical left agenda with a simple majority vote instead of the 60 votes now required for the Senate to pass legislation. They'll reopen the border with tens and millions of migrants from third world countries to create tens of millions of brand new voters for Democrats and for socialism and for communism. So a conservative can never win a presidency again. They will launch scorched earth law affair against President Trump's supporters, expand the number of Supreme Court justices from nine to thirteen so Democrats can pack the Supreme Court with a supermajority of radical left activist judges. Enact the mass mail out mail-in ballot nationwide to guarantee nationwide ballot harvesting, election cheating, and voter fraud, ending all free speech in America, to include requiring big tech platforms to deplatform conservatives, and pressuring banks and financial institutions to debank and deny services to conservatives. This is not theoretical, people. This was stated. Mr. Schiff got up and howlered at the top of his lungs that this is what their plan is publicly. So this is why we can never, ever vote for another Democratic Party member in any state, in any position of government, anywhere in the whole of the United States ever again. Because we can never allow them to get back into power and corrupt and steal our tax dollars to their own muse like they have been doing for the last 25-30 years. It stops now. Vote conservative. Do not allow the Democrats ever to get back into power. Definitely.

Sponsor Message And Holiday Bit

Steven Killfoil 15:45

And now a word from our sponsors.

Mady Killfoil 15:48

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Steven Killfoil 15:54

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Mady Killfoil 15:59

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Steven Killfoil 16:05

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Mady Killfoil 16:13

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Steven Killfoil 16:16

And speaking of things that make people happy.

Mady Killfoil 16:19

Christmas?

Steven Killfoil 16:19

Exactly! The Santa Steven is now booking appearances.

Bing Crosby and Singers 16:37

You better watch out you better not cry you better not pout I'm telling you why. Why? Santa Claus is coming to town. Gather round. He's making a list. Checking it twice. He's gonna find out who's naughty and nice. Santa Claus is coming to town. He sees you when you're sleeping. He knows when you're awake. He knows if you've been mad and good. Don't be good for goodness sake. You better watch out. You better not cry. You better not pout I'm telling you why. Santa Claus is coming to town. Little tin horns, little toy drums. Rooty toot toot and rummy tum tum. Santa Claus is coming to town. And curly head dolls, that toddle and coo, elephant boats and kiddy cars too. Santa Claus is coming to town. The kids in girls and boy land will have a jubilee. Their gonna build a toyland town, all around the Christmas tree. You better watch out! You better not cry. You better not pout. I'm telling you why. Santa Claus is coming to town. The big fat man with a long white beard. He's coming to town.

Mady Killfoil 18:12

Whether you are planning a corporate event, tree lighting, community gathering, family celebration, or holiday party.

Steven Killfoil 18:20

The Santa Steven brings authentic Christmas magic to every event.

Mady Killfoil 18:26

Because it's never too early to start planning Christmas.

Steven Killfoil 18:30

Well, unless it's Christmas Day, then technically you're late.

Mady Killfoil 18:35

Details, Steven, details.

Steven Killfoil 18:38

To book your time with the Santa Steven, go to www.gigsalad.com/ the_ Santa_ Steven_ Aubrey and book him on your calendar today before his calendar fills up.

Capitalism Critiques And Tradeoffs

Steven Killfoil 18:58

Now let's talk a little bit about capitalism and its critics.

Mady Killfoil 19:02

Supporters praise capitalism for innovation, entrepreneurship, competition, and economic growth.

Steven Killfoil 19:12

But critics point to income inequality, corporate influence, and concerns about monopolies.

Mady Killfoil 19:20

Every economic system has strengths and weaknesses.

Steven Killfoil 19:25

The question becomes which system best balances freedom, prosperity, opportunity, and accountability.

Mady Killfoil 19:33

Why Definitions Still Matter

Mady Killfoil 19:34

Okay, let's talk about why this debate still s still matters. Many of today's political debates involve questions about how much government involvement should exist in health care, education, business regulation, taxation, and welfare programs.

Steven Killfoil 19:55

That's why understanding the differences between communism, socialism, and capitalism remains important.

Mady Killfoil 20:03

People often use these labels without clearly defining them.

Steven Killfoil 20:08

And when definitions disappear, productive conversations usually disappear right along with them.

Mady Killfoil 20:15

Usually right after somebody starts yelling on social media. Oh, don't you hate that?

Steven Killfoil 20:21

I do. The international symbol for I have lost this argument.

Mady Killfoil 20:26

Well, whether you agree or disagree with any political philosophy, understanding history helps you make informed decisions.

Steven Killfoil 20:36

Study the ideas, study the outcomes, study the facts.

Mady Killfoil 20:41

Ask questions,

Steven Killfoil 20:43

think critically.

Mady Killfoil 20:44

And don't rely exclusively on headlines or memes. No, no.

Steven Killfoil 20:50

Especially the memes that get created by someone's cousin at 2 a.m.

Mady Killfoil 20:54

Oh, definitely not.

Closing Thoughts And Subscribe

Mady Killfoil 20:56

Okay, folks, thank you for joining us for another edition of Crossroads Podcast News.

Steven Killfoil 21:03

We hope today's discussion encouraged you to learn more about economic systems, government, and the role citizens play in shaping the future.

Mady Killfoil 21:13

If you enjoyed today's episode, please like, subscribe, and share it with friends and family.

Steven Killfoil 21:19

I'm Steven Killfoil.

Mady Killfoil 21:21

I'm Mady Killfoil.

Both Steven and Mady 21:23

Until next time, we'll see you at the top on Cross Roads Podcast News. Bye-bye. Bye-bye.

Steven Killfoil 21:36

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