SOCIALISM?
Shhhhhh!
Democratic Socialism Is Not a Curse Word, I Promise
Seriously, it’s not.
Although you'd think it was, the way some Republicans purse their lips and hiss “socialism” like it’s a demonic incantation, especially when someone dares to suggest we maybe, someday, possibly have a civilized conversation about national daycare. Or universal healthcare. Or paid parental leave that doesn’t involve selling a kidney.
Here’s the thing: I don’t think most people actually understand the difference between Democratic Socialism and the old-school, Cold War-flavored Marxist Socialism, you know, the one with gulags, breadlines, and a government-issued potato.
Fair warning: I’m not, nor have I ever been, a student of history or political science. But I’ve done my homework (and yes, of course I cut and pasted the following cheat sheet for those trying to make sense of all the scary S-words being tossed around:
Political System
Democratic Socialism: Democratic elections, civil liberties, free press
Traditional Socialism: Often one-party rule or centralized authority
Economic System
Democratic Socialism: Mix of public and private ownership; regulated capitalism
Traditional Socialism: Collective or state ownership of all means of production
Role of Government
Democratic Socialism: Government provides key services—healthcare, education, childcare
Traditional Socialism: Government controls most or all economic activity
Goal
Democratic Socialism: Reduce inequality while preserving individual freedoms
Traditional Socialism: Eliminate class distinctions entirely
Examples
Democratic Socialism: Sweden, Denmark, Norway
Traditional Socialism: Former Soviet Union, Maoist China
View of Capitalism
Democratic Socialism: Reform it
Traditional Socialism: Torch it and start from scratch
Right now, in this very country, we already enjoy plenty of "socialist" programs: public schools, Medicare, Social Security, police and fire departments, unemployment insurance, you name it.
And guess what? They’re all funded by you. Through your state and federal taxes. Or those annoying government-mandated paycheck withholds we all love so much.
It burns my b*tt when I hear a politician refer to Social Security or unemployment insurance as “socialism” or an “entitlement.”
I’ve paid into both with every paycheck I’ve ever earned. And so have most of you, right?
Funny how no one, especially not a politician, ever calls the police or fire department a socialist program, even though they are.
Why is that?
Because people (and politicians in particular) are very careful not to badmouth anything that keeps them safe. Public safety? Untouchable. But public health or family stability? Oh, the pearl-clutching.
Now, as I step down from my soapbox, let me leave you with this:
If you paid for it, you own it.