sincere question about public campaigning for socialist progressives

[steve2470]

I'm really NOT asking this question to be a troll or stir shit. Honest. I think my track record is very good for that.

What sort of reactions do you get when you publicly campaign, distribute literature, set up tables, that sort of thing ? My guess...and it's only a guess...is that here in Florida, you would get threatened with bodily violence. Seriously. Not by everyone of course, but at least one guy would. Guaranteed. For the record, I think the US needs to morph into our version of Sweden. Maybe one day, huh ?

Honest, I'm only curious. If this thread causes disruption, I will be happy to self delete.


Steve

[Bragi]

1. I'm interested too /nt

:kick

[TBF]

2. I'd likely get guns pointed at me

here in TX ...

but I digress.

A socialist just won a local office in Seattle (it's a few threads down so you can read about that).

We have some members active in unions so they may be able to share some of their experiences.

No problem with asking an honest question afaic - welcome.


I will tell you personally that I'd like to see a morph into Sweden as well. That would be a good start. I fear a revolution in this country because I think it would be fascist quickly. But who knows, there are a lot of people out there who are really hurting.

[socialist_n_TN]

3. Well, I'm here in the buckle of the Bible Belt and surprisingly enough.....

I haven't gotten too much grief. Of course I deal mostly with people in organized labor, specifically the UAW at this time. And if it's not labor, it's social issue groups that are left reformist and appreciate the support from just about anybody.

I'm sure it's coming though. I expect it at some point and some of my Democratic friends are VERY nervous about being around me and talking about politics when there are strangers about.

[Starry Messenger]

4. It does kind of depend on circumstances.

There are lots of places where people are very welcoming, but you have to be mindful in other places.

Usually you can take cues from what and how the local labor movement is doing. If there is a risk that unions will be red-baited, it's probably better to be discreet and build up relationships before being too "out".

[2banon]

5. No problem in that regard here in the Bay Area, socially speaking.

I was born and raised in the South, but that was ages and ages ago. I left in 1969 vowing never to return based on socio-political reasons largely. Headed to California, ended up here SF Bay area where I've been firmly planted for several decades. Culturally this area has a very strong left/socialist/progressive 'climate'.

However, that hasn't translated to political officialdom due in part to significant Corporate power and financial influence over a swath of paid off politicians.

So essentially the 1% rules here pretty much as just about anywhere else..

If I lived in the South today, I'm not sure I'd feel comfortable waving the socialist flag much, figuratively speaking. I think I'd just press for progress on specific issues concerning the 99% .. Especially in the south.

I'm certain the only reason why my perspective early in life was anathema to the "Southern Man" back in the day, was because I was exposed to different cultures, and world view perspectives due to the fact that my father was in the military. Which was a problem too during the VietNam War, but there you have it.

[joshcryer]

6. I regularly told people I was a socialist while canvasing for MJ in CO.

I never got a negative opinion, however, I did stay to the poorer areas of town where my activism would have the most likely impact.

I did find it unusual when people asked: "Do are you a Libertarian? Democrat?"

My reply would be: "I'm a libertarian socialist, but you can consider me a socialist if that doesn't bother you. Both Libertarians and Democrats support legalization, though, so it's all cool."

When I canvased and took people to the polls in 2008 no one asked my affiliation (at the time a Democrat), I guess because I kept my opinion out of it they didn't care.

The only time I have ever been crapped on as a socialist was when I supported direct action and others did not.