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ooky

(9,602 posts)
11. Excellent OP.
Mon Feb 11, 2019, 01:03 PM
Feb 2019

To win the argument on "socialism" I think this point that you made is key:

"In theory, it shouldn't matter how "socialism" polls, because likening a 70% top marginal tax rate or investments in clean energy to a state-run economy is absurd on its face. But it's been that word (and "communism" ) that right-wingers have used for decades to keep down popular ideas like these."


Indeed, a significant block of voters exists who don't understand the difference between examples of good socialist programs vs. socialism as a form of government. They believe that someone who proposes any kind of tax and spending program is motivated to go full communist and turn the country into "Venezuela" or the old "USSR" or "Cuba". We all hear this over and over again on right wing media and social networking. These voters who fall for that don't have a fundamental understanding that we are already a mixed economy. And that's a problem as Republicans harness this ignorance to keep the votes coming their way. They want their voters to think "boogeyman" just from hearing the term "socialism".

And as absurd as it is, I don't think we really win the socialism argument without finding an effective way of changing this false paradigm. Not as long as that voting block is large enough to swing elections.
I was expecting a link at the bottom it's so professionally-written ... well-done my friend (nt) mr_lebowski Feb 2019 #1
K&R. Well stated, spot on and damn straight DanTex! KPN Feb 2019 #2
Great OP Midnightwalk Feb 2019 #3
Use the term Democratic Socialism to get rid of the baggage on the term Socialism onit2day Feb 2019 #9
Well said, good summary. 'Soc. dem.' or 'dem. soc' is more accurate. appalachiablue Feb 2019 #15
The real takers in our society: CrispyQ Feb 2019 #4
As if the one percent actually did anything to earn capital gains pecosbob Feb 2019 #5
Good article. I am tired of paying a hidden tax, that is, the tax that supports these ... SWBTATTReg Feb 2019 #6
Isn't it funny these billionaires want everything rolled back , EPA standards, workers rights,more duforsure Feb 2019 #7
Baby boomer feed GOP is still using Soviet Union as an example of socialism to a generation born Johonny Feb 2019 #8
anyone who has ever played "monopoly" Locrian Feb 2019 #10
Never thought about "Monopoly" that way. ooky Feb 2019 #12
it was desinged that way Locrian Feb 2019 #17
Very cool article. Thanks. ooky Feb 2019 #22
Excellent OP. ooky Feb 2019 #11
Reps love to quote Adam Smith's "invisible hand" but Smith wrote capitalism requires a tiered tax. TheBlackAdder Feb 2019 #13
FDR saved capitalism through robust social spending and giving Labor more rights Yavin4 Feb 2019 #14
People love socialism The Mouth Feb 2019 #16
I always ask "are YOU ready to write the checks for your parents that Medicare has been writing?" oldsoftie Feb 2019 #19
A 70% rate is still not going to raise nearly the amount of money to support new programs. oldsoftie Feb 2019 #18
I recall plenty of OPs from you during the 2016 primary season...and all bullwinkle428 Feb 2019 #20
Thanks. About that... DanTex Feb 2019 #21
No worries at all!! I totally appreciate your expansion of thoughts regarding Bernie and all bullwinkle428 Feb 2019 #25
I agree with you about Bernie in 2020. DanTex Feb 2019 #26
I'm not a socialist and have read very few post on DU advocating for it. GulfCoast66 Feb 2019 #23
The word "socialism" has been defined in this country in a certain way. Honeycombe8 Feb 2019 #24
Latest Discussions»General Discussion»Taxes on the wealthy, eve...»Reply #11