Socialism, Socialism, Socialism – The Republicans’ Big Bad Boogeyman

Why is this evil?

The Republican Party’s  distorted and aggressive misinformation campaign against the political concept of socialism to promote fear, loathing, and distrust among the American people.

Editor’s Viewpoint:

Why is socialism such a horrible way to govern and so dreaded by the Republican Party…or so they want you to think.

First, what exactly is socialism?

           “Socialism is a political movement that centers on changing the economic means of ownership and production. Its main objective is to foster a cooperative economy through the creation of cooperative enterprises, common ownership, state ownership or shared equity.”  The Classroom

Now, upon first glance, this “common and state ownership” political perspective gives capitalism and democracy a definite run for its money!     

But wait a minute…who’s responsible for our public transportation, water and waste systems?  How about our electrical grid, airport, railways, and highway systems? Don’t we, as citizens, pay taxes to cooperatively share and support those kinds of services?

My goodness, is this socialism run amuk!  

The Republicans would have you believe so!

As with any political philosophy, there will always be many derivations, perspectives as well as distortions.

We, in fact, are a democracy with a mixed economic/social framework i.e. capitalism and socialism.

Social economic issues such as income inequality, health care disparities, and homelessness in a democratic society rank high on the policy agenda pursued by U.S. democratic socialists.

Not so much on the current administration’s agenda whose self-serving focus seems to be on everything else financially beneficial to them and not to the American people.

Merging a traditional socialist philosophy within a democratic government culture can present challenges if political parties do not honestly pursue efforts to collaborate and problem solve.

According to Wikipedia, a social democracy is a political, social and economic philosophy that supports economic and social interventions to promote social justice within the framework of a liberal democratic polity and a capitalist mixed economy.

In other words, democratic socialists strive to limit social/economic inequality and the oppression of underprivileged groups. 

They also work to create policies that will benefit all of America by supporting such issues as childcare, the elderly, healthcare, workers’ compensation, and education.

Our current Social Security and Medicare systems are just more examples of democratic socialism at work in our country.

The next time you hear the Republicans use the word “socialism” as if it was a dirty curse word, just step back and take a look at your paycheck, monthly rent/mortgage, healthcare bills, and your household budget.

Are this administration’s tariffs, wall building, and emolument spending putting dollars in your pocket?

The name of the game is accountability.  The whole point of incorporating socialist practices into our democratic capitalist framework is to make your life better.

So, in the future, whenever you hear negativity about socialism or democratic socialists, ask yourself – “is my Congressperson working in my best interest or for his or hers corporate interests?

You might be surprised by the answer if you do a little fact finding for yourself!