Democratic Socialism explained by BernieSaners in 2006

[Baadger]

Bernie Sanders: I think [democratic socialism] means the government has got to play a very important role in making sure that as a right of citizenship all of our people have healthcare; that as a right, all of our kids, regardless of income, have quality childcare, are able to go to college without going deeply into debt; that it means we do not allow large corporations and moneyed interests to destroy our environment; that we create a government in which it is not dominated by big money interest. I mean, to me, it means democracy, frankly. That’s all it means.

http://www.democracynow.org/2006/11/8/vermonts_bernie_sanders_becomes_first_socialist

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It seems to me that the word "Socialist" is tarnished, and a big part of any debate with a Right Winger is defining and explaining what Democratic Socialism really is. I have found Bernie's words above helpful in explaining it ... and also I regularly use the following definition that I have created myself:

Democratic Socialism means having a democratically elected government spend money on infrastructure and social services that benefit society.

[Stardust]

1. I like your definition. Too bad socialism has become tarnished in this country. nt