Democrats, salvage what’s left

It’s  time to face the truth, Democrats: You are a socialist party. The only thing left to do is

determine the angle of that lean. There is Democratic Socialism, which is really socialism with a

softening qualifier in front of it, and there is the kinder, gentler form of socialism known as Social

Democracy.

Democratic Socialist: From the Democratic Socialist of America website: “Capitalism is a

system designed by the owning class to exploit the rest of us for their own profit. We must

replace it with democratic socialism, a system where ordinary people have a real voice in our

workplaces, neighborhoods, and society.“

That’s a clear statement calling for the end of capitalism.

Social Democracy: The Nordics are social democracies. The goal of a social democracy is to

offset the harshness of capitalism with extensive social programs. Unlike democratic socialists,

social democracies work within a capitalistic economy.

The current Democratic Party has an outspoken champion for Democratic Socialism.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (New York) is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America

(DSA) and has gone so far as to declare capitalism “unredeemable.“

There is additional support for Democratic Socialism in Congress: Ilhan Omar (Minnesota),

Ayanna Pressley (Massachusetts), and Rashida Tlaib (Michigan).

Bernie Sanders is often included in this group; however, he is really a Social Democrat. Sanders

supports extending social services and the redistribution of wealth, primarily through taxation.

He seeks to reform capitalism, not abolish it.

Two choices, each moving the Democratic Party further left.

Democratic Socialism is the bigger step, and such a choice would clearly create an

anti-capitalistic party. With the Democratic Party brand as damaged as it is, this bold step might

just be the best option.

According to a recent CNN poll, the Democratic Party approval rating has fallen to 29%. In that

same poll, CNN states that “52% percent of Democratic-aligned adults said the leadership of the

Democratic Party is currently taking the party in the wrong direction.“

An ideology that promotes the replacement of capitalism, and not just the modification of

capitalism, may well position the party for long-term success.

It’s honest, it’s accurate, and it would certainly create interest.

Albert DeSimone

Bishop