BananaRepublic
8th March 2013, 01:47
Hello, I suppose this is an introduction as well as a question. I'm new to the forums. It's nice to meet you all.
I'm looking for a socialist group in the US of A to promote democratic socialism.
I've looked into DSA, but all they seem to care about is entitlements. Let me first tell you why i am a socialist and then perhaps you can direct me in the best possible way.
I believe in and admire the idea of collective unity. I think that working together we can come to a better place than we are in the USA as we are now. I feel that while capitalism in it's current state in the USA is not a poor system, that democratic socialism is a better system. I don't think in black and white. It's not Capitalism=bad Socialism=good. Rather, a scale of good/bad. I guess you could say I'm a moderate socialist.
The issue I feel is a lack of representation in the United States for a true socialist voice or vision. From my very limited experience with DSA (Democratic Socialists of America) they are an utter and complete joke.
Things I value and feel are essential to an effective socialist nation, and things essential to avoid the "degenerate workers state" as trotsky rightfully called the soviet union under Stalin.
1. An intelligent citizenry, thoroughly educated and provided with a broad and well-rounded education.
2. A solid moral foundation, with which to build society upon. I favour religion, but others I know will favour secular humanism. (I feel this is a mistake, but this is not a religious post)
3. A STRONG central government that is run by the people, for the people and via the people. (in today's modern society, we could do things democratically INCREDIBLY easily with modern technology and computers)
4. A strong work ethic culture, heavy with governmental support of said strong work ethic culture. (think soviet era propaganda, one thing they did right)
5. A heavier emphasis on WORK, rather than the benefits of said work as collectivism is inherently less productive for the individual than exploitative capitalism in the short run yet in the LONG-run better for all.
6. A strong system of laws and constitutions that are followed to the letter, similar to our own bill of rights.
None of these things are even focused on in the largest socialist party we have in the US, (DSA) and all they seem to care about is whining about "entitlements".
I want an educated socialist party. I want a party run by intellectuals who have ambition and a desire to be the change they want to see. For being a socialist, I have a bit of an elitist streak, but I don't see this as a problem when it's not based on finances but education. Everyone should have the right to have the same education, but it is up to them to pursue it and act upon that right. And I feel as a state we should reward such dedication. Equal opportunity should be the law. Not equality without merit.
To modify a popular phrase, "To each according to his need, to each according to his merit."
I'm very heavy on science. One of the things that got me starting to think about socialism was the fact that only 0.5% of the national budget goes to NASA. Our future lies in the stares, yet we have almost zero scientific research going on in this direction. I began to think of the reasons and realized that it was because it isn't commercially viable. Imagine that. We could have cities on mars. Imagine that technological and scientific progress we could achieve for our species. But it won't happen because there's no "money" to be made. Pathetic isn't it? There's just no excuse for this. And to defy anyone that may have pre-concieved notions, I am a LDS Christian (a.k.a. Mormons). I would consider my socialism to be a form of Christian Socialism.
What excuse can we have for a lack of scientific investment in the world's wealthiest nation? Socialism would be a good way to make that a top priority. It is the most logical way to order a society. Science must guide us and socialism is the only way I feel that it will get the top billing it deserves. If it were up to me, I would make our nations science budget= 20% of government spending.
Also, FYI I'm an economics and sociology double major in my 3rd year at university.
I'm looking for a socialist group in the US of A to promote democratic socialism.
I've looked into DSA, but all they seem to care about is entitlements. Let me first tell you why i am a socialist and then perhaps you can direct me in the best possible way.
I believe in and admire the idea of collective unity. I think that working together we can come to a better place than we are in the USA as we are now. I feel that while capitalism in it's current state in the USA is not a poor system, that democratic socialism is a better system. I don't think in black and white. It's not Capitalism=bad Socialism=good. Rather, a scale of good/bad. I guess you could say I'm a moderate socialist.
The issue I feel is a lack of representation in the United States for a true socialist voice or vision. From my very limited experience with DSA (Democratic Socialists of America) they are an utter and complete joke.
Things I value and feel are essential to an effective socialist nation, and things essential to avoid the "degenerate workers state" as trotsky rightfully called the soviet union under Stalin.
1. An intelligent citizenry, thoroughly educated and provided with a broad and well-rounded education.
2. A solid moral foundation, with which to build society upon. I favour religion, but others I know will favour secular humanism. (I feel this is a mistake, but this is not a religious post)
3. A STRONG central government that is run by the people, for the people and via the people. (in today's modern society, we could do things democratically INCREDIBLY easily with modern technology and computers)
4. A strong work ethic culture, heavy with governmental support of said strong work ethic culture. (think soviet era propaganda, one thing they did right)
5. A heavier emphasis on WORK, rather than the benefits of said work as collectivism is inherently less productive for the individual than exploitative capitalism in the short run yet in the LONG-run better for all.
6. A strong system of laws and constitutions that are followed to the letter, similar to our own bill of rights.
None of these things are even focused on in the largest socialist party we have in the US, (DSA) and all they seem to care about is whining about "entitlements".
I want an educated socialist party. I want a party run by intellectuals who have ambition and a desire to be the change they want to see. For being a socialist, I have a bit of an elitist streak, but I don't see this as a problem when it's not based on finances but education. Everyone should have the right to have the same education, but it is up to them to pursue it and act upon that right. And I feel as a state we should reward such dedication. Equal opportunity should be the law. Not equality without merit.
To modify a popular phrase, "To each according to his need, to each according to his merit."
I'm very heavy on science. One of the things that got me starting to think about socialism was the fact that only 0.5% of the national budget goes to NASA. Our future lies in the stares, yet we have almost zero scientific research going on in this direction. I began to think of the reasons and realized that it was because it isn't commercially viable. Imagine that. We could have cities on mars. Imagine that technological and scientific progress we could achieve for our species. But it won't happen because there's no "money" to be made. Pathetic isn't it? There's just no excuse for this. And to defy anyone that may have pre-concieved notions, I am a LDS Christian (a.k.a. Mormons). I would consider my socialism to be a form of Christian Socialism.
What excuse can we have for a lack of scientific investment in the world's wealthiest nation? Socialism would be a good way to make that a top priority. It is the most logical way to order a society. Science must guide us and socialism is the only way I feel that it will get the top billing it deserves. If it were up to me, I would make our nations science budget= 20% of government spending.
Also, FYI I'm an economics and sociology double major in my 3rd year at university.