Modern capitalism is turning 250, too. We need to remind Americans why it’s important

Adam Smith’s "The Wealth of Nations" is turning 250 this year.

It is, perhaps, not completely coincidental that this original capitalist tome was first published in 1776 — the same year the Declaration of Independence was written and signed to free this nation from British subjugation of the people’s rights, including their right to commerce.

One of the grievances listed against King George III in the Declaration of Independence was: "For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world." And many of the taxes, restrictions on trade and more from the British at the time — things that led to the Boston Tea Party and the American Revolution — were government actions and restrictions "The Wealth of Nations" argued against.

For these reasons, it is an oversight of Republican Party leadership that this telling anniversary was not mentioned in the 250th celebrations of the signing of the Declaration.

DEMOCRATS' SOCIALIST SURGE PROVES AMERICA'S 250-YEAR FIGHT FOR FREEDOM ISN'T OVER We are, after all, now in a moment of history when many of the youth in our elite universities, along with their professors, are openly flirting with socialism.

And it isn’t just the universities.

SOCIALISM’S RISE INSIDE THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY NOW THREATENS THE AMERICAN DREAM There are now Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) members running metropolitan areas from New York City to Richmond, Calif.

The DSA currently claims around 250 members in elected government positions nationwide (mostly in local offices) and over 100,000 members. (Its newsletter literally begins with "Dear Comrades.") A lot of political commentary is understandably focused on the fact that the candidates with socialist views who recently won Democratic primaries — most notably to represent Michigan in the U.S.

Senate ( Abdul El-Sayed ) — are arguably too far left to win general elections.

WE’RE ALL MISSING THE SOCIALIST TAKEOVER THAT’S HAPPENING IN PLAIN SIGHT The trouble is, the framing here still matters.

If a far-left socialist candidate can convince a majority of voters that they are just a smiling, compassionate Mr.

Rogers type, as Zohran Mamdani did to become mayor of New York City, then they can win.

FLASHBACK: MAMDANI'S HISTORY OF DODGING QUESTIONS ABOUT WHERE HE STANDS ON KEY ISSUES When they push back, many point to the complete destruction of individual liberty and economic mobility that occurred in Cuba, Venezuela, and other places after people were seduced by socialists.

But there also needs to be a positive message to excite freedom-loving voters.