Social Democrats

[BayCityProgressive]

Anyone here consider themselves Social Democrats? Most social democrats traditionally believe in pushing for credit unions, cooperatives, socialized healthcare, a strong welfare state, and at the same time keeping a capitalist market, while nationalizing things like water and transportation. I am a member of the Democratic Socialists of America. They support Democrats and they are a member of the Socialist Intenraitonal. The Socialist Internaitonal consists fo parties form nearly every country in the world who are moderate socialists, social democrats, and labour parties. Anyone else here follow up on the DSA or the SI? if so what are your thoughts on European Social Democrats? It seems as though they are selling out just like American Democrats did beginning in the 70's. They have been cutting social programs, deregulating ect to please the world bank and IMF in my opinion. Anyone here from Europe or Canada with an opinion on this?

[arcos]

1. From Latin America here...

Yes, I think they sold out in Europe and all around the world... a lot of socialdemocratic parties in Latin America have sold out too. However, I think the pendulum is swinging back to the left... some are coming back and finding a new balance between the "third way" and real socialdemocracy.

The best example of this, in my opinion, is the PSOE in Spain... Zapatero has been amazing in representing the left wing, without alienating moderates at all. He is pushing for separation of church and state and gay marriage, supporting social programs but promoting small businesses. Lula in Brazil is another example of someone who has been able to find a good balance between the "third way" and the traditional left.

[BayCityProgressive]

2. I am a huge fan

of the Socialist Workers Party in Spain. Also, Lula I heard has passed a universal income for everyone and limited land reform.

[Endangered Specie]

3. I thought you meant like the Social Democrats of 1930's Germany...

you know, the ones who fought till the end to keep the NSDAP out.... sometimes I draw parallels between then and now. :scared:

[Lydia Leftcoast]

4. If that were a reasonable option in the U.S., I'd be a Social Democrat

:-)