In These Times: Let’s Talk Democratic Socialism, Already

[marmar]

Let’s Talk Democratic Socialism, Already
After 30 years of failed neoliberalism, we need a real alternative.

BY Maria Svart


“There’s class warfare, all right, but it’s my class, the rich class, that’s making war, and we’re winning.” With all the right-wing hoopla about how President Barack Obama is waging class war, you might be surprised to learn that Warren Buffet said these words in 2006. The billionaire investor was acknowledging 30 years of a widening income gap—but I’ll go a step further. I believe that unfettered capitalism is inherently undemocratic and that human action can significantly democratize our political system. That’s why I’m a socialist.

Corporate America’s assaults on working people—seeking profits through offshoring jobs, busting unions, paying politicians to slash corporate taxes and deregulating the banks—have ruined our economy. Meanwhile, millions of workers have been thrown from their jobs while unions are scapegoated for manufactured budget crises at the state and local levels.

The accident of birth should not determine the course of a person’s life. Government expenditures are an indication of a society’s priorities, and it is both economically and morally imperative to provide a safety net for those who suffer the most in a downturn. Without massive public investment in healthcare, education, infrastructure and green jobs—which could be funded by progressive taxation of income along with a tax on financial transactions—our future is bleak. With high unemployment and anemic demand, the economy will continue to limp forward. Those lucky enough to have work will likely remain afraid to agitate for better conditions.

Right now, we need more jobs and better pay for less work. In the long term, ordinary people need more power—through unions, worker councils and seats on the board in the workplace, and in politics, through a public campaign finance system that provides sufficient exposure to all candidates. We need a political economy that allows everyone space and time for personal growth and thoughtful participation in the decisions that profoundly impact their lives. .............(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.inthesetimes.com/article/12165/lets_talk_democratic_socialism_already

[daleanime]

1. Bookmarked....

for later reading.

[LWolf]

2. I hope she is correct:

<snip>

As 30 years of neoliberal economic destruction come home to roost, more and more people are beginning to question the wisdom of capitalism and becoming open to socialism—DSA’s membership has grown 60 percent since 2003. I believe that someday soon American politicians will stop fearing the s-word, and start enacting systemic change.

[txlibdem]

3. The accident of birth should not determine the course of a person's life

I'd like to extend that thought to include the geographic location on Earth where a person is born.

I believe that all humans are equally deserving of a fair share of this planet's bounty and resources. I have written a number of OPs about it.

Perhaps I'm a socialist too and just didn't know it.