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ck4829

(34,971 posts)
Tue Mar 5, 2019, 08:09 AM Mar 2019

"... because I believe in Progressive Capitalism"

Here are some examples:

"A fine for one class of people shouldn't be 'just the cost of doing business' or having a privileged and 'highly charged lifestyle' but mean no groceries or even jail if you can't pay be facts of life for another class of people. Opposing that is Progressive Capitalism."

"If the US truly does have the greatest healthcare system in the world, then it should come with freedom from disease, I believe that because I believe in Progressive Capitalism."

"No, you morons, not wanting to get shot in school is not 'socialism'. It has nothing to do with central command of the economy, but if Karl Marx was alive today, he would have wanted youth who are indeed marginalized and disaffected to own weapons and be ready to use them. Let's un-marginalize those youth, I believe that because I believe in Progressive Capitalism."

It's nice to see people start to say it, but let's weaponize this against the worst and most disgusting things the right wing has called "socialism" in the past two years alone.

If it takes off, I will get behind it, and I think other people will too.

11 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Vinca

(50,168 posts)
1. I think we should just take them head-on with the "socialism" meme.
Tue Mar 5, 2019, 08:15 AM
Mar 2019

To have them make us rename what we believe in is like Warren taking a DNA test rather than telling Trump to go fuck himself. If they say "socialism," we say "that's why your Grandma has Medicare." When they say "socialism," we say "every one of God's children deserves to be taken care of, not just the wealthy ones." (Being an atheist, that one will make me choke a bit, but it's their schtick and you have to get through to them. LOL.) In any case, at least we have a heads up on what foolishness they plan to run on, so we'd better come up with a united, automatic response.

OnDoutside

(19,905 posts)
2. 20 years of demonizing Hillary had its effect. 70 years of demonizing the word "Socialism" is not
Tue Mar 5, 2019, 08:23 AM
Mar 2019

something to build your 2020 campaign on. Bernie especially, is a hardline Socialist, and even he calls himself a "Democratic Socialist". That should tell you something.

Vinca

(50,168 posts)
3. I'm not suggesting we build campaigns on being a "socialist." I'm saying their main focus of 2020
Tue Mar 5, 2019, 08:29 AM
Mar 2019

will be calling us "socialists" and we need to decide how to counter it as a slur. It's clear the GOP is going to try to make the whole lot of us into brown shirt, goose-stepping Communists. Rather than let this gain steam, the sheeple need to be educated about what we stand for. When polled on "socialist" policies, people respond very favorably. When polled on just the word they react as if we plan to burn all the American flags and send them to internment camps.

ck4829

(34,971 posts)
4. And I think this is the way to do it
Tue Mar 5, 2019, 08:31 AM
Mar 2019

We call out the worst and the most vile things that the GOP has called "socialism" over the years by saying "That's Progressive Capitalism"

Vinca

(50,168 posts)
6. I guess we'll have to agree to disagree. I think it will go over the heads of the masses.
Tue Mar 5, 2019, 08:33 AM
Mar 2019

We're living in shallow, shallow times and need to pretend we're writing a script for a "reality" show.

global1

(25,166 posts)
9. I Kinda Like Where You Are Going With This Because I Had A Similar Thought.....
Tue Mar 5, 2019, 09:35 AM
Mar 2019

My term - instead of 'Progressive Capitalism' is 'Social Capitalism'.

Think all the good uses for the word 'social'. We use it when referring to how most communication takes place today - 'Social Media.


We refer to friendly people as being -
'Sociable'. . Most Americans accept it when we talk of 'Social Security' People go to church - 'Socials'.

So I just attached it to - 'Capitalism' and say that 'Social Capitalism' is Capitalism with 'empathy'. We don't begrudge a Capitalist from making money - but in the process of the Capitalist making money they do it in a way that is 'fair'.

Provide a living wage to people so they can afford to buy the things that the capitalist is offering. The money provided as a living wage comes back to the capitalist in the form of a sale or purchase.

I hope you get the idea of where I'm going with the term 'Social Capitalism'.

I understand why you came up with 'Progressive Capitalism'.. My only thought on that is that the Repugs are now creating a negative connotation to the word
'progressive' and before long it will follow 'socialist' and 'socialism' down the Repug rabbit hole.





 

shanny

(6,709 posts)
7. You should ask the Socialists
Tue Mar 5, 2019, 08:47 AM
Mar 2019

if they consider Bernie one (best to check with the experts, y'know?).

JHB

(37,128 posts)
8. Keep it even simpler. When they say "socialism" we say...
Tue Mar 5, 2019, 08:50 AM
Mar 2019

"You call everything you don't like 'socialism'."

The examples can come peppering in the wake of that, but lead off with a shot right to the nose. Don't get wordy, just keep hitting.

LuvNewcastle

(16,820 posts)
10. I agree.
Tue Mar 5, 2019, 11:04 AM
Mar 2019

Those fuckers are a broken record. Make them flip it over and we'll see if they can come up with a new tune. I doubt they can; they aren't very creative.

RandiFan1290

(6,206 posts)
5. They will call our candidate a socialist no matter who we nominate.
Tue Mar 5, 2019, 08:32 AM
Mar 2019

stop letting them lead you by the nose.

LAS14

(13,749 posts)
11. I don't know how you make stuff go viral, but I'd like suggestions.
Tue Mar 5, 2019, 11:27 AM
Mar 2019

I've had a letter published in the NYT twice, but I'm not able to compose one for this idea.

As to those who are suggesting slight alternatives "social capitalism," for instance, "progressive capitalism" has already been suggested out in the big wide world. Let's spend our energy on figuring out ways to make it popular.

https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1287&pid=13082

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