The problem with 'Socialist'

[WordsMatter]

30. You make some valid points. But,...

But even the words 'FDR Democrat' can be 'alienating' especially for those on the right (i.e. republicans). Republicans demonize FDR's Social Security and other 'social' programs as 'socialism' no matter what anyway. Do we lower ourselves to their immature level or do we educate them on the fact that the Constitution of the United States is basically a social contract administered democratically? It's all that 'We the People' part of the Constitution...

I don't know of anyone who wants 'the government to own the means of production'. I went to the DSA web site you linked to. I don't see where they or others who call themselves Democratic Socialist or believe in democratic socialism wants the government to control the means of production. They actually wrote:

'Democratic socialists do not want to create an all-powerful government bureaucracy. But we do not want big corporate bureaucracies to control our society either. Rather, we believe that social and economic decisions should be made by those whom they most affect.

I agree with that statement but would change the last sentence to reflect that we elect our representatives to vote based on our positions.

Social ownership (not the government) of enterprises, co-ops, etc, are a good thing. It is like a union of people owning and running their enterprise.

You mentioned the State. Once again, nobody wants the government to own the means of production. But in the DSA example, it does make sense for the government (i.e. the people) to own or run or highly regulate common mandatory necessities of life like energy. There is only one power line running into a home thus no competition.

So, is it 'DUMB' to use the word 'socialist'? Maybe, but Republicans will attack any word or program that is good for 'We the People' (as in All The People).