What is Democratic Socialism, And Do You Support It?

Do you like your military, police department, firefighters, public schools, roads and bridges, air traffic control, clean water, safe food and drugs, safe workplace?  These are all a result of socialist policies -- not capitalism.

Need a "Maybe" on this one as the question is not one of being for or against but how much, and what is the right balace unless folks are ready to give up air travel, railroads, roads, water, federal emergency assistance, fire, police, schools, social security, Medicare, etc then they aren't really against it.

 https://usafacts.org/state-of-the-union/transportation-infrastructure/

Republicans like to may democratic socialist ideas and ideals the straw man to cover up their lack of caring about anyone or anything except more wealth for the already rich and more privilege for the already over-privileged white men. They know that they would lose power if all the people really had equal opportunities in this country.

Democratic policies are the ruination of the Country.  It's a shame we have so many ignorant people living here that don't understand what's going on.  They hear things like writing off student debt and fall for something that is not possible because they don't understand the Constitution or have common sense.  They don't realize that Biden siad this to get their vote!  When Biden came into office he killed off our oil production forcing us to buy Russian dirty D-2 crude oil.  That caused inflation to skyrocket.  Then he introduces his inflation reduction act and those who support him think he's doing wonders for America.  They forget he caused the problem in the first place and his so-called reduction act does nothing.  Socialism never worked, it's for lazy people who don't want to contribute to the advancement of the Human Race.  

I am more afraid of Republican Nazism than I am anything else on the day that idiot boys leader Enrique Tarrio Got 22 years in prison for his attempt to overthrow the government of this country remember this quote from Donald Trump  "Proud boys stand back and standby "

A message for the President of the United States Donald Trump to a group of people trying to overthrow the government of this country and convicted there of by a jury of their peers. And the Republicans had the gall to support this traitor to our nation Donald Trump.

It's not socialism, and calling it that, dooms its possibility of success.  Change the label as soon as possible!

Take the best parts of two systems and combine them to make a better one.  

That is Democratic Socialism.  

It is the more human and more humane choice.

Democratic Socialism is in fact one of the most thoroughly and genuinely Pro-Democracy, Pro-Human and Civil Rights, Pro-Social and Economic Justice, and just plain Pro-Human decency, humanitarian, and civilized political ideologies and movements that has ever existed both worldwide and here in the United States. All throughout the world, members and activists in the Democratic Socialist movement are deeply involved in every fight and struggle for the rights, freedoms, equality, and wellbeing of their human brothers and sisters everywhere, and most especially for the poor, working class, discriminated, oppressed, and marginalized in our world. And they are militantly and ferociously dedicated and committed to defeating and overthrowing every form of dictatorship, tyranny, authoritarianism, and oligarchy no matter where on Earth these regimes may exist, and it does not matter if these undemocratic regimes are Capitalist, Communist, or Fascist, any regime that is Anti-Democracy and Anti-Human rights will face the opposition and resistance from Democratic Socialists. 

And because Democratic Socialists oppose the social injustices, economic inequalities, and greed and corruption inherent in Capitalism, but at the same time completely reject and oppose the Leninist-Stalinist system that has come to be known as Communism as being a total fraudulent distortion of what genuine socialism really should genuinely be, Democratic Socialists have faced strong and often violent opposition and persecution from both the extreme right wing and extreme Left wing in many nations around the world. 

At precisely this very moment in time of history, when nations like the United States are seriously in imminent danger of falling under a extreme right wing Fascist, Authoritarian, Christian Fundamentalist Theocratic, and Pro Upper Class oligarchic dictatorship ( and yes I am talking about Donald Trump and his so called MAGA and Qanon controlled Republican Party), the very future of our Democracy and any hopes for continued progress when it comes to Social Justice, Economic Democracy, Equality and Human rights all depends on the continued growth and rising influence of the Democratic Socialist movement and of the entire Pro-Democracy and Progressive Left movement in general. 

Fairn ss and inclusion are good ideas. Labor unions having support and power is good. Making sure wealth and resources aren't concentrated in the hands of a few is good.

What I'm worried about is Republican Nazism. That's exactly where we seem to be heading. That SOB proud idiots leader Enrique Tarrio Only got 22 years in prison today you should've gotten the firing squad. Along with his leader Donald Trump. Anybody that supports Trump and the Republican Party as it stands today its the open their eyes and realize what you're trying to do is to destroy America. There's no two ways about it the Republican party today stinks it's full of ass kissers and people lining their pockets as much as they possibly can,  look at people Look at people like George Santos a consummate liar who learned from the best of them Donald Trump. And Mitch McConnell and man came into office without a two nickels to rub together and now it's a multi millionaire and The Walking Dead. The Republican party as it stands today this is enough to make me vomit on my shoes!

If you wish to live in a socialist country, it's easy. Just board a boat or an airplane returning to one. It will be mostly empty, since people that live in socialist countries are leaving in droves.

I can get on board with most of the DSA policies listed here.

This is an addendum to my initial comment in support of Democratic Socialism.

I add it to contrast Democratic Socialism to such completely ad hoc sets of ideas that make up Right Wing Extremism, the MAGA Movement, and Christian Nationalism (more aptly called Christo-Fascism since these people clearly want their beliefs imposed upon society not freely discussed much less voted on and are far removed from Democracy).

Democratic socialism is a system that can and should fully incorporate reason and science. 

Policymaking: One core principle is that reason is essential in formulating policies and making decisions. This means policies should be based on evidence and fact rather than ideology or populism, which aligns with the scientific method's reliance on evidence.
Income inequality: Scientific studies indicate that large gaps in wealth and income can lead to various negative societal outcomes (like adverse health effects or crime increase). Democratic socialists argue for policies to reduce this inequality, informed by these studies.
Environmental policy: Constructing environmental policies based on scientific understanding of climate change and its effects is another aspect of Democratic Socialism. Policies like transitioning to renewable energy and reducing greenhouses gases are generally supported in this ideology.
Healthcare: This sector is emphasized due to the ample amount of evidence suggesting that universal healthcare can result in better health outcomes. Democratic socialists often advocate for healthcare reform based on data.
Education: Democratic socialists will advocate for reforms based on scientific research on best educational practices, seeing education as a critical path to social mobility.

In Conclusion: The application of reason and science may vary within the broad ideology of democratic socialism depending upon adherents' priorities of different issues and may interpret scientific data and reasoning in somewhat diverse but in way that are still scientifically consistent.

Democratic socialism is not socialism. It's the fire department. It's highway maintenance. It's public schools. It's libraries. It's national parks. It's social security. It's unemployment benefits. It's lunches for underprivileged children. It's the research that enabled the invention of the internet. It's FEMA.

Not everything works best on a capitalistic model. Just do some research into how well for-profit fire stations worked in the 1800s. 

Honestly, anyone who thinks that government involvement needs to be gone from everything should have it taken away. Let's see how they feel then.

The happiest countries with the best quality of life are those with democratic socialist governments. 

https://www.usnews.com/news/best-countries/rankings/quality-of-life

https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/travel/article/world-happiest-countries-2023-wellness/index.html

In the USA, our focus is making sure only the wealthy are happy & have a great quality of life. The rest of us hustle.  The only astonishing aspect is that anyone, who isn't wealthy, would argue against democratic socialism! Blows my mind!!!

I can't wait till AOC becomes president

First, to be clear, both Socialism and a Social Democracy are economic systems, not forms of governments. Too many try to conflate economy and government to disinform.

Second, Socialism is an economic systems where the government owns everything. There is no personal property, and you are allocated food, clothes, housing and what ever else you need as you need it. Your rights are therefore highly restricted and for true Socialism to work and last it must be paired with a tyrannical government.

In stark contrast, Otto Von Bismark created Social Democracy / Social state in Germany in the 1800’s to stop the spread of socialism. It is a type of capitalist/market economy and is a liberal system (the meaning of liberal means the power of the government comes from the assent of the people and all are equal under the law, so no tyranny/dictators). Unlike free market capitalism or crony capitalism, a social state calls for jobs for all at living wages (wages that allow you to live without relying on charity or government assistance to survive and so spend money and stimulate the economy), It calls for training/education for all (a better trained and educated work force increases productivity and profit), And for healthcare for all (so getting sick does not put you into bankruptcy and on the welfare rolls). If focuses on the working people and middle class who then spend and create, pushing the economy forward and upwards. It allows economic and social mobility for all, you know, the American dream.

Those pointing to measures about jobs, healthcare and education and screaming socialism invoking images of the USSR or Mao’s China or North Korea are simply instilling fear so you back their tax cuts for the rich and large corporations? So you will back their maintaining massive profits for the wealthy while the vast majority of working people need help to simply to get by and have little help of improving their situation.

No need to say much. If you have half an education, you would realize it is somewhat better than we have now. If you were in the military or belong to a Union you know good and well how it works. For those that think socialism is like communism, well that is the failure of our education system, and ignorance. I will stop preaching to the choir. 

Socialism is better, more fair and just system. 

the capitalist, ruling class have propagandized against it so much, most Americans have no idea what it even means.

its means an end to worker exploitation and an end to wealth hoardering. It means we can protect the environmment, and put people before profit. it means equality for all, and is far more democratic system, for the people, by the people.

There is no such thing as "Democratic socialism." Social democracy is not socialist in any sense of the word, theory, or system of economics. Social democracy is a capitalist based system with regulations and a robust tax system. Socialism has been and continues to be a disaster, and why anyone wants it in this day and age is beyond basic logic and reasoning.

I don't consider myself a democratic socialist, but I support income equality, reducing the amount of wealth among the corporate and ultra-wealthy at the expense of the workers and the poor, and labor protections for all workers.

Maybe at some time in the future, when one major party in this country is done attacking democracy, the disagreements between moderate democrats and democratic socialists will matter. But for now, we have more important battles to fight.

Let's start by clawing back the wealth from those who are taking our country down this unequal, undemocratic path by collecting all taxes owed and eliminating so many tax loopholes that protect the wealthy.

Yes democratic socialism is alive now as long as Republicans and corporations keep their hands off of social security, Medicare, and other programs. We've allowed the republican party take over our country. I'm standing up and fighting against fascism.

I have long associated myself with Democratic Socialism. I am aware that various people have negative ideas about Socialism. I also am very familiar with the demonization and intense propaganda against any and all forms of sicialism since the time of FDR. I just as soon as say, I advocate Progressive values since it produces less stress, resistence and confusion since many authoritarian governments falsely identify as socialist. 
If you are open minded here’s my short take:

Democratic Socialism: A Comprehensive Analysis

Introduction:

Democratic socialism is a political ideology that combines democratic principles with socialist values.
It aims to create a fairer, more egalitarian society by advocating for democratic ownership and control over the means of production. (This can be tricky may be abused. I tend to agree with Bernie Sander's variation of a mixed economy see further on.)

Economic System:

Democratic socialism promotes a mixed economy, blending elements of both market dynamics and government intervention.
It emphasizes the need for robust social welfare programs, such as healthcare, education, and social security, to ensure equal opportunities for all citizens.
By narrowing economic inequalities and providing a safety net, democratic socialism strives to create a more just society.

Democratic Governance:

Unlike other socialist ideologies, democratic socialism places a strong emphasis on individual liberties and democratic principles.
It supports pluralism, freedom of speech, and fair elections to protect civil liberties and prevent any concentration of power.
Through democratic institutions, it seeks to ensure that decisions are made collectively, with the active participation of the people. (Another tricky ideal to implement.) 

Social Justice and Equality:
Democratic socialists are dedicated to combating social injustices, such as poverty, discrimination, and inequality.
They advocate for progressive policies that address systemic issues and promote social and economic equality.
By redistributing wealth and providing social services, democratic socialism seeks to create a society where everyone has access to essential resources and opportunities.

Global Perspective:

Democratic socialism extends its principles beyond national borders, advocating for progressive international cooperation and solidarity.
It supports fair trade, responsible global governance, and sustainable development to address global challenges such as climate change and poverty.
By prioritizing human rights and social justice on a global scale, democratic socialism aims to build a more equitable and peaceful world.

Conclusion

Democratic socialism is a political ideology that combines democratic governance and socialist values in order to promote economic fairness, social justice, and greater equality. By advocating for a mixed economy, robust social welfare programs, and democratic institutions, it seeks to create a more inclusive and equitable society where the well-being of all individuals is prioritized.

Dumbing it down Democratic Socialism is Government balancing the scales against the excesses of big business in favor of workers and the environment for the better of all. It's much more than that of course, but that's the core of it. Workers get a fair shake, the environment gets a fair shake, and even business gets a fair shake.

Ben Franklin came up with the idea of lending libraries. That's a great socialist idea: they help everyone and no one can exploit them to get rich.

Medicare and Social Security are Social Democratic policies! 

It never ceases to amaze me how so many people can misunderstand the difference between Socialism and Communisim much less all the other "isms" out there.  Go to your nearest library and do a little research instead accepting what you're told is fact.  There are more types of governing out there that you would be surprised.  "Democratic Socialism"  is as good as any other name you come up with.  The problem lies in what we do have is a bunch of wealthy individuals and corporations out there that "Want it all and want it now" who are working to gain control over those they seem to claim as "unworthy" and conrollable.  I've watch the "dumbing down" of our youth over the last several decades and it makes me sick.  There is no place for over-blown egos, power mad materialists, and vanity in any decent society.  All must be given a chance to excell regardless of ethnencity, skin color, or mental disorders.  We all deserve a decent roof over our head, clothes on our backs, food in our guts, and medical attention when needed.  We all need to EARN the respect of others even those we disagree with.  It is a full list of things that must be done for the benefit of ALL whether we like it or not.  It is something we all must fight for.