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In reply to the discussion: Taxes on the wealthy, even "socialism". These are arguments we can and will win. [View all]ooky
(8,922 posts)11. Excellent OP.
To win the argument on "socialism" I think this point that you made is key:
"In theory, it shouldn't matter how "socialism" polls, because likening a 70% top marginal tax rate or investments in clean energy to a state-run economy is absurd on its face. But it's been that word (and "communism" ) that right-wingers have used for decades to keep down popular ideas like these."
Indeed, a significant block of voters exists who don't understand the difference between examples of good socialist programs vs. socialism as a form of government. They believe that someone who proposes any kind of tax and spending program is motivated to go full communist and turn the country into "Venezuela" or the old "USSR" or "Cuba". We all hear this over and over again on right wing media and social networking. These voters who fall for that don't have a fundamental understanding that we are already a mixed economy. And that's a problem as Republicans harness this ignorance to keep the votes coming their way. They want their voters to think "boogeyman" just from hearing the term "socialism".
And as absurd as it is, I don't think we really win the socialism argument without finding an effective way of changing this false paradigm. Not as long as that voting block is large enough to swing elections.
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Taxes on the wealthy, even "socialism". These are arguments we can and will win. [View all]
DanTex
Feb 2019
OP
I was expecting a link at the bottom it's so professionally-written ... well-done my friend (nt)
mr_lebowski
Feb 2019
#1
Use the term Democratic Socialism to get rid of the baggage on the term Socialism
onit2day
Feb 2019
#9
Good article. I am tired of paying a hidden tax, that is, the tax that supports these ...
SWBTATTReg
Feb 2019
#6
Isn't it funny these billionaires want everything rolled back , EPA standards, workers rights,more
duforsure
Feb 2019
#7
Baby boomer feed GOP is still using Soviet Union as an example of socialism to a generation born
Johonny
Feb 2019
#8
Reps love to quote Adam Smith's "invisible hand" but Smith wrote capitalism requires a tiered tax.
TheBlackAdder
Feb 2019
#13
FDR saved capitalism through robust social spending and giving Labor more rights
Yavin4
Feb 2019
#14
I always ask "are YOU ready to write the checks for your parents that Medicare has been writing?"
oldsoftie
Feb 2019
#19
A 70% rate is still not going to raise nearly the amount of money to support new programs.
oldsoftie
Feb 2019
#18
No worries at all!! I totally appreciate your expansion of thoughts regarding Bernie and all
bullwinkle428
Feb 2019
#25