Socialists vs. Socialists

[HassleCat]

It may surprise many people to learn there are different kinds of socialists, just as there are different kinds of Democrats and Republicans. No... I take that back. There is only one kind of Republican, the crazy kind. The Socialist Workers Party came out with some criticism of Bernie Sanders, implying he's not a "real" socialist and saying he can't possibly win the presidency, etc. I imagine they want us to vote for their candidate, since they almost always run one, because his or her chances of winning are so much better than Sanders' chances. Anyway, I'm a democratic socialist, same as Sanders, so I hopped on over to the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) to see if they felt differently about Sanders. Whaddya know? They certainly do.

This is from the DSA web page:

Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) has announced that he is officially running as a candidate for President in 2016 to further a desperately needed political revolution in the USA.

Senator Sanders is a lifelong champion of the public programs and democratic rights that empower working class people. His candidacy could help expand both the progressive movement and the democratic socialist voice within that movement.

Bernie.PNG

By running in the Democratic primaries, Independent Senator Sanders will challenge the dominant discourse of neoliberal Democrats that privilege corporate business interests over those of all working people. He will contribute to building a strong movement to halt the vicious attacks of Tea Party Republicans at all governmental levels on workers' rights, voting rights, and people of color in general.

Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) strongly supports Senator Sanders as the strongest candidate for President of the United States. We encourage him to meet with grassroots activists throughout the country to discuss how his candidacy might effectively promote their varied struggles for social and economic justice, human rights, world peace and a healthy environment.

Those who wish to promote the goals of democratic socialism should consider taking concrete and specific actions at the grassroots level that would support Sanders' candidacy. Volunteer with DSA and join us in saying: #WeNeedBernie!

[muriel_volestrangler]

1. of course there are different types - who do you think the People's Front of Judaea were based on?

For the current state of play in the UK, see (with guest visit today by a genuine member of one of them!):

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10887815

[Cheese Sandwich]

2. DSA does seem thrilled about Bernie Sanders

Not surprising really.

For one thing they do hope to use the Bernie hype as a chance to recruit. That's cool though.

http://www.dsausa.org/weneedbernie