Dear Ann: I am an English teacher, and my students are reading George Orwell's “1984.” I am having a difficult time explaining communism, socialism and fascism without giving a time-consuming history lesson. I recall you printed a humorous explanation these concepts using cows. Will you please print it again? I'm sure it will kick-start a lively class discussion. A Teacher in Mississippi

It’s an oldie but a goodle, Here it is:

Socialism: You have two cows. Give one cow to your neighbor.

Communism: You have two cows. Give both cows to the government, and they may give you some milk.

Fascism: You have two cows. You give all of the milk to the government, and the government sells it.

Nazism: You have two cows. The government shoots you and takes both cows.

Anarchism: You have two cows. Keep both cows, shoot the government agent and steal another cow.

Capitalism: You have two cows. Sell one, buy a bull.