From today's YouGov poll:

[summer_in_TX]

42. I don't think of those policies as socialist policies. Something very American predates socialism -

from our very founding. Public libraries, public education, a public post office all were American ideas before Karl Marx was even born.

They are perfectly compatible with any economic system, including capitalism and socialism. The idea of a common good does not require ownership of all the means of production. It's a hugely important portion of our country and economy since the very beginning, and is what I think and hope those who claim to be socialists are actually talking about.

THIS is ready and waiting for Dems to pick up and claim in both our ideals and our messaging.

I'm all about the general health, education, and welfare of Americans. But I'm not a socialist. I'm proudly for public goods as part of who we are in a decent country, and for discouraging the kind of obscene wealth that breeds selfishness.

"To whom much was given, much is required." That ethos was once widely held among this country's wealthy. Such a culture can be inculcated again through our stories and ideals, what we teach our children.