PrintWho are the Socialists in America?
With the attempted socialist takeover of health care in progress, it's time to look at some prominent socialists in America. The United States Senate has its' first self-described socialist member in Bernie Sanders. The Vermont Senator is a good reference point for understanding how far socialism has become legitimized in American political life. Recently, Gallup came out with a poll in which 36% of Americans viewed socialism positively.
The mainstream liberal media has been quite shy at labeling modern day "liberals" and "progressives" as socialists because there's still a stigma with the label. To honest, patriotic Americans socialism means: long lines, shortages, corruption, and death by government. While Senator Sanders has embraced the socialist label, it time to look others who have taken the leap.
The largest socialist organization in America, today, is the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). The goal of DSA is very clear, they state it on their website:
We are socialists because we share a vision of a humane international social order based both on democratic planning and market mechanisms to achieve equitable distribution of resources, meaningful work, a healthy environment, sustainable growth, gender and racial equality, and non-oppressive relationships.
Who's in the leadership of this socialist organization? Some prominent names are worthy of your attention. Best selling author Barbara Ehrenreich is an Honorary Chair of the DSA. Enrenreich's publisher is quite shy about identifying Comrade Enrenreich as a socialist; you will not find the DSA connection in the book. Enrenreich used to be a frequent op-ed writer for the New York Times, the Times is rather shy in using the socialist label. Another DSA Honorary Chair is feminist icon Gloria Steinem. You probably haven't seen the New York Times identify Gloria Steinem as a socialist. The world famous American professor Cornel West is also an Honorary Chair of the DSA. Professor West symbolizes how acceptable being a socialist is on America's campuses, unlike libertarianism or evangelical Christianity.
Prominent politicians have also been willing to associate with the DSA. In 1999, Bernie Sanders spoke at the DSA convention in San Diego. In May of 2004, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky gave the major speech at the Chicago DSA's 46th Annual Debs-Thomas-Harrington Dinner. The Detroit branch of the DSA is proud of their association with former Congressman David Bonior. In December 2008, the Detroit DSA honored Bonior:
When there's no limit on what the government can do or own: the socialists can prosper. A federal government that can own GM, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and banks will inevitably run the health care system. The choice is between a constitutional republic or theft by majority rule.
Steve Bartin is the editor and publisher of Newsalert, Overpaid Government Worker, Newsfeed Alert, and a contributing editor to New Geography.
