What is Democratic Socialism?

• The term “democratic socialism” has once again entered the airwaves after Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez – a member of the Democratic Socialists of America - defeated a 10-term incumbent in a Democratic House primary in New York City.

• While the tenets of democratic socialism vary depending on whom you ask, because there are 42 men and women running for offices at the federal, state, and local levels this year with the formal endorsement of the Democratic Socialists of America, we’ll use DSA to explain the term.

Policies the DSA supports

• “Social and economic decisions should be made by those whom they most affect” with the end goal of meeting public needs instead of turning a profit.
• Nationalizing the entire healthcare industry through a single-payer system (“Medicare for All”).
• Ending “the influence of money in politics.”
• Strengthening unions.
• A federal jobs guarantee.
• Abolishing ICE.
• Restoring Glass-Steagall protections.
• Free and legal abortions.
• Tuition-free college.
• Rent control because “housing is a human right.”
• Equal rights and protections for all those who identify as LGBTQIA+, including rights to jobs, education, housing, and healthcare.
• Restructuring “gender and cultural relationships to be more equitable.”

What do you think?

Following Ocasio-Cortez’s win, Fox News’ Sean Hannity warned his audience to look “very carefully” at her DSA platform:

“This is your future. This is your modern Democratic Party,” Hannity intoned as the camera panned over phrases like “Women’s Rights," “Support Seniors,” and "Medicare For All."

Some, however, saw Hannity’s warnings as a “great commercial” for democratic socialism.

What do you think? Do you support DSA's policies? Or are you concerned with associated costs of a single-payer healthcare system and free college tuition? Hit Take Action and tell your reps, then share your thoughts below.

—Josh Herman

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