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TexasBushwhacker

(20,159 posts)
Sat May 30, 2015, 04:20 PM May 2015

Should Bernie educate us about Democratic

Socialism? Of course everyone on the right and plenty in the middle just get the vapors over the S word. Should Bernie have a page on his website about exactly what Democratic Socialism is, how it's different from Stalinist/Leninist communism and how DS addresses so many of the issues we face? Should we be handing out "Just what Democratic Socialism is" brochures?

Face it. It's going to come up during the primary season, and it will definitely come up if Bernie is the Democratic candidate. Is the best defense a good offense? I just think he needs to really own it and frame the conversation.

So what do you think?


5 votes, 0 passes | Time left: Unlimited
Bernie needs to educate voters about Democratic Socialism.
5 (100%)
The less we hear the S word, the better.
0 (0%)
I don't know.
0 (0%)
I don't care.
0 (0%)
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Disclaimer: This is an Internet poll
19 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Should Bernie educate us about Democratic (Original Post) TexasBushwhacker May 2015 OP
He can try, but people's belief systems can be stubbornly fixed. NRaleighLiberal May 2015 #1
It is odd, isn't it? RobertEarl May 2015 #8
cognitive dissonance. stupid? stubborn? willfully ignorant? NRaleighLiberal May 2015 #9
He already explained his idea of democratic socialism is Sweden Cheese Sandwich May 2015 #2
...which 99.9% of the population has never visited brooklynite May 2015 #6
Should Hillary educate voters about the meaning of neo-liberalism? Cheese Sandwich May 2015 #7
When she announces she's a neoliberal, perhaps... brooklynite May 2015 #13
You speak for 18 million people? It's an honor to meet you! Cheese Sandwich May 2015 #14
The 18 million of us who happily voted for her in 2008 are very close... brooklynite May 2015 #15
Message auto-removed Name removed May 2015 #17
and probably thinks TexasBushwhacker May 2015 #12
I don't think it will do much good in this country. MohRokTah May 2015 #3
Those who get oozy at the S word should shit at the O word and all orpupilofnature57 May 2015 #4
Yes RobertEarl May 2015 #5
I agree TexasBushwhacker May 2015 #11
Ahaaaa! RobertEarl May 2015 #16
Considering that the 1% like to spread around risk TexasBushwhacker May 2015 #18
I don't know, he's great at explaining his ideas. That works for me without labels. arcane1 May 2015 #10
Education was wasted on some anyway. L0oniX May 2015 #19

NRaleighLiberal

(60,013 posts)
1. He can try, but people's belief systems can be stubbornly fixed.
Sat May 30, 2015, 04:22 PM
May 2015

Bernie can educate all day, but what people will remember is what the media or their church tells them to believe.

yes, I am skeptical (bordering on cynical!)

 

RobertEarl

(13,685 posts)
8. It is odd, isn't it?
Sat May 30, 2015, 04:34 PM
May 2015

I read the words of some jerks who say they want nothing to do with socialism, yet call on the police and fire departments, use the roads, libraries, and justice system as if they were part owners thereof.

They really are stupid, aren't they?

NRaleighLiberal

(60,013 posts)
9. cognitive dissonance. stupid? stubborn? willfully ignorant?
Sat May 30, 2015, 04:40 PM
May 2015

one thing - they have no true connection to reality. And they make the world a far worse place

 

Cheese Sandwich

(9,086 posts)
7. Should Hillary educate voters about the meaning of neo-liberalism?
Sat May 30, 2015, 04:28 PM
May 2015

If Bernie has to educate people on socialism, then Hillary has to educate people on neo-liberalism.

brooklynite

(94,452 posts)
13. When she announces she's a neoliberal, perhaps...
Sat May 30, 2015, 05:05 PM
May 2015

...as far as I and 18 million other Democrats are concerned, she's a liberal Democrat.

Response to brooklynite (Reply #13)

 

RobertEarl

(13,685 posts)
5. Yes
Sat May 30, 2015, 04:25 PM
May 2015

Here's a primer:

Our government is socialistic. It is supposed to cater to society and the general welfare of the People. When properly managed it can do great social good. When managed by republicans is does great social harm, therefore it need be managed by socialists like Bernie.

Our government is socialistic, meaning it is not capitalistic, it is socialism, in practice.

Is that clear enough?

TexasBushwhacker

(20,159 posts)
11. I agree
Sat May 30, 2015, 04:59 PM
May 2015

With as much pro-business spin as possible. Yes, I think you can be a Democratic Socialist and have policies that will appeal to businesses, especially small and medium businesses.

I'm pro-business, but not at the expense of American workers and America as a whole. The government should have policies that are for the betterment of ALL Americans, not the chosen few. Because we all do better WHEN WE ALL DO BETTER.

Lift up the poor and broaden the middle class. They will put their dollars into the economy, buying houses and cars, traveling, going out to the movies and dinner and leaving good tips! They'll save more, which is a boon to Wall Street. Parents won't have to work 2 jobs to stay afloat. They'll be able to spend more time with their kids and be more involved in their schools. They be able to pay for all or most of their kids college instead of saddling their kids with debt. They'll be able to buy healthier (and more expensive) food and maybe have the time to get some exercise.

It doesn't bother me if prisons, slum lords and payday loan providers go out of business. It doesn't bother me if a defense contracter needs to rethink their business model and diversify. It doesn't bother me if hospitals and big pharma are regulated so that cancer treatments or major surgery don't bankrupt people., while orphan diseases are ignored because they just aren't profitable.

 

RobertEarl

(13,685 posts)
16. Ahaaaa!
Sat May 30, 2015, 10:55 PM
May 2015

You are a socialist!!

To what degree is undetermined, but you are graciously on the socialism is best side.

TexasBushwhacker

(20,159 posts)
18. Considering that the 1% like to spread around risk
Sat May 30, 2015, 11:21 PM
May 2015

but reap all the benefits themselves (and pay minimal tax) I guess they're half socialists - the wrong half.

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