What is socialism?

[freedom fighter jh]

Since Bernie and his enemies both call Bernie socialist, I thought I'd see what the dictionary has to say.

The first definition from m-w.com (Merriam-Webster online) is

any of various economic and political theories advocating collective or governmental ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods

.
That's not Bernie.

From what I've heard from Bernie, I think his kind of socialism -- which he calls "democratic socialism" -- means government that works for the people's benefit. That's the common thread among universal health care, free tuition at public colleges, breaking up the big banks, expanding social security, ending for-profit prisons, and considering war only as a last resort. It's a good old American idea, going back at least as far as Lincoln in the Gettysburg address ("government of, by, and for the people&quot .

As Bernie continues to become more and more popular and his detractors become more and more desperate, expect more talk of Bernie's being a socialist and how unAmerican that is. Some Democrats argue that we can't nominate Bernie, because mainstream America would never vote for a socialist. Nominate a different Democrat so at least we have a chance. I've heard this from so many solid liberals or progressives or whatever you want to call them that I worry that folks who love Bernie will vote for a different Democrat out of fear that Bernie, even with his big heart, his brilliance, and all his authenticity, will lose the general just because mainstream America would never vote for a socialist.

I wonder if the antidote to that is to answer "America would never vote for a socialist" with "Bernie's socialism means government to benefit the people. Who wouldn't vote for that?" And to say it over and over and over, every time.

[orpupilofnature57]

1. Not Fascism, which if you look at it's definition reassembles many of the front runners .

Not for long .

[freedom fighter jh]

2. But no one will say that

So it won't be a problem for them.

[orpupilofnature57]

3. Republicans will boil Hillary in the close ties she has with money and government .

[Freelancer]

4. What can't be tackled individually, must taken on collectively.

That goes for big problems and also big national aspirations. You can call that socialism, or simple logic.

[freedom fighter jh]

6. That's a good, succinct answer.

It makes sense and I think it's true to true to what socialism is.

[Cheese Sandwich]

5. Maybe we can explain socialism as empowerment

Workers should have more power on the job. Many companies could be run better as worker-managed cooperatives, or under comunity control. Black communities should have the power to control their police. Local governments should have the authority to ban fracking.

Socialism includes democratic control of production and resources by workers and communities, along with some basic social and economic guarantees like the right to a job.

Democratic socialism is redundant because socialism is supposed to be democratic in the first place. Much more democratic than capitalism really.

That's a great goal to strive for. A society where people actual have a say in the decisions that affect their lives.

So I would hate to see the idea of socialism watered down to the point where it just means very very liberal or progressive. If it just means liberal then there's no reason for anybody to vote for the socialist over another liberal who might be younger or better looking.

I think we should explain to people what socialism actually means, but try to say it in a way that won't scare the hell out of them.

If people are interested in socialism I would probably point them to economist Richard Wolff.

[freedom fighter jh]

7. Yes, do it without scaring people.

We need to be able to explain it accurately, without scaring people, and within about 15 seconds, because that's how much time some people will give you.

I think your suggestion of "empowerment" meets those requirements, if you explain that it's empowerment of everyone. In other words, more empowerment of those already over-empowered doesn't count.

I think we have to water it down some (not all the way to "very, very liberal&quot because, again, some people won't give us much time to talk. Just as an independent consultant needs to be able to explain his or her service in the space of an elevator ride, we need to be able to explain Bernie's socialism in just a few words simply to overcome their aversion to listening to anything socialist. Once we get people listening we can say more.