Are there any DSAUSA (Democratic Socialists) out there?

[Cascadian]

I was just curious if there were any members of the Democratic Socialists out there. I am interested in finding out more about being a member.

I tried to start my own political party but that fizzled. I consider myself a Green but I am a little disappointed with them at the moment. I have thought about the DSAUSA for a long time. My interest has been energized by the current election wins in Brazil, Spain, and of course the growth of the NDP in Canada. I know that the parties in those countries are members of the Socialist International. I am rather disappointed with the Democratic Party's leadership. It seems to cater too much to corporate interests and too centrist for my taste. I am also alarmed that many of the politcans on the Democratic side supported the Patriot Act and the invasion of Iraq.

Please contact me so we can talk about the DSA .

Thanks in advance.

John

[name not needed]

1. Could you explain democratic socialism please?

I really don't know much about it.

[salonghorn70]

2. Do You Think There Might Be A Reason

Why socialism has never won wide spread electoral victories in the United States?

[Cascadian]

4. A two teir political system.

The two political parties have had far too much power for too long. I think the only way for real change is to start supporting third parties locally and then work on the state positions and then eventually the national level.

John

[bryant69]

5. Well, I think it's more than that

I mean do you think that The American people would support a socialist state? Even watered down socialism like Democratic Socialism? Throughout the Cold war we defined ourselves as anti Communist and anti socialist and pro capitalist. I don't think that self image has faded yet to the point that even without the two party system, Democratic Socialism would have a chance (The Green Party, the Libertarians, and the Constitution party (ick) have better chances).

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[ConsAreLiars]

8. sure

A "government of the people, by the people, and for the people" is un-American, as everyone knows. Just ask your pals.

[Cascadian]

3. Democratic Socialism

Democratic socialism is a political movement promoting the political ideals of socialism within the form of a parliamentary democracy and in opposition to Communism as practiced by the former Soviet Union. The term democratic socialist and social democrat have often been used interchangably. However, increasingly, the former term denotes a more left wing position that still believes in the socialist transformation of society, usually in an evolutionary socialist manner while the latter idicates those who do not believe in the abolition of capitalism but simply in making capitalism more equitable and humane. Many Western and Northern European countries have adapted many aspects of Democratic Socialism. Universal health care, comprehensive mass transportation systems, and a safety net for people when they need it.

Democratic socialists and social democratics both typically advocate a welfare state though social democrats, influenced by the Third Way are now less committed to this. Democratic socialists maintain a commitment to the re-distribution of wealth and the nationalisation of major industry and some believe in a planned economy, concepts which social democrats have largely abandoned. As well, many democratic socialists retain a Marxist analysis (though a reformist one) while social democrats reject Marxism.

People or groups who describe themselves as democratic socialists, are generally further to the left and more generally a more radical wing within social democratic parties and movements. In some cases, democratic socialists have broken off from "right wing social democrats" to form their own parties. However, in other parties such as the Canadian New Democratic Party they remain in the same party.


John

[DerekG]

6. I've been called a Christian Socialist more times than I can count...

My heroes include Eugene Debs, Huey Long, Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., and Fathers Philip and Daniel Berrigan, so I might be a socialist after all.

[Kanary]

9. Great heroes, all!

Isn't it amazing that in this day and age, honoring people such as those you've listed, and expressing support for those who are scraping bottom is considered "fringe"?

You're definitely on the right track!

Kanary

[Cascadian]

7. kick