Thursday, January 29, 2009

Democratic Socialism

Wow, it seems like the word Socialism is in the media. And it seems that many still have no clue what it is. There are many varieties of Socialism (similar to religious denomination) which can make matters confusing. I essence Democratic Socialists, (Social Democrats) define that what we wish to achieve is a Fair and equitable system of government.Wealth is created through both physical and mental labor by working people. Moreover, all creation of wealth in modern society is a collective and cooperative effort The capitalist distribution of wealth, however, pays little attention to these realities. Wealth is concentrated in the hands of the few rather than in the hands of the many who created it. Socialism isn't about high taxes or loss of personal property.One person can say they takes risks to go into businesses, yet it is th laborers who earn that wealth. There is an ever increasing - and entirely unjustified - gap between rich and poor. Socialism aims to correct this crucial problem. It aims to reduce the gap between rich and poor as much as possible and give workers more control over their own work and the wealth they create. Socialism favors an active, responsible state that owns and manages vital services (water, gas, electricity, public transport, etc.) for the benefit of the people, that guides the economy to serve the needs of the many rather than the profits of the few, and that guarantees a better standard of living including, free health care, education, and a universal income, and more. •Of course these are socialist values: Sovereignty of the people. •Government based upon consent of the governed. •Majority rule. •Minority rights. •Guarantee of basic human rights. •Free and fair elections. •Equality before the law. •Due process of law. •Constitutional limits on government. •Social, economic, and political pluralism. •Values of tolerance, pragmatism, cooperation, and compromiseYou understand, socialism isn’t about laziness, handouts, accommodating irresponsibility. We realize our Capitalist culture vilifies socialism because of its fear. We expose the system for what it really is and we choose a higher path.We do not see these values as being week, we see them as strengths in personhood. Capitalism see people as a means to an end as exploitation for profit, Socialism see people as human beings and wishes to free them.The Arts. Economic growth, and enlightenment have come out of Socialism.Eugene V Debs, Socialist Party of America founder and Presidential candidate said, “I am a Socialist, because I am for Humanity.” The Socialist Party of America was once America’s third party. Out side of the Whigs, the SPA was the first Third Party to garner over one million votes.One writer even calls the SPA the most influential party in America. We have to remember, The Public Library, Post Office, and Social Security are all socialist ideas.Do we have Socialism in America? Yes and no. The New Deal and Great Society was loosely based on Socialist principals. When Norman Thomas, five times presidential candidate was asked how he felt about the Democrats brining in his programs he replied that they brought them in coffin.But he also said, The Democrats are capable of brining in and entire socialist program with out using the word, we may have socialism.I somehow doubt it. As long as there are only two Parties, that may become impossible.However I wish Barak Obama the best of luck. He seems to be the best thing we have had in America in decades. Lets hope we get something better than we gotten in the past.

2 comments:

  1. Your doing a great job. I am really fan of your posts. Thanks..

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  2. I want to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post.

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