What do you know about the Democratic Socialists of America ?

[kentuck]

Do they represent more closely our ideal of the Democratic Party than does the present Democratic Party? Where are they different?

[Padme Amidala]

1. THEY DON'T VOTE

I've tried to talk them into voting for candidates they like but they are opposed to all elections.

[welshTerrier2]

3. nonsense !!

while I can't address your specific experiences with DSA members, I can provide you with this excerpt from the DSA fall newsletter ... it would be wrong to suggest that DSA did not endorse Kerry in this year's election or that they "are opposed to all elections" ...

source (DSA Fall 2004 Newsletter): http://www.dsausa.org/dl/DLFall2004.pdf

The DSA PAC recognizes that a Kerry victory would only be a small tactical step toward reversing nearly four decades of conservative dominance of American politics. But a victory of the Bush administration would only further consolidate that dominance. It will be the working class,women, and people of color – not only at home, but also abroad – who would suffer the most from a Bush re-election. That is why we urge people to vote for John Kerry for president.

[genius]

6. I'll back her up. I've also tried to talk them into voting.

I think I heard that they made an exception in this election. It was completely out of character for the group and I was impressed. I bet they never vote again.

[Selatius]

7. They probably see the Democratic Party as too corporatist for their taste

I wouldn't blame them. I myself was on the verge of voting Cobb on Nov. 2nd, and I could have done so given that I live in a safe state (Mississippi). I voted Kerry though. The DLC and anyone else that takes corporate cash is a disgusting thing to have in the party that supposedly represents the people.

[welshTerrier2]

2. READ THIS: then you'll know !!

this is one of the finest political documents i've ever read ... it's a bit long but it comes very close to where I think the Democratic Party should be ... do yourself a favor and give it a read ...

http://www.dsausa.org/about/where.html

[xerox]

4. there democrat

and socialists.

[Selatius]

5. Are they anarcho-socialists or state socialists?

I'm becoming leary of "the state" as the answer to everyday ills regardless if that state is democratic or not. One could argue our government is democratic, hence we could theoretically have democratic socialism, but that kind of concentrated power poses a great danger if it falls into the wrong hands as we are seeing right now. I'd much rather prefer a decentralized system that is owned and operated by the workers themselves. It is less prone to tampering and manipulation than if power is concentrated into a single spot.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

8. They Are Really Welfare State Liberals Or Fabian Socialist

[Minstrel Boy]

9. They seem pretty close to Canada's NDP

I like 'em.