I often wonder when Americans talk about the left what it means to them. I don’t think it has quite the same meaning as it would to a British person. I could be entirely mistaken but if the word socialist arisen it is imme irately scorned and is viewed with dislike or even hatred. The UK currently has a relatively centrist government more right than left the opposition being conservative- right wing, liberal in some area more left than the Labour government and Recorm which I far right and the Green-party which is leftist, the most socialist party, together with the newly formed Your Party. of them all. It will be very difficult for any leftwing parties to get into power because the press predominantly right wing and often far right endeavours to undermine, vilify and crush any chance. The wealthy have a firm grip on the media which is biased and dishonest..
Yes, the word socialism is pretty toxic in US politics. At the same time, a substantial portion of politicians and activists on the left identify themselves as democratic socialists, and some of them even win elections, suggesting it’s a more acceptable concept than it was during the Cold War.
How left are these people. Do they want equality, proper national are public health care, social care? Do they want utilities to be fair and public ally owned where any profits are poured back into services? We used to have politicians ( still have a few) that are socialist and who want and believe in these concepts without being driven by profits. Obviously education and health incredibly important ..free to all. There is also room and encouragement for thriving business so it is not anti-capitalist just not for essential human services. This won’t happen in the UK, you may have seen or remember how Jeremy Corbyn an honest, decent socialist was destroyed by the current Labour Party but oddly during his leadership the numbers joining the party rocketed. The British press loathe socialism and I can only think they are afraid that if socialism got into power they will lose something, probably have to pay tax appropriately lose their grip on the media, I can only guess.
“How left are these people” well, as *people*, we’re pretty far left, but we live under a two-party monopoly with a political spectrum running from the center-right to rightward infinity. It’s like the Ticketmaster/LiveNation business model, applied to governance, and it’s very, very hostile to socialism.
As such, DSA members tend to be much more further to the left than the average lawmaker, who is almost always beholden to their wealthiest, most generous donors. We’d love to have a better system, but since there aren’t many (any?) billionaire DSA members willing to bankroll our efforts, we are forced to move slowly and deliberately (and often backwards). Not ideal, but we’re used to that by now.
Britain has more than 2 political parties but we have a terrible voting system and many, myself included, would prefer proportional representation but the major complaint about this is that is we end up with a coalition. It works in other countries and it seems more fair. The First Past the Post System is awful. The party getting the most votes fails to get into power.
I really believe the world would be in a much better place if it was governed by socialists. Looking after each other and those that are struggling. Equality meaning everyone has the same opportunities. Wealth was more evenly spread and less privatisation so society has more investment in their services eg health, and utilities eg electricity and more.
During the beginning of this disaster I recall when Jefferies posted something about how God will … Excuse me? WTF are you doing? Quit pumping patience and religion and start kicking hindends
If I could vote against him I would. He is exactly what is wrong with this iteration of the Dems. We got rid of a few “GOP Except for Name” Dems and we’re better off for it
But, seriously Jefferies, did God file suit? Nah. Totally surprised I am. Tots
I often wonder when Americans talk about the left what it means to them. I don’t think it has quite the same meaning as it would to a British person. I could be entirely mistaken but if the word socialist arisen it is imme irately scorned and is viewed with dislike or even hatred. The UK currently has a relatively centrist government more right than left the opposition being conservative- right wing, liberal in some area more left than the Labour government and Recorm which I far right and the Green-party which is leftist, the most socialist party, together with the newly formed Your Party. of them all. It will be very difficult for any leftwing parties to get into power because the press predominantly right wing and often far right endeavours to undermine, vilify and crush any chance. The wealthy have a firm grip on the media which is biased and dishonest..
Yes, the word socialism is pretty toxic in US politics. At the same time, a substantial portion of politicians and activists on the left identify themselves as democratic socialists, and some of them even win elections, suggesting it’s a more acceptable concept than it was during the Cold War.
How left are these people. Do they want equality, proper national are public health care, social care? Do they want utilities to be fair and public ally owned where any profits are poured back into services? We used to have politicians ( still have a few) that are socialist and who want and believe in these concepts without being driven by profits. Obviously education and health incredibly important ..free to all. There is also room and encouragement for thriving business so it is not anti-capitalist just not for essential human services. This won’t happen in the UK, you may have seen or remember how Jeremy Corbyn an honest, decent socialist was destroyed by the current Labour Party but oddly during his leadership the numbers joining the party rocketed. The British press loathe socialism and I can only think they are afraid that if socialism got into power they will lose something, probably have to pay tax appropriately lose their grip on the media, I can only guess.
“How left are these people” well, as *people*, we’re pretty far left, but we live under a two-party monopoly with a political spectrum running from the center-right to rightward infinity. It’s like the Ticketmaster/LiveNation business model, applied to governance, and it’s very, very hostile to socialism.
As such, DSA members tend to be much more further to the left than the average lawmaker, who is almost always beholden to their wealthiest, most generous donors. We’d love to have a better system, but since there aren’t many (any?) billionaire DSA members willing to bankroll our efforts, we are forced to move slowly and deliberately (and often backwards). Not ideal, but we’re used to that by now.
Britain has more than 2 political parties but we have a terrible voting system and many, myself included, would prefer proportional representation but the major complaint about this is that is we end up with a coalition. It works in other countries and it seems more fair. The First Past the Post System is awful. The party getting the most votes fails to get into power.
I really believe the world would be in a much better place if it was governed by socialists. Looking after each other and those that are struggling. Equality meaning everyone has the same opportunities. Wealth was more evenly spread and less privatisation so society has more investment in their services eg health, and utilities eg electricity and more.
During the beginning of this disaster I recall when Jefferies posted something about how God will … Excuse me? WTF are you doing? Quit pumping patience and religion and start kicking hindends
If I could vote against him I would. He is exactly what is wrong with this iteration of the Dems. We got rid of a few “GOP Except for Name” Dems and we’re better off for it
But, seriously Jefferies, did God file suit? Nah. Totally surprised I am. Tots