America is currently experiencing what I call its 'Dr. Zhivago' moment.

Dr. Zhivago (MGM) is a 1965 film which accurately depicts the Russian revolution.

The movie is based on a 1957 novel by Boris Pasternak.

The work, which was so controversial in the Soviet Union, that it had to be smuggled out of the country so the rest of the world could read it.

Russia experienced extreme turmoil during the latter part of the 19th century, into the  1900's. Many faced antisemitism, hunger, disease, assassinations, and war.

The Bolsheviks were a small group of socialists representing approximately 23% of Russia’s voting population and were led by Marxist, Vladimir Lenin (Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov).

The Bolsheviks promised peace, collective landownership, and an end to the horrible poverty and famine destroying many.

Despite being a small minority, they took power in 1917, establishing the world's first communist state.

Unfortunately, this collective utopia never materialized.

The Russian people continued to experience terrible living conditions, inclusive of starvation. This, as the Bolshevik Party evolved into the Soviet Union.

Yes, many books have been written on the subject, but the salient point here is that a small group of revolutionaries promising collective equality actually delivered to the people further economic failure, political oppression, starvation, and death while party leaders lived like aristocrats.

Today in America, a small group of youth with little or no work experience and limited political (or any) knowledge are touting the same brand of socialism as the solution to America's problems.

Dilemmas wholly insignificant compared with the starvation, inhumane working conditions and war which once existed in Russia.

Socialism has also failed in Venezuela, Cuba, North Korea, and China.

Yet, a small group of Americans are now promoting it as a utopian ideal.

New york and Seattle have elected socialist mayors who want to dramatically alter America's economic landscape through the redistribution of affluence. 

The irony is that today's young socialists have not experienced war, famine or any type of struggle whatsoever.

Rather, they live in a world of privilege where they've never had to so much as shovel a driveway in winter, mow a lawn, wash dishes, or even begin to engage in other everyday middle-class chores, during their formative years.

Thus, many of them have no conception of hardship or struggle, so their embrace of socialism stems from a lack of work ethic along with a desire to be relevant and champion an important cause.

In his 1961 inaugural address, President John F. Kennedy – a Democrat – declared, "Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country."

This in no way is a trite slogan, it's a genuine challenge to Americans, one which has been answered consistently since the birth of our nation, long before the birth and rise of Jack Kennedy. It rightfully continues to thrive on resourcefulness and individual achievement.

Why?

Because our continued greatness will not be derived from passively receiving handouts and benefits.

Condemning success and its subsequent attainment of wealth may build short-lived political careers for the likes of Zohran Mamdani and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., but it will ultimately do nothing for the people waiting to prosper from their empty promises.

Socialist countries have erected walls and guards to prevent people from leaving, while no one has ever left America to defect to a socialist country. Movies like "Dr. Zhivago" never have a happy ending.

Again, why?

Because socialism always results in a multi-faceted tragedy.

Rob Taub has enjoyed an eclectic career in television, radio, and print journalism. He's interviewed everyone from pop stars to presidents and has written for People Magazine, Newsmax, FoxNews.com, and Huffington Post (HuffPost). He's also made more than 500 appearances as a political pundit on television. www.RobTaub.com Twitter X @robmtaub. Read more Rob Taub Insider articles — Click Here Now.